Practical Info: Higher Tax in Santa Cruz and a New Events Platform
Tourist Tax Increase in Santa Cruz and Caniço
Who is affected? Tourists staying in the municipality of Santa Cruz, which includes popular areas like Caniço, the town of Santa Cruz, and the airport vicinity.
What does this mean in practice? The local government has approved an increase in the tourist tax to €4 per person per night. The fee is paid directly at your accommodation and will increase your total costs, especially for longer or family stays.
Our recommendation: If you have a reservation in this area, factor this expense into your budget. When paying, check that the fee amount corresponds to the new regulation.
Easier Overview of Events Across the Island
For everyone looking for cultural, sports, or social activities, a new digital platform has been launched. It consolidates the calendar of events from all over Madeira, making it easy to find out what’s happening, whether you’re in Funchal or in smaller towns.
Safety in Funchal: Exercise Increased Caution
Who is affected? Visitors in the historic center of Funchal, especially during the evening and night hours.
What is happening? The police are investigating a series of small fires in the streets of Rua do Sabão, Rua da Boa Viagem, and in the Visconde Cacongo area. This is not a widespread danger, but a series of local incidents.
Our recommendation: Be vigilant when walking through the old town after dark. Avoid deserted and unlit alleyways, and follow any instructions from the police if a street is temporarily closed.
Mountain Trail Status: Important Closures on PR1 and PR1.3
Who is affected? All hikers planning the route between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo (PR1) or a hike in the Encumeada area (PR1.3).
What does this mean in practice? The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has updated the status of these key trails. Remember that online registration and payment of a fee are required to access these routes.
- PR1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro ↔ Pico Ruivo): Only the western branch of the trail, which goes through the tunnels, is open. The section between the Pedra Rija viewpoint and Pico das Torres (the eastern branch) is permanently and dangerously closed. Ignoring this closure can be life-threatening.
- PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada: Only the section between Pico Ruivo and the Boca das Torrinhas pass (approx. 3.9 km) is open. The rest of the trail towards Encumeada remains closed for safety reasons.
Our recommendation: Always follow the official trail markers and respect all closures. Verify the information before your hike on the official IFCN website or in the WalkMe app.
Cultural Tips for Today (October 14)
If you still have energy after your excursions, Madeira offers a varied program tonight:
- For sports lovers: At 4:30 PM, the prestigious EcoTrail Funchal running race will be presented at Funchal’s city hall.
- For music fans: From 7:30 PM, the Baltazar Dias Theatre will host the concert “Mulheres com História”.
- For theatre enthusiasts: In Ponta do Sol, the cultural center is hosting the play “Bom Filho a Casa Torna” from 9:00 PM.
- Tip for Friday: If you are planning a trip to Machico or Santa Cruz, the opening of an exhibition by artist Rigo 23 will begin on Friday, October 16, at 6:00 PM in the House of Culture (Quinta do Revoredo).