Transport: End of easyJet Strike and Flights to Porto Santo
✈️ Flights with easyJet
- Who this affects: Passengers flying with easyJet.
- What this means: The five-day cabin crew strike officially ends today, but disruptions, delays, and potential schedule changes may persist until Friday, October 9th.
- Our recommendation: It is essential to check your flight status online before heading to the airport.
🚤 Trip to Porto Santo
- Who this is for: Anyone considering a trip to the neighboring “golden island.”
- What this means: Due to an international beach handball tournament, the airline Binter has increased the number of flights between Madeira and Porto Santo.
- Our recommendation: Take advantage of this great opportunity for a day trip. However, be aware that Porto Santo will be busier due to the event, and some services may be under more strain.
Hiking and Outdoor Safety
🌦️ Weather in the Mountains and the North
- Who this affects: Hikers heading to mountain trails (Pico do Arieiro, Rabaçal) and the north coast (Porto Moniz, Santana).
- What this means: Rain showers and a slight drop in temperature are expected from late afternoon onwards.
- Our recommendation: Pack a waterproof jacket and a warm layer. Be extremely cautious on wet rocks and winding roads.
🚶♂️ Status of the PR1 Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo Trail
- Who this affects: Anyone planning the famous hike between Madeira’s highest peaks.
- What this means: For safety reasons, the eastern route (via Pico das Torres) remains permanently closed. Only the western route, which goes through tunnels, is open. On selected trails, including this one, non-residents are required to pay a €3 fee.
- Our recommendation: Use the western route only. Purchase the fee in advance online via the Simplifica portal to avoid a fine during spot checks. Do not attempt to use the eastern route under any circumstances.
🐰 Warning: Hunting Season in Progress
- Who this affects: Hikers and tourists in nature, especially in the areas of Quinta Grande, Campanário, and on the island of Porto Santo.
- What this means: Hunting season has begun in Madeira and Porto Santo. You may encounter hunters and hear gunshots in forests and rural areas.
- Our recommendation: Strictly stay on marked hiking trails (PRs and levadas), where hunting is prohibited. To increase your visibility and safety, we recommend wearing brightly colored clothing (red, orange, neon).
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Rodamar I by an island apart
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Two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a sea-view balcony in Funchal, with a lift and free parking.
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Bela Sao Tiago 36
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Beachfront two-bedroom flat in Funchal's old town, with a balcony straight over the sea.
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The Reserve - within Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World
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A hotel inside a hotel at Savoy Palace: six pools, six restaurants and a private beach area. Rated 9.7.
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Les Suites at The Cliff Bay - PortoBay
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Suites-only wing of The Cliff Bay: two pools, spa and restaurant, with prices to match.
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GuestReady - Scenic Stay in the Heart of Funchal
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Three-bedroom apartment in the heart of Funchal with a full kitchen and a lift.
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Barreiros III by an island apart
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Two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a sea-view balcony, with a 24-hour front desk.
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Pestana Porto Santo Premium All Inclusive Beach & SPA Resort
Porto Santo
All-inclusive resort with a private stretch of Porto Santo's golden sand, two pools and a spa.
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Pestana Dunas All Inclusive
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All-inclusive on Porto Santo's beach: two pools, five restaurants, a spa and a tennis court.
Experience Tips: Festival, Cider, and Gastronomy
🍹 Last Chance: Rooftop Festival in Funchal
- Who this is for: Visitors in Funchal looking for evening entertainment.
- What this means: Tonight is your last chance to experience the atmosphere of the music festival on rooftop terraces with stunning city views.
- Our recommendation: Don’t miss the final night. Popular venues and hotel terraces (like those in the Savoy chain) fill up quickly, so we advise arriving early.
🍎 Taste Award-Winning Madeiran Cider
- Who this is for: Lovers of local flavors and agritourism.
- What this means: Madeiran apple cider (sidra) recently won 9 medals at a prestigious international competition. Additionally, the apple pressing season is just beginning in the Santo da Serra region.
- Our recommendation: When visiting a restaurant or bar, order the local cider with a protected geographical indication (PGI). For an authentic experience, consider a trip to Santo da Serra, where you can see the apples being processed and taste the freshest products.