A group of hikers and mountain lovers gathered this morning at the beginning of PR2, in Fajã dos Cardos, Curral das Freiras, for a protest action against the measures the Regional Government intends to implement from January 2026 regarding access to trails, levadas, and footpaths in the Region. The initiative was promoted by Jorge Quintal, a well-known hiker in the Region, who accuses the Executive of limiting residents’ right to enjoy the natural heritage.
“This is blocking the movement of Madeirans,” said Jorge Quintal, considering that the obligation to register in advance on a digital platform represents an unacceptable restriction. “It’s like prohibiting a person from entering the house,” he added, stressing that walking on the levadas and trails is part of the identity and daily life of many residents.
The promoter of the initiative recognises the need for rules and safety measures, but criticised the announced model. “It is necessary to take measures, but it is not in this way,” he said, warning of the risk of exclusion of Madeirans. According to him, the platform that will manage access may be permanently exhausted. “The platform will always be full, and it will be very difficult for Madeirans to have access to the levadas and trails,” he warned.
Jorge Quintal also regretted that hikers and regular users were not involved in the process. “We were not invited to participate in this study,” he said, arguing that any decision should have had the participation of those who know and regularly use the routes.
During the rally, the participants argued that trails, levadas and footpaths constitute a unique heritage, built over generations, and that it should not be conditioned by rules that they consider disproportionate for residents. The PR2, which connects Curral das Freiras to Boaventura and Pico Ruivo, was pointed out as a symbolic route of this historical connection to the mountain.
As for the next steps, Jorge Quintal revealed his intention to move forward with a petition to take the issue to the Legislative Assembly of Madeira. “We are going to make a petition, people speak, support our initiative, but when it comes to showing their face, they are afraid,” he said, calling for the mobilisation of the population.
For the promoter of the initiative, the question is one of principle. “The Madeiran cannot be harmed and must have free access. It’s a matter of principle,” he concluded.
The organisers considered this action a sign of public contestation to the announced measures and assured that they will continue to monitor the process, demanding that the right of movement of Madeirans be safeguarded in the future management of the trails and levadas in the Region.
One of the main issues is that many Madeirans still rely on walking along levadas to reach their properties, take their dogs out, or meet and chat with friends along the paths near their homes. These new rules are essentially limiting people’s right to freely access their properties, get exercise, and enjoy social interaction.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
