Madeira’s New Hiking Fee Comes with a Strict Liability Clause

By now, most travelers know that Madeira has introduced entrance fees for its most popular hiking trails (Levadas). However, while booking your ticket online, there is a crucial detail that many might miss—but strictly must accept.

As you can see in the screenshot below from the official booking portal, it is impossible to purchase a ticket without checking a specific box regarding liability.

The checkbox reads:

“Users of pedestrian routes are personally and exclusively responsible for any material or human damage that occurs during their use – Article 11 of Regional Legislative Decree No. 24/2022/M, of December 19.”

What does this mean for you? This clause shifts the responsibility entirely onto the hiker. By purchasing the ticket, you acknowledge that you are personally liable for any mishaps. This covers “material or human damage,” which implies that if you injure yourself, get lost requiring rescue, or cause damage to the trail infrastructure, the costs and responsibility fall “exclusively” on you.

You cannot proceed with the payment or receive your QR code without accepting these terms.

To book your hike and view these terms for yourself, you must visit the official government portal: https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/processes/5627-2341387

Make sure you travel with appropriate insurance and hike with caution!