Only a third of Madeira’s walking routes are passable

Notice to all that intend to walk the Levadas and trails.

11 classified trails were reopened (one of them partially) and 24 remain closed.

The route of Levada das 25 Fontes, Vereda do Alecrim and Levada do Risco have already been reopened.

IFCN warns, however, of the likelihood of landslides occurring, especially in the fire affected areas. If we get more heavy rain, the land has no vegetation keeping it together, resulting in more landslides. 

After the passage of the Bernard depression, only a third of the recommended walking routes (PR) are in a condition to be used by walkers, the Institute of Forestry and Nature Conservation (IFCN) reported this Monday.

According to the survey carried out so far by IFCN, and probably with future updates, 11 pedestrian routes are passable, one of which is partially accessible:

  • PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo
  • PR 6 – Levada das 25 Fontes
  • PR 6.1 – Levada do Risco
  • PR 6.2 – Levada do Alecrim
  • PR 6.3 – Vereda da Lagoa do Vento
  • PR 9- Levada do Caldeirão Verde
  • PR 18 – Levada do Rei
  • A Path for everyone Queimadas- Pico das Pedras
  • PR 1- Vereda do Pico Branco and Terra Chã (Porto Santo)
  • PR 2 – Vereda do Pico do Castelo (Porto Santo)
  • PR 3 – Levada do Pico do Castelo (Porto Santo) – Only the section between Camacha and Capela da Graça is passable , the remaining route is closed (tunnel).

For now, 24 trails considered PR are closed. These are :

PR 1 – Vereda do Areeiro

· PR 1.1 Vereda da Ilha

· PR 1.3 – Vereda da Encumeada

· PR 2 – Vereda do Urzal

· PR 3 – Vereda do Burro

· PR 3.1 – Caminho Real do Monte

  • PR 4 – Levada do Barreiro
  • PR 5 – Vereda das Funduras
  • PR 7 – Levada do Moinho
  • PR 8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
  • PR 10 – Levada do Furado
  • PR 11 – Vereda dos Balcões
  • PR 12 – Caminho Real da Encumeada
  • PR 13- Vereda do Fanal
  • PR 14 – Levada dos Cedros
  • PR 15 – Vereda da Ribeira da Janela
  • PR 16 – Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
  • PR 17 – Caminho do Pináculo and Folhadal
  • PR 18 – Levada do Rei
  • PR 19 – Paul do Mar Royal Path
  • PR 20 – Vereda do Jardim do Mar
  • PR 21 – Caminho do Norte
  • PR 22 – Vereda dos Chão dos Louros
  • PR 23 – Levada da Azenha

However, the IFCN leaves a warning to users, due to the likelihood that landslides may occur: “given that classified pedestrian routes are located in areas subject to strong climatic pressure and consequent natural erosion, we warn you to take precautions when walking the routes that remain open.

From Diário Notícias