Planning a Trip to the Mountains? It’s Best to Avoid Them Today
Weather is the main story today. Following the passage of low-pressure system ‘Regina,’ the island’s highest elevations remain covered in snow and ice. For tourists, this means one thing: trips to the highest peaks are dangerous and practically impossible today.
Critical Warning: The Road to Pico do Areeiro is Closed
- Who is affected: All drivers and tourists heading to the central mountain massif.
- What this means in practice: The mountain road ER 202 in the Poiso area, the main access route to Pico do Areeiro, is completely closed due to snow and ice. You cannot reach the summit by car.
- Our recommendation: Cancel all plans to visit Pico do Areeiro. Do not attempt to reach the area via alternative routes; conditions are hazardous.
Status of Hiking Trails and Levadas
The situation has also affected the condition of the official hiking trails (PR). Before any hike, always check the current status on the official IFCN website (Madeira Trail).
- PR 1 Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro ↔ Pico Ruivo): ⚠️ SEVERE RESTRICTIONS. The traverse between the peaks is not possible. The trail is only open for a short section (approx. 1.2 km) from Pico do Areeiro to the Pedra Rija viewpoint. However, due to the closed access road, the entire area is practically inaccessible.
- ⛔ CLOSED: Due to landslides and other risks, the following trails are closed: PR 10 Levada do Furado, PR 7 Levada do Moinho, PR 1.3, PR 16, and PR 20. Do not enter these trails.
- ✅ OPEN with caution: The popular PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes trail in Rabaçal is open. However, expect wet and muddy conditions. The trail is operating as a one-way loop thanks to the repaired ‘bypass’.
Don’t Forget About Reservations and Fees
We remind you that a new system has been in effect for all PR trails since the beginning of the year. Non-residents must book a time slot in advance through the Simplifica portal and pay a €3 fee.
Traffic and Road Conditions
In addition to the mountains, other roads are also reporting complications. Drive with extreme caution, as there may be fallen branches or rocks on the roadway.
- ER 222 Closure: This road is closed due to a landslide. This mainly affects travelers in the Ponta do Sol and Calheta areas. Follow your navigation system and expect detours.
- Restrictions in Ponta do Sol: A hill climb car race is culminating here today. Expect traffic restrictions. If you’re not a rally fan, it’s best to avoid this area.
- Funchal and Cruise Ship Crowds: Cruise ships are docked in the port today, bringing approximately 5,000 extra people to the city center. Be prepared for larger crowds around the harbor, at the Mercado dos Lavradores market, and near the Monte cable car.
Our Tips: What to Do Instead of Hiking the Mountains?
The bad weather in the mountains presents an ideal opportunity to explore Funchal and its cultural offerings. Today is the perfect day for it.
- Madeira Music Festival: The prestigious music festival kicks off this evening at the Funchal Congress Centre. An excellent tip for an indoor evening program.
- Baltazar Dias Theatre: The historic theatre in Funchal is presenting the musical ‘História Alegre de Portugal’ today. Another great choice for a dry, cultural experience.
- Museums and Markets: Use the day to visit the famous Mercado dos Lavradores (in the morning) or one of the many museums, such as the CR7 Museum or the Madeira Wine Museum.