Hiking Trail Status and Mountain Safety
❌ Important Warning: PR10 Levada do Furado is Closed
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has announced the temporary and complete closure of the PR10 Levada do Furado trail between Ribeiro Frio and Lamaceiros. The closure is due to a recent landslide that has damaged a section of the walkway.
- Who is affected? All hikers who were planning to walk from Ribeiro Frio towards Portela.
- What does this mean in practice? Entering the affected section is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous. The planned hike cannot be completed.
- What should you do? Change your plans. As a safe and open alternative, consider the nearby PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde. Please remember that mandatory registration and a fee for non-residents (€4.50) are required on the SIMplifica portal for all official PR trails.
Transportation: Road Closures and Motorsport Events
🏎️ Attention: Rali da Ribeira Brava in the Southwest
The Rali da Ribeira Brava car rally concludes today, bringing extensive traffic restrictions with it. Selected roads in the municipalities of Ribeira Brava, Tábua, Campanário, and Serra d’Água are completely closed.
- Who is affected? Drivers and tourists travelling by car in the southwestern part of the island.
- What does this mean in practice? Driving through the area will be either impossible or involve long waits in traffic jams.
- What should you do? If you are not a motorsport fan, it is best to avoid this area completely today. If you are planning to watch the rally, please follow the instructions of the event organizers and police.
🚧 Airport Area Restriction: Exit 20 on the VR1 Motorway Closed
Until 8:00 PM today, exit 20 (São Pedro) on the VR1 expressway is closed for repairs, affecting traffic heading from Funchal towards Machico.
- Who is affected? Drivers heading to the eastern part of the island, the airport, or the town of Santa Cruz.
- What does this mean in practice? You will need to use the earlier exit 19 or the later exit 21, which may cause slight delays.
- What should you do? If you are driving to the airport, allow at least an extra 15 minutes for your journey and follow the temporary yellow signs.
What’s Happening on the Island Today?
🏃 Mountain Ultramarathon in the Pico Ruivo Area
The Ultra Skyrunning Madeira, an extreme running race, is taking place in the mountains around Santana and the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo. Hundreds of athletes from around the world are on the trails.
- Who is affected? Tourists planning a trip to Pico Ruivo or hikes in the Santana area.
- What does this mean in practice? Expect increased foot traffic on the trails. The car park at Achada do Teixeira will likely be completely full.
- What should you do? Please be considerate and make way for faster runners. If you are looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting a different mountain location today.
🎆 Evening Tip: Chinese Fireworks and Celebrations in Funchal
As part of the Atlantic Festival, the second competitive pyro-musical show takes place tonight. At 10:30 PM, a spectacular fireworks display, this time by a team from China, will illuminate the Funchal bay. The city is also celebrating the Feast of Saint Anthony.
- Who is affected? Anyone looking for a unique evening event.
- What does this mean in practice? You can expect a fantastic atmosphere, but also a crowded city center and very limited parking.
- What should you do? Head to the waterfront well in advance, use public transport or a taxi to get to the city center, and enjoy a magical evening.
What’s the Weather Forecast?
According to the forecast, we can expect variable weather today with frequent cloud cover but no rain. Temperatures will be very pleasant, with highs around 24°C. The wind will be light to moderate. Due to the clouds, we recommend checking the live webcams before heading to mountain viewpoints like Pico do Areeiro to avoid travelling into fog.