Today’s Main Event: The Grand Carnival Parade in Funchal
Today marks the culmination of the Madeira Carnival. This evening, downtown Funchal will transform into a massive party filled with color, music, and dance.
Who is affected?
All visitors to Funchal, especially drivers and those planning to travel in the evening.
What does this mean in practice?
- Massive crowds: Thousands of people are expected in the city center.
- Traffic chaos: The main coastal avenues (Avenida do Mar) will be closed to traffic from approximately 6:00 PM. Parking in the center will be virtually impossible.
- Parade start: The main allegorical parade (Cortejo Alegórico) begins at 8:00 PM.
What do we recommend?
If you plan to attend the parade, head to the city center well in advance, ideally by 5:00 PM. It’s best to leave your car at the hotel and walk or use public transport, which will also have modified routes.
Trail and Levada Status: Caution in the Mountains
Following recent heavy rains, the ground is unstable in many areas. The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) is therefore keeping several key hiking trails closed or with restrictions. Please respect the closures and do not take risks.
Partially Open: PR1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro ↔ Pico Ruivo)
- Who is affected: Hikers planning the island’s most famous mountain traverse.
- What this means in practice: The trail is passable ONLY on the short section from the Pico do Areeiro car park to the Ninho da Manta / Pedra Rija viewpoint (approx. 1.2 km). The full traverse to Pico Ruivo is closed.
- What we recommend: Enjoy the views from Pico do Areeiro and the short walk along the open section. To summit Pico Ruivo, choose the route from Achada do Teixeira (PR 1.2), which is generally safer. However, always check its current status before you go.
Change in Operation: Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6)
- Who is affected: Visitors to the Rabaçal area.
- What this means in practice: The bypass route is closed. The previously one-way section of the levada is now two-way traffic. Expect delays and be considerate of others when passing.
Completely Closed Trails
Due to landslides and unstable terrain, the following trails are completely closed until further notice:
- PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada
- PR 7 Levada do Moinho
- PR 10 Levada do Furado
- PR 16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
- PR 20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar
IMPORTANT: Before every hike, check the current trail status on the official IFCN website or the WalkMe mobile app.
Other Practical Information
Flights and Transport
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport is fully operational today, and flights should proceed without restrictions. While local media are discussing the long-term debate about wind limits for landing, this does not affect today’s operations.
Overall Situation on the Island
Madeira remains on alert following the aftermath of the storms. Emergency services are working to clear the damage. For tourists, this means exercising increased caution in nature, especially below steep slopes. At the same time, the island is showing great solidarity, with hotels helping to accommodate people who have lost their homes. Tourist services are operating as normal.