Today in Funchal: Holiday, Flower Carpets, and Traffic Restrictions
Today, Thursday, June 4th, is the public holiday of Corpus Christi (Corpo de Deus) in Madeira. The streets of Funchal’s historic center are adorned with beautiful, handmade carpets of fresh flowers, which are a major attraction in themselves. The highlight of the celebrations will be a procession starting at 6:00 PM from Largo do Colégio square.
- Who it affects: Visitors to Funchal, especially drivers and culture enthusiasts.
- What it means in practice: The procession route will be closed to all vehicle traffic. Also, expect possible changes in the opening hours of some shops and services.
- Our recommendation: Leave your car in one of the outlying car parks (e.g., near the cable car) and explore the city center on foot. The flower carpets are definitely worth the walk.
Current Status of Hiking Trails: Fees, Closures, and Safety
Exploring Madeira’s nature requires planning and respect for the rules. Recent events only confirm this. We’ve compiled a summary of the most important information you need to know before any hike.
1. Mandatory Registrations and Fees
Since the beginning of 2026, all non-residents are required to pay an online fee of €3 to access each officially recommended trail (PR). Reservations and payments must be made in advance through the SIMplifica portal. Park rangers are checking for compliance.
2. Overview of Major Closures
Before your trip, always check the current status on the official IFCN website (Madeira Trail Status). As of today, the following restrictions are in place:
- PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo): Only the western route through the tunnels is open. For safety reasons, it is recommended to go only as far as the Pedra Rija viewpoint (approx. 1.2 km). The eastern path via Pico das Torres remains closed.
- Permanently closed trails: Due to damage and high risk, the following popular trails are completely closed until further notice: PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde, PR 7 Levada do Moinho, and PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada.
3. Respect Signs and Instructions
A nighttime rescue of four hikers in the Porto Moniz area and a recent incident where a tourist assaulted a park ranger at the entrance to a closed trail serve as a stark warning. Entering closed sections is not only extremely dangerous but also illegal and subject to heavy fines.
- Who it affects: All tourists and hikers.
- What it means in practice: You must not enter closed trails or hike without a valid registration. Plan your hikes to return with plenty of time before dusk.
- Our recommendation: Always carry a fully charged phone with a power bank and have offline maps downloaded (e.g., Mapy.cz). Stick exclusively to official and open trails.
Weekend Tip: Medieval Market in Machico
Planning to spend the weekend in Madeira? Then don’t miss the 19th edition of the historic Mercado Quinhentista (16th Century Market) festival in Machico. From Friday, June 5th, to Sunday, June 7th, the town’s historic center will come alive with jousting tournaments, music, and period gastronomy. Over 1,500 costumed performers and dozens of stalls await you.
- Who it affects: Anyone looking to experience a unique atmosphere and have fun.
- What it means in practice: Large crowds are expected in Machico, and finding a parking space will be nearly impossible.
- Our recommendation: Use the SAM intercity buses to travel to Machico. You’ll save time and the stress of searching for parking.