Madeira

Is it safe to travel to Madeira in 2026?

Madeira is part of Portugal, and the UK travel advice (FCDO) covers it on the Portugal page, consulted on November 7, 2026. The risk the FCDO highlights is wildfires, higher between April and October in hot, dry weather: they are dangerous and unpredictable, and the authorities may evacuate areas and close roads. The advice is to follow local instructions, check the IPMA fire risk index and call 112 if you see a fire. Lighting a fire, even by accident, is a crime and can lead to a fine or prison.

Can I hike the levadas and walking trails safely?

The official trails are classified by the Regional Government of Madeira, and the list with alerts and closures is on the “Alerts and list of trails” page of Visit Madeira. Closures depend mostly on the weather: in March 2026 the classified trails closed on a day of bad weather, and the Levada do Furado only reopened in July 2026, after a landslide and reinforcement works. Before you set out, check the trail status and the forecast, bring waterproof clothing and don’t enter closed trails, even if you see other people inside. Some trails charge an entrance fee.

Which emergency numbers should I save?

The emergency number is 112, also according to the FCDO. Bring the European Health Insurance Card if you travel from the European Union, and travel insurance for what the card doesn’t cover.

Is it safe for same-sex couples?

In May 2026, the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, which measures laws and policies rather than daily life, ranked Portugal 12th among 49 countries, with 67%. Portugal has dropped for the third year in a row. To look up laws and events by topic, there is the Equaldex page for Portugal.