⚠️ Weather: Orange Alert and Stormy Seas
Madeira continues to face the effects of adverse weather this weekend. The IPMA institute has extended the warning for strong winds and rough seas, which applies to the northern coast of Madeira and the island of Porto Santo.
- Who is affected: All tourists staying in the north (Porto Moniz, Seixal, São Vicente) and visitors to viewpoints.
- What this means in practice: Waves can reach heights of 5–6 meters (with peaks up to 11 meters). Accessing piers and coastal promenades is extremely dangerous.
- Recommendation: Avoid swimming on the north coast and do not approach the edge of cliffs or breakwaters. Maintain a safe distance from the sea.
🚢 Transportation: Ferry to Porto Santo Canceled
The Porto Santo Line company has canceled today’s sailing of the Lobo Marinho ferry in response to sea conditions.
- Who is affected: Travelers planning to journey between Funchal and Porto Santo on Saturday, January 3rd.
- What this means in practice: You will not be able to get to the other island (or back) today. The good news is that additional services are scheduled for Sunday, January 4th (departures from Funchal at 08:00 and 16:00) to compensate for the cancellation.
- Recommendation: Rebook your tickets for tomorrow’s special services immediately.
🥾 Mountains and Trails: Levadas Are High-Risk
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has confirmed that hiking trails remain closed or are considered high-risk. This is due to strong winds at altitudes above 1000m, the risk of falling trees, and landslides following recent rains.
- Who is affected: Anyone who planned mountain hikes (Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo) or levada walks in forested areas.
- What this means in practice: Specific closures are mentioned for PR 10 (Levada do Furado) and PR 3 on Porto Santo, but the warning applies generally. Mountain hiking is dangerous today.
- Recommendation: Avoid the mountains today. Do not risk injury or fines for entering closed trails.
🏙️ Situation in Funchal and Activity Tips
In the center of Funchal, the situation is calmer, although it can still be windy. Firefighters responded to a fire in an abandoned house on Rua do Pina today—the fire is under control, but you may smell smoke in the area and local traffic may be restricted.
What to Do Instead of Hiking?
Given the weather, we recommend indoor activities or visiting gardens at lower altitudes:
- Museums and History: An ideal time to visit the wine cellars (Blandy’s) or the CR7 Museum.
- Markets: The Mercado dos Lavradores is indoors and offers a great experience regardless of the wind.
- Gardens: If strong winds aren’t reported directly in Funchal, the Monte Palace Garden could be a viable option (but check the status of the cable car, as it does not operate in high winds).
A final note: You may notice a more somber mood among locals or see the news playing in cafes. This is due to the tense situation in Venezuela, where many Madeirans have family. This does not pose any threat to your safety, but it is good to be aware of the context.