🌿 Key Information: Many Popular Trails are CLOSED Today
Before you go anywhere, check your plans. Due to adverse conditions, landslides, and maintenance, some of the island’s most sought-after trails are officially closed today. Accessing them is dangerous and may result in fines.
- PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde: CLOSED
- PR 7 Levada do Moinho: CLOSED
- PR 10 Levada do Furado (Ribeiro Frio – Portela): CLOSED
- PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada: CLOSED
- PR 16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues: CLOSED
Who does this affect? All hikers who were planning to visit these iconic locations.
What does this mean in practice? You must find an alternative plan. The selected trails are currently dangerous.
Our recommendation: Choose safer alternatives at lower altitudes or on the south coast, where the weather is more stable. Sections of the Levada do Norte or coastal walks in the Ponta do Sol or Câmara de Lobos areas are excellent options.
Don’t Forget About Entrance Fees
We remind you that a new fee system is in place on selected PR trails. Carry cash or proof of online payment in case of inspection.
☀️ Weather: Winter on the Peaks, Spring on the Coast
Today’s weather perfectly illustrates Madeira’s diversity. While the coast and Funchal enjoy pleasant temperatures around 20°C, the situation in the high mountains is completely different.
- Mountains (Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo): Expect cold temperatures, strong winds, rain, and the possibility of snow or freezing rain at the highest points. Visibility may be severely limited.
- North Coast: Expect more frequent showers.
- South Coast and Funchal: Mostly cloudy with a lower chance of precipitation.
Who does this affect? Drivers and tourists heading to the mountains.
What does this mean in practice? The road to Pico do Areeiro may be difficult or closed. Do not attempt to visit the peaks without warm, waterproof clothing.
Our recommendation: Before driving to Pico do Areeiro, check the current road status and visibility via webcams. If conditions are not ideal, consider choosing a coastal viewpoint instead, such as Cabo Girão.
🚗 Transportation: Mountain Road Closure and a Busy Funchal City Center
Today’s traffic situation is influenced by two main factors: the weather and tourism.
- ER 105 Closure: The important mountain road connecting Encumeada and Paul da Serra (Lombo do Mouro section) is reported as impassable. This complicates travel between the north and south through the island’s interior.
- Cruise Ship in Funchal: The cruise ship Queen Victoria is docked in the harbor, bringing nearly 2,000 passengers to the island.
Who does this affect? Drivers and visitors in Funchal.
What does this mean in practice? Expect crowds, fuller restaurants, and longer queues for tourist attractions like the Monte cable car in Funchal’s city center.
Our recommendation: If you’re looking for a quieter day, plan your activities outside of Funchal’s center. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, however, it’s the perfect day to visit museums, the Mercado dos Lavradores market, or sample local specialties. When planning your car journey, avoid the closed section of ER 105.
🎭 Tip for a Quieter Activity
For art lovers, we have an interesting suggestion. At the Estúdio de Criação Artística in Funchal, artist Tales Frey is beginning his creative residency. This could be a great alternative way to spend the day if the weather is poor or if you want to avoid the crowds.