Weather and Safety: High Heat in the Mountains
Who it affects: All tourists, especially those planning to hike at higher elevations (Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo).
What it means in practice: Meteorologists have extended the yellow warning for high temperatures until this evening (6:00 PM). While the south coast offers ideal swimming weather with air temperatures around 28°C and the sea at a pleasant 22-24°C, in the mountains, the combination of intense sun and heat increases the risk of heatstroke and dehydration.
Our recommendation: Start high-altitude hikes early in the morning. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and most importantly, plenty of fluids – at least 2 to 3 liters of water per person. By the way, the recent minor nighttime earthquakes near Porto Santo were imperceptible to people and have no impact on your safety.
Hiking Trails: Great News from Encumeada and Mandatory Registration
Who it affects: All hiking and mountain trekking enthusiasts.
- Good news: After a long closure, the PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada trail, which connects Pico Ruivo and Boca das Torrinhas, has been fully repaired and reopened. This opens up another fantastic option for more challenging hikes.
- Status of PR 1: On the main ridge trail from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, the western path (via the tunnels) remains open. The eastern route via Pico das Torres is still closed.
- Reminder: For non-residents, online registration and payment via the SIMplifica portal are mandatory to access all official hiking trails (PR). The fee for most trails is €4.50, while the famous PR 1 costs €10.50. Checks are being conducted on the trails.
Our recommendation: Take advantage of the newly opened PR 1.3 trail for a unique experience. However, remember to register any trek on the marked PR routes in advance.
Transportation: Festival in Câmara de Lobos and Extra Ferries to Porto Santo
Restrictions in Câmara de Lobos
Who it affects: Drivers and tourists heading to Câmara de Lobos or passing through towards Cabo Girão.
What it means in practice: Preparations are beginning in the picturesque fishing town for the famous gastronomic festival (August 6–9). Some streets in the center and around the harbor are already closed, and parking is prohibited. Expect delays and minimal chances of finding a parking spot.
Our recommendation: Do not drive directly into the historic center. Park on the outskirts of town and walk, or ideally, use the Rodoeste bus lines from Funchal.
Travel to Porto Santo
Who it affects: Travelers who want to visit the ‘golden island’ of Porto Santo.
What it means in practice: Due to huge summer demand, the company Porto Santo Line has added extra round-trip sailings on the Lobo Marinho ferry for Wednesdays, August 12th and 26th.
Our recommendation: If you couldn’t get tickets for an August trip to the beaches of Porto Santo, you have a new chance. Book your tickets online as soon as possible, as they usually sell out within a few days.
Practical Tips: Water Outages and Traveling with a Dog
Who it affects: Tourists staying in villas and apartments in Funchal (São Gonçalo district) and in the surf village of Paul do Mar.
What it means in practice: Due to necessary repairs to the water network, there may be interruptions to the water supply today. In the São Gonçalo district (the area around Levada dos Tornos and Palheiro Gardens), the outage is expected to last until approximately 3:00 PM. In Paul do Mar in the southwest, outages may be intermittent throughout the day. This may mean that public restrooms, beach showers, or some cafes may not be operational.
Our recommendation: Keep a sufficient supply of bottled drinking water on hand. And if you are traveling with a dog, be aware that only 10% of hotels in Funchal accept pets, so it is essential to book your accommodation well in advance.