A popular tourist hotspot is set to hit tourists with a new fee – for hiking.
From next year, Madeira will be charging tourists a fee to explore its most popular hiking trails as the island moves towards sustainable tourism.
The charge will cost €3 (£2.50) for all non-residents over the age of 12 and is already applicable on Madeira’s most popular trails – Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, Levada do Risco, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Balcões, Levada do Rei and Ponta de São Lourenço.
According to Rafaela Fernandes, the country’s regional secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment all profits from the fee will be used to maintain the trials as well as put towards cleaning and preservation efforts.
From January 1, the fee will then roll onto over 30 trials, which are managed by Madeira’s Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, and those who do not pay will face a fine of up to €50 (£41.59).
The new move comes as Madeira is experiencing an increased number of tourists that are visiting, especially during the hiking season.
Last year, the archipelago just off the northwest coast of Africa saw over two million visitors, with its hiking trails being one of the main attractions.
Madiera is full of mountains, green forests and beautiful waterfalls, which makes it an ideal location for those who would like an unforgettable hiking experience.
It offers trails for hikers of all levels with varying distances. The Vereda dos Balcões is one of the shortest trails, with a distance of 1.5km and the Funchal – São Vicente – Porto Moniz – Calheta trail is the longest, estimated to be nearly 135 km.
The influx of tourists has caused immense pressure on the country’s natural habitats through increased pollution and littering.
With the new charge, the country hopes to be able to manage the movement of hikers whilst helping to protect the natural landscape.
The local authorities have also launched an awareness campaign to inform visitors about the hiking fee and the reason behind it, which Rafaela Fernandes has said tourists have been welcoming towards.