This is Madeira News

It’s official: the secret is out, and the world has fallen in love with Madeira. TripAdvisor has just announced its highly anticipated “Best of the Best” Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2026, and the Pearl of the Atlantic has claimed the top spot. Beating out tropical heavyweights and famous metropolises across the globe, Madeira has been elected the #1 Trending Destination in the World. Why Madeira? Why Now? Often affectionately called...

As the clock ticks toward 2026, Madeira is preparing for one of the most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. While the tradition of the massive midnight fireworks display remains the crown jewel of the night, several updates have been announced regarding event timing and the impressive lineup of vessels in the bay. Fireworks Confirmed, Animation Adjusted The Regional Government has confirmed that the spectacular midnight fireworks display...

t is the news we were all hoping for: The Regional Government of Madeira has officially confirmed that the New Year’s Eve fireworks display will proceed as originally planned at midnight (24:00). Following the urgent 19:00 meeting with the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) and safety authorities, the decision was made to keep the traditional schedule. Why the Change? Earlier today, fears were high that Storm...

The situation regarding Madeira’s world-famous New Year’s Eve celebrations is evolving rapidly as Storm Francis approaches the archipelago. With an Orange Warning in effect and forecasts predicting the worst weather conditions—heavy rain, hail, and 80 km/h winds—precisely during the midnight hour, authorities are being forced to rethink the traditional schedule. The Plan: Fireworks at 20:00? According to exclusive information obtained by This is Madeira Island, the safety and technical teams...

By now, most travelers know that Madeira has introduced entrance fees for its most popular hiking trails (Levadas). However, while booking your ticket online, there is a crucial detail that many might miss—but strictly must accept. As you can see in the screenshot below from the official booking portal, it is impossible to purchase a ticket without checking a specific box regarding liability. The checkbox reads: “Users of pedestrian routes...

The situation in Madeira has escalated into a travel nightmare this weekend as Depression Emilia batters the archipelago with severe weather conditions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and emergency services overwhelmed. Airport Paralysis: 185 Flights Grounded If you are planning to fly in or out of Madeira, brace yourself for bad news. The Madeira International Airport is facing a complete meltdown with a staggering 105 flights cancelled this Saturday alone....

The days of simply parking your car and walking into nature are officially over. In a drastic move to control tourism, the Regional Government has imposed strict new regulations that will fundamentally change how you visit Madeira. Strict 30-Minute “Entry Windows” Forget about going at your own pace. The government is now enforcing a rigid “slot system.” Access to trails is being sliced into 30-minute windows from sunrise to sunset....

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...

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...