Hiking Paths Shut Down as Storm Warnings Hit the Island.

FUNCHAL, MADEIRA – After an agonizing wait for hikers worldwide, Madeira’s most legendary trail is finally set to reopen. The iconic PR1 Vereda do Arieiro, the breathtaking path connecting Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, will welcome the public back starting April 27, 2026. The route, often called the “stairway to heaven,” has been tragically closed since the devastating wildfires of 2024, which caused significant damage to its structure and...

FUNCHAL – If you are planning to visit Madeira in 2026, the way you explore the island is about to change completely. During the forum celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Laurisilva forest as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Regional Government announced a major new measure that affects all visitors. A New “Time Slot” System Starting January 1, 2026, you will no longer be able to simply walk onto...