The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has officially ordered the closure of all classified hiking routes across Madeira Island due to dangerous weather conditions.
Following severe weather alerts issued by the IPMA, authorities have deemed the mountains unsafe for hikers. In addition to the footpaths, the forest road connecting Eira do Serrado to Pico do Areeiro is also closed to traffic until further notice.
Do not ignore these signs. Authorities have made it clear that anyone found circulating on closed trails will be held accountable. Ignoring the prohibition is not only a risk to your life and the lives of rescue teams, but it will also hit your wallet hard—fines for non-compliance can exceed €2,500.
Stay safe, follow Civil Protection guidelines, and save your money by staying off the mountains until the alerts are lifted!
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