Travel Alert: Winds Ground Flights and Halt Ferries
The main story today is the strong wind, which is having a major impact on travel. If you have travel plans, please pay close attention to the following information.
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC)
- Who is affected? All passengers arriving at or departing from Madeira today.
- What does this mean in practice? Several flights have already been cancelled or diverted to the neighbouring island of Tenerife. Aircraft are often circling, waiting for better landing conditions. Expect delays and potential complications.
- What we recommend: Before heading to the airport, check the current status of your flight directly with your airline (via their app or website).
Ferry to Porto Santo
- Who is affected? Travellers who had planned a boat trip to the island of Porto Santo.
- What does this mean in practice? Due to expected high waves and strong winds, the Porto Santo Line company has preemptively cancelled all sailings for Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
- What we recommend: Re-evaluate your travel plans. For information on refunds or rebooking, contact the ferry operator directly.
Driving to the Airport
- Who is affected? Drivers heading from Funchal to the airport.
- What does this mean in practice? A traffic accident has occurred on the Estrada do Aeroporto expressway in the Caniço area, causing traffic restrictions.
- What we recommend: Combined with the disruption at the airport, we strongly advise allowing a significant amount of extra time for your drive.
Weather & Today’s Tips: Enjoy Sunny Funchal
While the island’s edges and mountains are being battered by wind, Funchal and the south coast are experiencing a beautiful day with temperatures around 25°C. If the wind has disrupted your plans, here are some great alternatives:
- Garden Day Celebrations: The city of Funchal is celebrating National Garden Day today. Guided tours are taking place in the Jardim Municipal (Municipal Garden), including one conducted in English. It’s an ideal opportunity to discover Madeira’s unique flora.
- Follow the Art Trail: The Funchal Municipal Library is hosting an event today dedicated to the German painter Max Römer, who lived and worked on the island for many years. You can also find his work in local museums and galleries.
Mountain Trails and Levadas: Important Restrictions
Planning hikes requires special attention these days. Many popular routes are inaccessible due to maintenance or damage.
Closed Trails
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) reports that for safety reasons, some of the most famous trails are CLOSED long-term. These include:
- PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- PR10 Levada do Furado
- PR7 Levada do Moinho
- PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada
- PR28 Levada da Rocha Vermelha
We strongly advise you to respect these closures. The terrain in these areas is unstable and poses a serious danger.
PR1 Pico do Areeiro ↔ Pico Ruivo
The most popular mountain hike has new rules in effect for the entire season:
- Mandatory Reservation: To access the trail, you must have an online time slot reservation made through the SIMplifica portal.
- Fee: Non-residents are required to pay a small entrance fee.
- One-Way Section: From the Pedra Rija viewpoint towards Pico Ruivo, the trail is one-way only. You must return the same way or continue from Pico Ruivo to another destination (e.g., Achada do Teixeira).