Funchal Belongs to Runners Today: City Center is Closed
The main news today is the 66th edition of the traditional New Year’s Eve race, Volta à Cidade do Funchal. This massive event has required extensive road closures in the capital’s center.
- Who is affected? Anyone heading to Funchal today, especially drivers.
- What this means in practice: Key streets in the city center, including Avenida Arriaga and the area around the Sé Cathedral, are closed to vehicle traffic. Expect significant delays for city and suburban buses, and limited taxi availability.
- Our recommendation: Park your car on the outskirts of the city or at your hotel and explore the center on foot. You can soak up the great sporting atmosphere and cheer on the runners. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan a trip outside of Funchal.
Warning for Travel to the Mountains and North Coast
Winter weather is making its presence felt. The ground is waterlogged, increasing the risk of landslides and road accidents. Be especially careful when driving today.
Landslide in the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras)
A landslide occurred this morning on the access road to the popular Valley of the Nuns. The road was temporarily blocked.
- Who is affected? Tourists planning a trip to Curral das Freiras.
- What this means in practice: Even after the road reopens, cleanup operations may be underway, and there is a risk of further minor slides.
- Our recommendation: If possible, postpone your visit until this afternoon or tomorrow. Check the current road status before you leave.
Other Traffic and Safety Alerts
- Accident on the Via Rápida (VR1): A traffic accident has occurred on the main expressway in the Viveiros area (above Funchal). Traffic jams are forming, especially heading out of the city.
- Firefighter Drill at Guindaste: An emergency services drill is taking place near the popular Miradouro do Guindaste viewpoint (Faial, north coast). If you see fire trucks and rescuers, do not panic; it is not a real incident. Access to the viewpoint may be temporarily restricted.
Conditions on Trails and Levadas
Although we have no reports of specific trail closures, this morning’s landslide is a clear indicator of the conditions in the mountains. The ground is saturated with water, meaning trails are likely to be muddy and very slippery. There is an increased risk of falling rocks in exposed sections and beneath cliff faces.
- Who is affected? All hikers and trekkers.
- Our recommendation: Choose safer, less exposed routes. High-quality waterproof footwear with non-slip soles is essential. Before any hike, check for the latest warnings on the Visit Madeira app or the IFCN portal.
In Brief: What Else to Know
- Minor Earthquake: A weak earthquake was recorded in the sea southeast of the Desertas Islands. It was barely felt on Madeira and poses no danger.
- Air Rescue is Operational: For your peace of mind, the rescue helicopter successfully carried out several urgent patient transports from the island of Porto Santo today, confirming the reliability of the emergency response system.