The Environment Secretary has stated that the Regional Government of Madeira is putting together a series of steps to improve security and safeguard the environment on the primary pedestrian routes, among them being the limitation of entry. Rafaela Fernandes clarified that the executive plans to quantify entries along the busiest routes in order to avoid congestion in those areas.

Speaking to reporters outside the Operational Centre of the Madeira Oceanic Observatory in Funchal, the regional secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment, Rafaela Fernandes, highlighted an unmanned surface vehicle that will be used in the region to conduct scientific research. As per Rafaela Fernandes, the aforementioned action is set to be implemented on many roads, including Ponta de São Lourenço, the trail between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, Achada do Teixeira and Pico Ruivo, and the Rabaçal region.

Rafaela Fernandes emphasised that the goal is for the Madeira mountains to be regarded as “a large natural museum”, appropriately managed and conserved. As she stated, the PSD minority Regional Government also intends to designate some roads where visitors will need to register ahead of time and be accompanied by a guide; she also clarified that residents are exempt from this need.


According to the regional secretary, the proposed measure aims to enhance trail safety while also guaranteeing environmental preservation. She emphasised that the goal is for guests “to comprehend that visiting Ponta de São Lourenço is similar to entering a museum”, adding that “There are traffic regulations; individuals should exercise caution to avoid endangering themselves and, most importantly, to enjoy the journey in a tranquil manner”. The Madeiran government is also addressing other issues, such as charging for rubbish collection and regulating parking and traffic in tourist hotspots.