A Quiet Day in Madeira: Transport and Services Operating Normally
According to reports from major Madeiran media, today is a completely normal day on the island. There are no reports of strikes, traffic disruptions, or extraordinary events that could affect your travel plans. The airport, public transport, and road network are all operating without restrictions.
Mountain Update: Important Changes to PR Trails You Need to Know
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation of Madeira (IFCN) has issued several key updates today concerning the most popular hiking trails. The changes include temporary closures for maintenance as well as permanent measures to ensure better and safer movement in the mountains.
PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo): Temporarily Closed
- Who is affected? Anyone planning to hike Madeira’s most famous ridge trail.
- What does this mean? The trail is completely closed for maintenance this week, from Monday to Thursday. You will not be able to access it today, Wednesday, May 6th. It will reopen to the public for the weekend (Friday to Sunday). Additionally, a permanent measure is in effect – the trail is now one-way, from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo.
- Our recommendation: If you were planning this hike, postpone it until Friday or the weekend. Remember the one-way rule and plan your logistics and return transport accordingly.
PR 10 Levada do Furado (Ribeiro Frio → Portela): Completely Closed
- Who is affected? Hikers planning trips in the Ribeiro Frio area.
- What does this mean? This popular levada is closed until further notice due to a landslide. Accessing the trail is dangerous.
- Our recommendation: Choose an alternative route instead of PR 10. The newly repaired PR 16 levada (see below) is an excellent and safe alternative.
PR 16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues (São Vicente): Reopened!
- Who is this for? All lovers of levadas and tunnels looking for a safe and beautiful hike.
- What does this mean? Great news! The trail has been fully repaired after maintenance and is now open to the public.
- Our recommendation: Don’t hesitate to add this scenic trail with its several tunnels to your itinerary. It’s the perfect substitute for the closed PR 10.
PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes (Rabaçal): New Bypass is Operational
- Who is affected? Visitors to the popular Rabaçal area.
- What does this mean? To ease tourist flow and prevent congestion on narrow sections, a one-way “bypass” has been opened for the return part of the journey.
- Our recommendation: Follow the local signage. This improvement makes movement on the trail smoother and more enjoyable.
New Trail Access Fees
- Who is affected? All hikers planning to use the officially marked pedestrian routes (PR).
- What does this mean? As of 2026, a new fee system for accessing protected hiking trails is in effect in Madeira. Payment and booking must be completed online.
- Our recommendation: Purchase the necessary permit on the Simplifica portal before your hike. You can choose a single-entry ticket or a more cost-effective multi-day pass. This will help you avoid any complications on-site.