Holidaymakers love heading to Madeira to explore the Atlantic archipelago’s breathtaking natural scenery and beaches.
It is often dubbed the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ because of its volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical climate. The island is located just over 600 miles from mainland Portugal.
But, the popular destination has increased its fees and added new restrictions to its hiking trails for visitors, Euronews reports.
Last year, a charge for non-residents was brought in for several of the island’s beloved walking paths.
In new measures being introduced to maintain sustainable tourism, this has now been increased and a limit to the number of visitors has been introduced.
As of January 1, 2025, non-resident visitors aged over 12 had to pay a €3 fee to access official hiking trails in Madeira.
Now, they will be required to cough up €4.50 for a ticket and it must be used within a 30-minute booking time frame.
Holidaymakers can save money however, if they book with a tour operator. In this scenario, they will only be charged the original €3 fee.
Holidaymakers love heading to Madeira to explore the Atlantic archipelago’s breathtaking natural scenery and beaches
It is often dubbed the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ because of its volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical climate. The island is located just over 600 miles from mainland Portugal
Each booking slot will have a limit of how many people can attend, which officials hope will help manage busier periods.
Those aged under 12 and residents do not have to pay but must still book a slot.
Visitors can register for a ticket on the SIMplifica portal. Anyone caught trekking along the trails without a ticket could be fined up to €50.
The fees have become an important source of funding for maintenance and conservation in the area.
Many of the trails have jaw-dropping waterfalls and lush greenery to enjoy, and the new charges and regulations have been brought in to preserve this.
Rafaela Fernandes, the island’s regional secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, told Euronews how the new measures were needed to protect the area and help handle the large amount of visitors it attracts.
Any profits from the tourist charge will be put into maintaining and conserving the landscape.
Rafaela revealed it has been welcomed by tourists.
In new measures being introduced to maintain sustainable tourism, tourist fees have now been increased and a limit to the number of visitors to hiking trails has been introduced
It comes as Madeira was recently named the world’s number one Trending Destination for 2026 in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
In the awards, which analysed twelve months of consistently strong reviews submitted by travellers throughout 2025, Madeira led the global ranking, beating the likes of Quy Nhon in Vietnam, Recife in Brazil and Puerto Escondido in Mexico.
Visitor feedback across the island’s hotels, attractions, restaurants, tours, and family-friendly experiences highlight Madeira’s striking architecture, year-round mild climate, dramatic scenery and varied outdoor activities.
This recognition comes as the island becomes more accessible than ever for UK holidaymakers, with a 17 per cent jump in flight capacity between March 2025 and March 2026.
