Hiking Trail Status: Great News from PR10 and Fee Information
Good news for all levada lovers! After extensive renovations, the popular PR10 Levada do Furado trail is now fully open. If you’re looking for a trip idea for today, this is a clear choice.
What about other key trails?
- PR1 Vereda do Areeiro: The route between the highest peaks is open, but only the western path through the tunnels is accessible. The eastern path via Pico das Torres remains permanently closed.
- PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada: Only the 3.9 km section to the Boca das Torrinhas viewpoint is open. The rest of the trail to the Encumeada pass is inaccessible for safety reasons.
Fees and Reservations
Don’t forget that most official trails (PR) require a fee and an online reservation. Capacity is limited.
- Who does this apply to? All non-resident tourists.
- What does this mean in practice? The basic fee is €4.50 per person. An exception is the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, where the fee is €10.50.
- What do we recommend? Book your time slot in advance on the official SIMplifica portal.
Rali da Madeira is Approaching: What It Means for Drivers and Travelers
Madeira is gearing up for its biggest motorsport event of the year. Next week, from July 30th to August 1st, the special stages of the famous Rali da Madeira will take over the island. Stars like Kris Meeke and Diego Ruiloba will be at the starting line.
- Who does this affect? Anyone planning to rent a car and tourists seeking peace and quiet in the mountains.
- What does this mean in practice? Expect extensive and frequent road closures in mountainous areas. Car rental agencies will likely be fully booked, and accommodation prices near the rally route will be higher. This year, the race’s logistics center is moving from downtown Funchal to the Gare Marítima port, which should ease traffic in the city.
- What do we recommend? If you want a car, book it immediately. Before any trip, check the race schedule and road closure plan. If you prefer tranquility, plan your activities on rally days in areas away from the special stage routes (e.g., the coast, beaches).
Cultural Tips and Practical Information
Free Jazz in Câmara de Lobos
Don’t miss out on a great musical experience! This Saturday, July 25th, the fishing bay of Câmara de Lobos will transform into an open-air concert stage. As part of the ‘Jazz em Festa’ festival, the Orquestra de Jazz do Funchal will perform a tribute to Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter starting at 9:30 PM. Admission is completely free.
- Who is this for? Lovers of music and a relaxed atmosphere.
- What do we recommend? Combine the concert with a tasting of the traditional Poncha. Head to Câmara de Lobos early to find a parking spot.
Flights and Transportation in Funchal
Tensions are running between Madeiran authorities and ticket sellers over the resident subsidy system. For tourists, this may cause minor complications with domestic flights.
- Who does this affect? Travelers connecting through Lisbon or Porto.
- What do we recommend? To be safe, confirm your booking directly with the airline (TAP, EasyJet, etc.) before your flight.
- Funchal Alert: A major international forum is taking place at the congress center today. Expect increased police and government vehicle presence around the Lido hotel district and the port.
News from Porto Santo
On the neighboring island of Porto Santo, a major modernization of the water supply network is underway. For tourists, this is good news as it guarantees a stable supply of drinking water even during the peak summer season. However, please exercise increased caution when driving on local roads during the construction work.