Cabo Girão Viewpoint: Restricted Access, But Safe
Madeira’s most famous glass skywalk, Cabo Girão, remains open. Today, one of the glass floor panels was damaged due to vandalism. Engineers have confirmed that the structure is completely safe and poses no danger. However, the damaged section has been cordoned off as a precaution.
- Who this affects: All visitors to the Cabo Girão viewpoint.
- What this means in practice: The viewpoint is accessible, but you cannot step on a small, cordoned-off section of the glass platform. The view of the cliff and ocean is not affected.
- Our recommendation: Please respect the safety barriers and follow staff instructions.
Summer Festivities in Full Swing: Monte and Curral das Freiras
August in Madeira is a time for traditional pilgrimages and celebrations, known as arraiais. Today marks the culmination of two major events that offer a fantastic insight into local culture, music, and gastronomy.
- Festa do Monte (Funchal): Starting from 18:00 (6 PM), there will be a procession of the famous “Carreiros” (wicker toboggan drivers), followed by folklore and live music in the evening from 21:30 (9:30 PM).
- Festa de Santa Clara (Curral das Freiras): In the iconic Valley of the Nuns, a three-day festival with markets and tastings of local chestnut specialities concludes today.
Important Traffic Advisory:
- Who this affects: Drivers and tourists heading to the Monte and Curral das Freiras areas.
- What this means in practice: Expect heavy traffic, road restrictions, and completely full car parks in both locations.
- Our recommendation: To get to Monte, use the cable car from Funchal. For Curral das Freiras, consider taking a public bus to avoid the stress of parking and driving on narrow, winding roads.
Current Status of Trails and Levadas (11 Aug 2026)
Planning a hike? Here is the most important information directly from the Madeira Forest and Nature Conservation Institute (IFCN). Remember, non-residents must register online and pay a €4.50 per person fee via the SIMplifica portal to access official PR trails.
- PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro ↔ Pico Ruivo): This trail is OPEN. However, for safety reasons, a strict one-way system remains in effect on the section after the Pedra Rija viewpoint towards Pico Ruivo. Please respect the signage.
- PR 10 Levada do Furado (Ribeiro Frio – Portela): Good news! Following extensive repairs, this beautiful levada is now fully open and safe.
- PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde: The main trail from Queimadas to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall is open. However, the connecting section to Caldeirão do Inferno remains permanently CLOSED due to the risk of landslides. Do not attempt to cross the barriers.
Weather, Funchal, and Other Tips for Today
- Weather: Expect a typical summer day with temperatures up to 28°C (82°F). Despite occasional cloud cover, the UV index is high—don’t forget sunscreen and plenty of water. Before hiking the mountain ridges (Pico do Areeiro), check the current visibility on the webcams.
- Funchal – São Tiago Beach: Sports activities for Youth Day will take place here between 14:00 (2 PM) and 16:00 (4 PM). If you’re looking for a quieter swim, consider Formosa Beach instead.
- Funchal – Evening Entertainment: The Casino da Madeira is hosting the “La Gala de los 90’s,” a gala night featuring Latin American hits. An ideal tip for a stylish evening out.