Madeira sets new rules for hiking trail classification, signage and safety

The Autonomous Region of Madeira has approved new rules for the classification, signage, use and maintenance of hiking trails. Ordinance No. 595/2026, dated 19 October, aims to standardise technical criteria and balance public access to footpaths, levadas and tracks with hikers' safety and the conservation of natural areas.

Requirements for classifying a trail#

To be classified, a trail must be at least one kilometre long, offer conditions suitable for walking on the terrain, and have a surface consisting of a footpath, levada, dirt track or paved path. It must also be of scenic, natural, geological or historical-cultural interest, have pedestrian and road access to the start and/or end of the route, and contribute to local socioeconomic development.

What the application must include#

The classification application must be accompanied by a project identifying the applicant and their contact details, describing the trail and planned works, specifying the signage to be installed, setting out an implementation schedule and including a maintenance plan. The technical data sheet must include, among other details, the trail's name, start and end points, distance, classification as a Short Route (PR) or Long Route (GR), estimated duration, elevations, a map of the route at a scale of 1:25,000, a KML file and georeferenced points of interest.

The application must also include a declaration of compliance with the law, documents confirming whether the land is public or private and, where it is privately owned, the owners' authorisation for access and for maintenance and improvement works. A carrying-capacity study is also required, setting out measures to monitor the impact of visitor flows and adjust that capacity.

Signage and information for hikers#

Classified trails will have information boards and supplementary information and directional signs, according to their PR or GR classification. The boards must display useful information from the technical data sheet, rules of conduct and safety guidance, a map to scale, a topographic profile, and the applicant's name and contact details. Information on the inside of the board must be provided in Portuguese and English.

The ordinance also sets specifications for arrows, trail markings, temporary closure signs and distance markers. Distance markers must be placed along the trail at intervals of no more than 500 metres.

Rules for use and maintenance#

Users should consult up-to-date official information, weather forecasts and risk alerts, prepare suitable equipment and, whenever possible, tell someone about their planned route. They must follow the signs, respect private property, refrain from smoking or lighting fires except in permitted areas, avoid disturbing or feeding wild animals, and take their rubbish with them. Vehicles are prohibited, except where permitted by law. If a trail is blocked by a landslide or another obstacle, users are advised to return the way they came.

Applicants are responsible for removing obstacles, maintaining trail markings and signs, checking protective structures and hazardous areas, and keeping trail information up to date. They must also periodically check safety and passability conditions and are subject to inspection under the applicable legislation.

Ordinance No. 595/2026 repeals Joint Order No. 74/2019 of 26 August and enters into force on the working day following its publication.