Madeira informs economic operators about the new fee model for hiking routes starting in 2026

Madeira informs economic operators about the new fee model for hiking routes starting in 2026

As previously explained by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture, carrying capacity will be distributed in 30-minute slots, and registration will become mandatory for all visitors.

Residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira will continue to have free access to all routes, although they will also be subject to mandatory registration and prior booking on the 'SIMplifica' platform.

The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) and the Regional Directorate of Tourism presented, this Thursday, to economic operators, the new fee and pricing model for classified hiking routes in Madeira, which will come into effect on January 1, 2026.

The main change relates to the management of the carrying capacity of the routes, which will be distributed in 30-minute intervals, from sunrise to sunset. This measure aims to stagger the presence of visitors throughout the day and improve the experience at the main tourist attractions in the Region.

The new model, developed by IFCN in partnership with the University of Madeira, makes prior registration mandatory for all visitors through the 'SIMplifica' platform, regardless of age or condition.

Fees remain for operators with protocol

For visitors accompanied by registered economic operators (RNAVT and RNAAT) with a protocol signed with IFCN, the fee remains at 3 euros per person for all active routes. These operators benefit from special conditions, being able to make pre-reservations up to 30 days before use, with automatic billing and a payment deadline of up to 48 hours before access.

The general public and visitors accompanied by operators without a protocol will pay R$ 4.5 per access, an amount that must be paid at the time of booking.

Vereda do Areeiro reopens in April with higher fees

The PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro trail, closed since August 2024, is expected to reopen in April 2026 after safety works, as previously reported by DIÁRIO. Until reopening, the section to the Pedra Rija viewpoint maintains the same rates as the other routes.

After the completion of the works, this section will have higher rates: 7 euros for operators with a protocol and 10.5 euros for the general public or operators without a protocol.

Madeira residents continue to have free access to all routes

Residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira continue to have free access to all routes, although they are also subject to mandatory registration and prior booking on the 'SIMplifica' platform.

The new policy also provides for rescheduling or refunds only in cases of site restrictions by decision of the IFCN (Institute of Forests, Nature and Nature Conservation).

It is worth noting that the Madeira Promotion Association has also informed its members. 

Source DN MADEIRA