Strong Winds Paralyze Airport, Stay in Contact with Your Airline
Who is affected?
All passengers flying to or from Madeira today, April 19th, as well as those accompanying them.
What does this mean in practice?
Due to strong winds on the east coast, more than 40 flights have been canceled or diverted at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport. Airlines such as TAP, easyJet, and Ryanair are reporting significant delays and cancellations. The airport is congested. Additionally, the Funchal Port Authority has issued a warning against sea travel.
What we recommend:
- Do not go to the airport without checking first. Verify your flight status directly with your airline or on the airport’s website (ANA Aeroportos).
- Be prepared for a possible extended stay and long queues at the terminal.
- Avoid any boat trips or sea voyages today.
Planning a Hike? Important Changes and Fees on PR Trails
Who is affected?
All tourists and hiking enthusiasts planning to use the marked trails (levadas, veredas).
What does this mean in practice?
Authorities are reminding visitors that since January 2026, non-residents over the age of 12 are required to pay an entry fee before accessing the recommended trails (PR). Additionally, several key routes are closed or have restricted access:
- PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro (the summit trail): The trail is ONLY passable on the short section from Pico do Areeiro to the Pedra Rija viewpoint (1.2 km). The full traverse to Pico Ruivo is not possible.
- PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde: Closed due to maintenance and landslides.
- PR 18 Levada do Rei: Also closed.
What we recommend:
- Pay the fee on the official Simplifica portal before each hike to avoid a fine.
- Always check the current trail status on the IFCN website (ifcn.madeira.gov.pt).
- As a safe and open alternative to PR 1, consider the ascent to Pico Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira (trail PR 1.2).
Driving to the Southwest? Traffic Jam in the Tunnel near Ribeira Brava
Who is affected?
Drivers in rental cars heading west from Funchal towards areas like Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar, or Calheta.
What does this mean in practice?
Long queues and stationary traffic are forming in the main tunnel connecting Ribeira Brava with Ponta do Sol in the westbound direction. The journey to the sunny southwest coast can therefore be significantly longer.
What we recommend:
- Avoid the tunnel and take the old, scenic coastal road for your westward journey. It is slower but offers beautiful views.
- If possible, plan your trip outside of the afternoon rush hour.
- Exercise extra caution due to wind gusts on open sections of the road.
Good News: Flower Festival to Feature Two Main Parades This Year
Who is affected?
Tourists planning to visit Madeira in May who are interested in cultural events.
What does this mean in practice?
Due to huge interest, the organizers of the famous Flower Festival (Festa da Flor) will, for the first time in history, split the main allegorical parade into two dates. The first will take place on Sunday, May 3rd, and the second two weeks later on May 17th.
What we recommend:
- If you have tickets for mid-May, you don’t have to worry about missing the festival’s highlight.
- If you are already in Funchal, look out for the preparations and the gradual installation of the magnificent flower carpets in the streets.