Heat Advisory: Orange Alert in the Mountains
All of Madeira is experiencing a wave of extremely hot weather, expected to last until Tuesday morning. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued an orange (high) alert for the mountainous regions, with a yellow alert in effect for the coast. Temperatures are well above average, and the air contains Saharan dust.
- Who is affected: Primarily hikers planning treks in the mountains (Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, etc.), but caution is advised across the entire island.
- What this means: There is an increased risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and forest fires.
- Recommendations: Start your hikes early in the morning. Wear a hat and carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person. Limit strenuous activity during midday hours. The beaches offer an ideal escape from the heat, with calm seas and water temperatures between 22–24°C.
Transportation and Events: Southwest Closed, Funchal and Santana Buzzing
Today, Saturday, is packed with major events that will significantly impact traffic and travel around the island. Plan your day carefully.
Southwest: Closures Due to Rali da Calheta
The Rali da Calheta car rally is culminating in the areas of Calheta, Prazeres, Ponta do Pargo, and Fonte do Bispo. Extensive road closures are in effect throughout the day.
- Who is affected: Drivers and tourists heading to the western tip of the island.
- What this means: Regular traffic in this area is paralyzed. Popular viewpoints and the lighthouse in Ponta do Pargo are also inaccessible. The finish line at Marina da Calheta will be extremely crowded from the late afternoon onwards.
- Recommendation: Unless you are a rally fan, avoid this part of the island entirely today. Plan your trip to the west for Sunday instead.
Funchal and Santana: Festivals and Culture
In Funchal, the sold-out Summer Opening music festival culminates this evening. Expect huge crowds, noise, and zero chance of parking in the vicinity of Santa Catarina Park. To experience local culture and gastronomy, we recommend visiting the Expomadeira fair at the Estádio do Marítimo (opens at 5:00 PM).
If you were planning to visit the “24 Horas a Bailar” folklore festival in Santana, today is the day to do it. Sunday’s program will be significantly more subdued due to a period of national mourning.
Trail and Levada Status: Important Changes to PR1 and PR10
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has updated the status of recommended hiking trails. Check their condition before you set out.
- PR1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro ↔ Pico Ruivo): The trail is open. However, ONLY the western route via the tunnels is passable. The eastern route (via Pico das Torres) is closed for safety reasons (only the first 1.2 km to the Miradouro da Pedra Rija viewpoint is accessible).
- PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada: Good news! The section between Pico Ruivo and Boca das Torrinhas (3.9 km) is open and fully operational again.
- PR10 Levada do Furado (Ribeiro Frio – Portela): The entire trail remains COMPLETELY CLOSED.
Don’t Forget Registration and Fees
We strongly remind you that non-residents are required to register online and pay a fee for all classified trails via the SIMplifica portal. Do not start a trek without a valid registration.