Madeira overwhelmed by tourists: Locals hit by nomadic influx
Madeira is experiencing a surge in tourists, which is causing several problems for the island's residents. One primary issue is the proliferation of nomadic accommodations; tourists often settle wherever they please and leave rubbish behind.
Madeira is attracting increasing numbers of visitors. In the first half of 2024, over 940,000 tourists visited the island, an 8% increase from the previous year.
A resident of Madeira highlighted that the island is becoming a victim of its success. Tourists often do not follow regulations, staying in areas not designated for overnight accommodation, leading to sanitation issues. Skibińska notes that tourist traffic has increased by 40% since the pandemic.
Tourism in Madeira. Wild camping everywhere
Madeira's residents are concerned about the behaviour of tourists who set up tents in prohibited areas, such as beaches or national parks. Officially, wild camping is forbidden, and designated areas require prior reservation. The problem is the lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure, which leads to environmental pollution.
I often see tourists sleeping in cars or pitching tents where they shouldn't, like on beaches, seaside boulevards, or in the national park. There was a guy who pitched a tent in the centre of Funchal, Madeira's capital. Because after all, he’s in a wild country, right? - said the local.
It's the same on trails, where tourists relieve themselves and do not clean up after themselves.
You can camp "under the stars" for free. All you need to do is reserve a spot on the Madeira Natural Park website. However, choosing this type of accommodation requires you to pitch your tent in a designated location, specify the exact date of your stay when making the reservation, and agree to take your rubbish with you. Such campsites, however, do not offer extensive infrastructure. Typically, they provide access to a toilet and drinking water but not to showers.
