IFCN and University Study Limits for Natural Tourist Areas
Today's headline in Jornal da Madeira highlights Madeira's efforts to address the challenges of mass tourism. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Institute (IFCN) is currently working with the University of Madeira to study how many visitors Madeira’s heavily frequented natural tourist areas can safely handle.
This step comes as the number of tourists continues to grow all over Madeira, putting pressure on popular spots like hiking trails, viewpoints, and parking lots. The IFCN recognizes that some forest paths are becoming too crowded. Trails like Pico do Arieiro or Caldeirão Verde are experiencing heavy visitor numbers, especially during peak times.
The forest should be seen as a natural museum with the same characteristics as concrete museums. If the capacity is for 100 people per area per hour, there cannot be 200 during that same hour.
Manuel Filipe, head of the IFCN
Nature Trails May Require Mandatory Guides to Control Visitor Numbers
As part of its plan to protect nature, the IFCN is considering making some trails accessible only with a guide - either from the institute or a private company. This rule would apply to areas under the IFCN’s care, such as Ponta de São Lourenço or Queimadas.
The goal is to balance the visitor experience with environmental protection. "The same happens in museums that close for daily cleaning," Filipe added, stressing the need for nature to rest.
Tourism Growth Causes Traffic and Parking Issues
Tourism growth in Madeira has also caused problems off the trails. Sites like Ribeiro Frio and Pico do Areeiro have seen packed parking lots and long lines. In response, the IFCN has set up new parking areas, improved signs, and hired trained transport workers to help visitors.
Regarding parking and traffic management in areas such as Pico do Areeiro, Ribeiro Frio, and Queimadas, measures have been adopted to improve influx management through the creation of specific parking zones, enhanced signage, and hiring competent transportation professionals.
IFCN, Jornal da Madeira
The Problem With Cruise Ship Tourism
Cruise tourism is also being looked at. The Regional Secretariat for Environment, led by Rafaela Fernandes, suggests that not all cruise passengers should be allowed to take the same tour at the same time, to avoid overcrowding. Tour operators are being encouraged to rethink their routes and timetables to ease pressure on the most popular paths.
The Autonomous Region of Madeira maintains its reputation as a welcoming, safe, and high-quality destination, with the hospitality of the population being one of the pillars of its tourism success.
Jornal da Madeira
€351,000 Earnings From Paid Trails in 2024
Without going into detail, the IFCN states that so far this year, 23 actions have been put into place to handle large crowds and 12 zones have received improvements. While a few complaints have been made by locals and visitors, the IFCN says there have been no serious problems or acts of resistance. Ticket sales to non-residents on designated hiking trails generated approximately €351,000 in revenue in 2024, as previously reported. The highest-earning trail was PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço.
Long-Term Goals Include Better Visitor Experience and Protected Landscapes
The study being done with University of Madeira is set to help shape long-term decisions. Its results will guide how many people can be in each natural area at any one time. The goal is to protect Madeira’s forests while still allowing people to enjoy them. The IFCN says the next steps will be based on facts, not guesses, so nature can continue to thrive.
What do you think would effectively manage mass tourism in Madeira and do you think closing some hiking trails for individuals and requiring a guide could be a good step forward?
Read on
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Source: Jornal da Madeira, Saturday April 12, 2025
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