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Guide updated on 9 November 2026

Madeira trail closures: is the Madeira Crossing open?

Current closures on the Madeira Crossing (PR10 Levada do Furado, PR1.3 to Encumeada), possible detours and where to check the trail status.

Madeira's trails close regularly after a rockfall, a storm or a fire. As of 9 November 2026, the crossing is cut in two places. Always check the official IFCN list the day before each stage.

Closures affecting the crossing

TrailStageStatus on 9 November 2026
PR10 Levada do Furado1Closed (path collapsed), no reopening date. Closed in December 2025, reopened on 14 July 2026, then closed again.
PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada3Partial: open from Pico Ruivo to Boca das Torrinhas since 18 June 2026, closed from Boca das Torrinhas to Encumeada.
PR1 Vereda do Areeiro2Open every day since 26 June 2026, one-way towards Pico Ruivo after Pedra Rija. The variant via Pico das Torres remains closed.
PR17 Pináculo e Folhadal4Only open from Encumeada to Bica da Cana, which is exactly the section used by the crossing.

The other trails used are open as of the same date: PR5, PR6.5, PR13.1, PR13, PR14 and PR15.

How to get round the closures

The IFCN does not recommend any unofficial path and publishes no official detour. The options below are practical suggestions, to be checked on the ground:

  • Levada do Furado closed: take a taxi from Portela to Poiso, then resume the crossing towards Pico do Areeiro.
  • PR1.3 closed: at Boca das Torrinhas, descend via the PR2 Vereda do Urzal to Curral das Freiras or Boaventura, then reach Encumeada by bus or taxi. You can also leave Pico Ruivo via the PR1.2 (Achada do Teixeira) or the PR1.1 (Ilha).
  • Walk the crossing in two halves: the east as far as Pico Ruivo, then the west from Encumeada. See our itineraries.

Entering a closed trail can lead to a fine of €250 to €2,500, and you may be billed for any rescue. Respect the no-entry signs.

Where to check the trail status

  • The official IFCN list, with the status of each PR trail (open, partial, closed) and the date of the last update.
  • The IFCN notices on closures and reopenings.
  • The Civil Protection's Prociv Madeira app, for weather and fire alerts.

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