Weather: Sun in the South, Caution in the Mountains
Madeira’s coast and Funchal are enjoying pleasant temperatures up to 26°C today, with the sea temperature around 24°C, perfect for a walk or relaxing by the water. However, the situation inland and on the north coast is different. Meteorologists are warning of heavy cloud cover, fog, and light showers, especially in the morning. Due to the adverse forecast, the EcoSunrise morning concert at the Bica da Cana viewpoint has been cancelled.
- Who is affected: All tourists, especially those planning trips to the mountains and the north.
- What this means in practice: While you can wear a t-shirt in the south, you risk reduced visibility, rain, and cold in the mountains.
- Our recommendation: If you’re heading to the mountains (e.g., Rabacal, Pico do Areeiro), pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for rapid weather changes. Consider activities at lower altitudes on the south side of the island instead.
Transport: easyJet Strike and the Future of Scooters on Porto Santo
The biggest complication today is the easyJet cabin crew strike, which will last until October 6th. Although the government has mandated minimum service (guaranteeing two daily flights from Lisbon and one from Porto), many connections have been cancelled. The situation is further complicated by a public holiday, which means more people are travelling.
News from the neighbouring island of Porto Santo warns of upcoming significant restrictions on shared electric scooters. The reason is an alarming number of accidents and injuries involving tourists.
- Who is affected: Passengers with easyJet tickets and visitors to Porto Santo.
- What this means in practice: You risk flight cancellations, delays, and overcrowded airports. On Porto Santo, you must ride scooters with extreme caution.
- Our recommendation: Flying with easyJet? Check your flight status online immediately before heading to the airport. On Porto Santo, consider renting a bicycle or walking instead.
Status of Hiking Trails (PR) as of October 5, 2026
Planning your hike is absolutely crucial today. According to official information from the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), the situation on the marked trails is as follows. Remember that since the beginning of 2026, online registration and a fee of €4.50 via the SIMplifica portal are required to access most trails.
Closed and Partially Open Trails
Always check the current status beforehand to avoid a wasted trip and potential danger.
- Completely Closed (5 trails): PR 7 Levada do Moinho, PR 20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar, PR 27 Glaciar de Planalto, PR 28 Levada da Rocha Vermelha, and PS-PR 3 Levada do Pico do Castelo (Porto Santo).
- Partially Passable (4 trails): PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada, PR 4 Levada do Barreiro, PR 12 Caminho Real da Encumeada, and PR 17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal.
- Special Conditions for PR 1: The most popular route, PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro (between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo), is open, but only one-way from Areeiro to Ruivo and requires a mandatory prior booking.
Safety on the Trails and in Town
Today’s news also reports an accident involving a tourist at the Igreja do Monte church in Funchal, who slipped on the smooth stone floor. This is a reminder that caution is necessary not just in the mountains. Historic cobblestones and floors in monuments can be very slippery.
- Who is affected: All hiking enthusiasts and visitors to historical sites.
- What this means in practice: You cannot assume your favourite trail will be open. There is also a risk of slipping even in historic town centres.
- Our recommendation: Plan your hike according to the list of open trails on the IFCN website. Wear quality footwear with non-slip soles for both the levadas and exploring the city.