Weather and Traffic: Give the Mountains a Rest Today
If you were planning a high-altitude hike today, consider changing your plans. According to meteorologists (IPMA), showers, fog, and a significant drop in temperature will affect the island’s interior and mountainous areas. Temperatures in the mountains are hovering around only 20°C, and visibility may be very poor. In contrast, the south coast remains calmer with temperatures up to 24°C and waves under one meter.
Furthermore, the situation in the interior is complicated by a huge festival in the Chão da Lagoa area, near Pico do Areeiro. Roads in this location are extremely busy, leading to long traffic jams. The rain is making the situation even worse.
Practical Recommendations:
- For hikers and trekkers: If you still decide to head to the mountains, be prepared for cold, wet, and foggy conditions. For today, it’s better to choose routes at lower altitudes or along the coast.
- For drivers: We strongly recommend avoiding the Chão da Lagoa area and the access roads to Pico do Areeiro. To cross to the north coast, use the coastal expressways (VR1/VE1) instead.
Key Info for Tourists: Closed Trails and a New Payment System
The most important news for all levada lovers is the current status of the hiking trails. Please pay close attention to this information to avoid unnecessary risks and fines.
ATTENTION: PR10 Levada do Furado is COMPLETELY CLOSED!
The official forestry authority (IFCN) reports that one of the most popular trails, PR10 Levada do Furado (Ribeiro Frio – Lamaceiros), is completely closed until further notice due to a recent landslide and the destruction of part of the path. Entry is strictly forbidden under penalty of a fine of up to €250.
Other Closed Trails
Entry is also prohibited on the following trails:
- PR7 Levada do Moinho
- PR20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar
- PR27 Glaciar de Planalto
- PR28 Levada da Rocha Vermelha
- PR3 Levada do Pico do Castelo (on the island of Porto Santo)
Don’t Forget Online Booking (SIMplifica)
We remind you that as of this year, online registration and payment via the SIMplifica portal are required for entry to all official PR trails. The standard fee is €4.50. For the one-way PR1 ridge walk (Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo), foreign tourists will pay €10.50. Forestry police patrols are actively checking for compliance with these rules today.
Our Tips for a Relaxing Sunday (and Staying Dry)
Instead of battling the rain and traffic jams in the mountains, you can enjoy a great day on the coast. Here are two tips for events that are ending or culminating today:
1. Last Chance: ExpoMadeira in Funchal
Who it’s for: Anyone looking for entertainment, good food, and souvenirs.
What it involves: Today is the last day of the largest trade fair on the island. At the Barreiros stadium in Funchal, you’ll find dozens of stalls with local products, a video game zone, concerts, theater, and fado performances. It’s the ideal plan for a rainy afternoon and evening.
Our recommendation: Head there after 4:00 PM when the gates open. The entrance fee is a symbolic €1, and the program runs until 11:00 PM.
2. Authentic Experience: Wheat Threshing Festival in Gaula
Who it’s for: Travelers seeking authentic culture and tranquility.
What it involves: In the town of Gaula (east of Funchal), the traditional wheat harvest festival is taking place today. You can see demonstrations of historical farming techniques accompanied by folklore music and taste local specialties.
Our recommendation: Combine your visit with a trip along the east coast. Gaula is at a lower altitude, so there is a much lower chance of rain than in the mountains.