Permission to camp in Madeira
Permission to camp in Madeira
If you’re planning to camp in Madeira, there’s one important thing to know first: wild camping is not allowed. You can only camp in specific authorised forest and mountain areas, and you need permission in advance.
Camping is regulated by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), and you must get a licence before your trip.
Permission request
To apply for permission, you must register and create an account at simplifica.madeira.gov website. Once you’re logged in, search for “Camping licence” or go directly to the website :https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/services/7-22-101.
You’ll need to provide:
- Your name and contact details
- Camping dates
- Camping location
- Number of people
- Tent information
Where can You Camp?
Camping is only allowed in designated recreational or forest areas. These places are set up to protect Madeira’s fragile natural environment and control visitor numbers. Camping anywhere else in nature — even for one night — is considered illegal.
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes. Everyone must apply for a camping licence before staying overnight in Madeira’s forest areas. Once your permit is approved, you need to keep the document with you during your trip. Forest guards may ask to see it at any time.
You can either:
- Print the permit
- Or keep a PDF on your phone
Camping Fee (Updated 2026)
Camping in Madeira is no longer completely free. The fee is paid when you book your campsite through the official system. The current cost is:
- €5 per tent per night
- Free for Madeira residents (with proof of residency)
Important Rules to Know
Camping in Madeira is simple as long as you follow a few basic rules:
- Fires are only allowed in designated fireplaces.
- Most official camping areas have prepared fire spots, and lighting fires anywhere else is strictly forbidden.
- Take all rubbish with you
- Avoid damaging plants or trees
- Respect wildlife
- Leave the area as you found it
Tent Spacing
Tents should be placed at least 5 metres apart, unless you are part of the same group.
| Campsite | Max. tents total (1) | Max. permissions (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Bica da Cana | 50 | 50 |
| Boca das Voltas | 3 | 3 |
| Caramujo – São Vicente | 4 | 4 |
| Carreiras – Santa Cruz | 15 | 6 |
| Casa do Sardinha – Ponta de São Lourenço | 5 | 5 |
| Chão das Feiteiras – Machico | 30 | 19 |
| Chão dos Louros – São Vicente | 6 | 6 |
| Estanquinhos – Fontes Ruivas | 3 | 3 |
| Fanal – Porto Moniz | 5 | 5 |
| Fonte do Bispo – Calheta | 15 | 15 |
| Montado do Pereiro | 50 | 50 |
| Pico das Pedras – Santana | 8 | 8 |
| Pico Ruivo | 2 | 2 |
| Poiso – Santa Cruz | 20 | 20 |
| Ribeira do Alecrim | 3 | 3 |
| Ribeiro Frio – Santana | 3 | 3 |
| Terreiros – Santa Cruz | 30 | 30 |
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Last update: April, 2024. Simplifica |
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(1) – This is the maximum allowed number of tents for all available permissions. Permissions can get up to 10 tents each, depending on the campsite.
(2) – This is the maximum number of permissions that will be issued for a specific campsite at the same period (day) .