Construction of the €48.5 million Madeira SkyPark project is beginning in Curral das Freiras, Câmara de Lobos, according to its promoters, as JPP renews its opposition over financial and environmental concerns.
Scheduled to open in 2028, the development will link Curral das Freiras and Jardim da Serra. Its promoters say it will include the world’s highest cable car by ground clearance, reaching 706 metres above the terrain.
In a statement sent to the Lusa news agency, the developers said construction was starting following extensive geological and environmental studies intended to ensure high standards of safety and sustainability.
The project includes two cable car routes, a 2,300-metre zipline, an adventure park, a nature interpretation centre, supporting infrastructure and space for local businesses.
One cable car will connect Curral das Freiras to the Paredão viewpoint, covering 1,012 metres with an elevation difference of 789 metres. It will have two cabins, each accommodating 15 passengers.
The second will connect Paredão and Boca da Corrida over 3,070 metres, with a 230-metre elevation difference. According to the promoters, this route will have one of the world’s longest unsupported spans and a ground clearance exceeding 700 metres.
The zipline will run between Boca da Corrida and the Curral das Freiras station.
Nuno Freitas, chairman of the board of directors, said the development aimed to become a year-round tourist attraction, drawing Portuguese and international visitors while diversifying Madeira’s tourism offer and encouraging more people to visit the island’s interior.
He argued that it would benefit Curral das Freiras and Jardim da Serra by creating opportunities for local businesses and helping to retain and attract residents.
The privately developed project, operating under a public concession, is expected by its promoters to create 50 direct jobs once operational and attract 200,000 visitors annually. They also forecast €400 million in public revenue, although the statement does not specify the period covered or how this figure was calculated.
The developers maintain that the project follows environmental best practice, with measures to protect wildlife and habitats and mitigate impacts on species including the Madeiran petrel.
They said the construction timetable reflected the additional technical and environmental studies required, alongside the need to meet licensing and procedural requirements.
JPP has reaffirmed its opposition, calling on the Regional Government to clarify the financial terms of the concession and address the environmental objections raised.
The party said it supported investment and development in Curral das Freiras and Jardim da Serra, but argued that this particular project did not justify the use of Madeira’s natural heritage.
JPP questioned the terms of the 50-year concession, which it said could be renewed for a further ten years, highlighting an initial fixed rent of €2,000 per month.
According to the party’s calculations, the arrangement could result in almost €24 million in lost public revenue over the concession period. Its statement does not explain the basis of that estimate. The party also raised concerns about public expenditure on land acquisition, studies and possible additional infrastructure, saying the overall cost remained unclear.
On environmental grounds, JPP argued that the development would substantially alter one of Madeira’s most distinctive landscapes and affect sensitive areas within the Natura 2000 network, including protected habitats and species such as the Madeiran petrel. Further warning, against tourism developments that could leave irreversible damage to the landscape and biodiversity.
Madeira SkyPark was first proposed in 2021 and has prompted demonstrations, petitions and opposition from environmental organisation Quercus and political parties.
In November 2022, the Regional Government authorised the launch of a public tender for the concession.
The concessionaire presented the project’s details to residents in 2024, and Câmara de Lobos Municipal Council approved its licensing in April this year.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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