Is Madeira safe?

Allow for a larger wave.

A lull can be followed by a wave that reaches apparently safe ground. Keep back from the waterline, exposed rocks and breakwaters; face the sea and respect barriers and warnings.

Check who is watching.

Choose supervised bathing areas, check flags and follow the lifeguard’s instructions. An official lifeguard listing does not confirm someone is on duty when you arrive. If conditions or supervision are unclear, stay out.

Currents can carry swimmers offshore.

AMN advises: do not fight a rip current; signal and call for help. If able, swim parallel to the shore to leave the current before returning towards land.

Check the route, then stay on it.

Read the official trail status before leaving. Respect closures, choose a route suited to your ability, avoid walking alone and plan to finish before dark.

Take time on wet or damaged ground.

Waterfall spray can make rock slippery; erosion and loose ground can affect paths. Wear walking footwear with grip, avoid exposed edges and do not rush to pass others.

Change the plan when conditions change.

Visit Madeira advises against continuing in heavy rain or strong wind. Turn back along the same route if it is safe; do not improvise a shortcut.

Take warning signs seriously.

IFCN notices document falling rocks and collapsed path surfaces. A familiar route or an older photo is not evidence that a passage is safe today.

Do not cross a damaged or closed section.

As a precaution, avoid stopping beneath cliffs or unstable slopes. If fallen debris blocks a trail or road, keep clear and follow official diversions; call 112 for immediate danger.

Leave time for bends and steep roads.

Visit Madeira recommends adapting speed to the road and weather. Drive cautiously on narrow, winding routes and in reduced visibility; choose main roads if a navigation app suggests a route you are uncomfortable with.

Stop only in a suitable place.

Avoid parking on sharp bends, steep slopes or anywhere that obstructs traffic. Pull into a safe, permitted stopping place before checking directions or taking photographs.

Respect barriers and diversions.

Do not continue through a closure because a map still shows the road. Check official updates and avoid stopping below visibly unstable slopes.

Cool weather can still mean strong UV.

IPMA explains that sunburn is possible on cloudy days and without feeling hot. Check the UV forecast rather than judging sun exposure by the temperature.

Pack sun protection for time outdoors.

DGS recommends sunscreen of at least SPF 30, a hat, UV-protective sunglasses and clothing that covers the skin. Seek shade and reapply sunscreen regularly, including after swimming.

Take drinking water when you go out.

Carry water for walks, beach visits and sightseeing. Drink regularly, especially in hot weather, and allow for places where refills may not be available. For hikes, Visit Madeira recommends a reserve.

Clothing & grip

Suitable walking shoes, warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Calheta’s guidance recommends warm clothing at altitude even when the weather seems pleasant; bring a torch for a route with tunnels.

Water & food

Carry enough for the outing plus a reserve, as Visit Madeira recommends.

Phone & essentials

Start with a fully charged phone. Consider a power bank and a waterproof pouch for your phone and essentials. A pouch is protection for belongings, not a reason to enter rough water.

A plan someone knows

Share the route and expected return time. Save route information before leaving; do not depend on mobile signal being available throughout the walk.