In the first quarter of this year alone, the Forest Police—an agency under the IFCN—documented four accidents on classified trails. These included three injuries and one fatality: a young German tourist who, reportedly stepping off the designated trail to take photos, fell over from a cliff near Pico do Areeiro.

According to IFCN data, the €351,000 revenue was generated from October to December 2024. Figures for the first quarter of 2025 have not yet been released.

Initially, the €3 “waste management fee” applied only to seven trails. However, since 1 January 2025, it has extended to all 38 recommended routes across Madeira. The most visited trails include Ponta de São Lourenço, Pico do Areeiro, Balcões, and Pico Ruivo.

The fee applies to all tourists aged over 12, while residents of the Autonomous Region are exempt. Payments can be made via the ‘Simplifica’ platform, managed by the Regional Government, or at designated IFCN stations along the trails. Visitors may also exchange one trail booking for another, offering flexibility for those exploring the island.

This initiative aims to support trail maintenance and environmental conservation, while ensuring safe access to Madeira’s most scenic landscapes.


Related article: