Weather and Transport: Winds Continue to Cause Problems at the Airport
The weather in Madeira is once again testing travelers’ patience today. Strong winds that have been battering the island in recent days continue to complicate air traffic at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC). Meteorologists expect a slight improvement only by the end of the week, but the wind is forecast to return in full force early next week.
- Who is affected? All travelers arriving in or departing from Madeira in the coming days.
- What does this mean in practice? You should expect a high probability of flight delays, diversions, or even cancellations.
- What do we recommend? Stay in close contact with your airline, regularly check your flight status online, and allow plenty of extra time to get to the airport.
Mountains and Hiking Trails: Widespread Closures Due to Landslides
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has issued a strong warning and has closed a large number of popular hiking trails due to dangerous conditions following recent rains. The reasons are primarily landslides, fallen trees, and general terrain instability. Please respect all restrictions; ignoring them risks not only a fine but, more importantly, your personal safety.
Overview of Major Restrictions:
Fully Closed Trails:
- PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada
- PR 5 Vereda das Funduras
- PR 7 Levada do Moinho
- PR 10 Levada do Furado
- PR 14 Levada dos Cedros
- PR 18 Levada do Rei
Partially Accessible Trails:
- PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro: Only the initial 1.2 km section to the Pedra Rija viewpoint is safely passable. The route to Pico Ruivo is not accessible.
- PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde: The trail is open only up to the junction with Vereda da Ilha (approx. 4.5 km).
Traffic Restrictions in the Mountains:
- The mountain road from Eira do Serrado towards Pico do Areeiro is completely impassable due to fallen trees.
What This Means for You
- Who is affected? All hikers, mountain trekkers, and drivers heading to the central part of the island.
- What does this mean in practice? Many planned excursions, especially to higher altitudes and in the north of the island, are currently not feasible.
- What do we recommend? Change your plans and choose safer alternatives. Coastal walks (e.g., in Funchal or Caniço), exploring the towns, or visiting one of the open levadas in the lower, southern parts of the island are ideal options. Before any trip, check the latest status on the official IFCN website.
Tip for Today: Culture and a More Relaxed Itinerary
If the weather has ruined your hiking plans, don’t despair. Madeira offers many alternatives. Instead of a mountain hike, you can use the day to explore the capital city of Funchal, visit the local market, museums, or taste the excellent Madeira wine. For those interested in local culture, there is a book presentation today for “Nação Valente,” which could be a pleasant end to a day spent safely in the city.