Fanal Forest in Madeira 2024-2025

Nestled in the northern part of the Portuguese island of Madeira, the Fanal Forest is part of the Laurisilva forest of Paul da Serra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its mysterious and ancient landscape, featuring trees that are up to 500 years old. The forest's unique charm and atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The Enchanting Laurisilva Forest

The laurel forest, or Laurisilva, covered much of southern Europe centuries ago but is now a rare sight. Madeira, along with the Azores and the Canary Islands, is one of the few places where this type of forest still exists. Entering the Fanal Forest feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with its twisted, ancient trees often shrouded in a mystical mist.

Best Time to Visit Fanal Forest

Fanal Forest can be visited year-round, but certain conditions enhance its magical atmosphere. The best time to visit is when the forest is enveloped in fog, a common occurrence due to its elevation of 3773 feet (1150 m) above sea level. The weather can change swiftly, transforming from clear skies to dense fog within minutes, so patience is crucial for those wanting to experience Fanal in its most mystical state. Early mornings are often the best time to experience this foggy landscape. During summer months, the forest is drier and clearer, while spring and autumn offer cooler temperatures and lush greenery. Despite its popularity, the forest's expansive size allows people to disperse across its grounds, ensuring a sense of tranquility. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in the evening or at sunset, when the number of visitors tends to decrease compared to the daytime.

Getting to Fanal Forest

The forest is located about 30 miles (50 km) from Funchal, Madeira's capital. The drive takes approximately one hour, and the roads are in very good condition. However, exercise caution while driving, especially in foggy conditions, as cows roam freely and can appear suddenly on the road. Visitors can easily find parking by searching for "Fanal Parking" on Google Maps. From the parking area, it’s just a short walk to the forest.

Hiking in Fanal Forest

Fanal Forest offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty and length, allowing visitors to explore its stunning scenery at their own pace.

Vereda do Fanal (PR13)

This 6.7-mile (10.8 km) one-way trail starts from the Paul da Serra plateau and takes about 4 hours to complete. It’s a popular route that showcases the rich biodiversity and beautiful views of the Laurisilva forest.

Levada dos Cedros (PR14)

Another popular trail, a 6.8-mile (11 km) round trip, also starts from the Paul da Serra plateau and ends at a picturesque waterfall. It takes about 3-4 hours to complete and offers a lush, green landscape.

Photography in Fanal Forest

Fanal Forest is a photographer's paradise. The ancient, gnarled trees, often cloaked in mist, create a surreal and captivating scene. Whether you're a professional or an amateur photographer, the forest provides endless opportunities to capture stunning images. Despite the cold, fog, and rain you might encounter women in beautiful dresses being photographed or filmed by drones as you walk through this enchanting forest.

Wildlife and Flora

The Fanal Forest is home to a variety of endemic plant and animal species. The ancient laurel trees, such as the Ocotea Foetens, are notable for their age and grandeur. The forest also supports a range of bird species, including the Madeira Firecrest and the Trocaz Pigeon, as well as reptiles and insects unique to the region. You'll find many cows in the main area, peacefully trimming the grass. They're quite comfortable with people around and pose no danger. However, watch your step as cow dung can be scattered around.

Tips

When visiting Fanal Forest, be prepared for a few essential tips to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. Ticks are prevalent in the area, so wearing long pants and footwear that fully covers your feet is crucial to avoid them hitching a ride on your clothes. Good shoes are also recommended for navigating the often wet and muddy terrain. Due to its high altitude, temperatures at Fanal can be significantly cooler than at sea level, so packing a water-resistant, hooded jacket is wise, especially when fog rolls in. Despite its serene beauty, dense fog can make navigation tricky, and it's easy to get disoriented, even for frequent visitors. Stay cautious and prepared to enjoy your time in Fanal safely.

Visitor Reviews

Rove.me reached out to Oksana Melnyk from Ukraine, who visited Fanal Forest with her husband in July 2024. We asked her about her impressions and any drawbacks she encountered during the visit.

Oksana remarked that having more information beforehand would have enhanced her experience. "I didn’t know these were laurel trees or that they were so ancient. Knowing that would have made the experience even more impactful," she explained. Her general impressions were overwhelmingly positive, describing the forest as a "magical land" where "you feel like you're in The Lord of the Rings." She added, "It feels like everything has fallen silent, waiting for something to happen."

The presence of cows in the area also stood out to her. "The grass looks mowed, but it’s actually the cows eating it. You’re constantly expecting to meet a cow, and when you do in the fog, they seem huge."

However, Oksana did note some challenges. "There were too many people in such a small area, making it hard to take photos. Sometimes, you have to wait for others to finish their shots before you can approach a tree." She and her husband also had to cut their visit short due to heavy rain and thick fog. "It became hard to navigate, and it was easy to get lost in the fog, which is quite stressful. Plus, there’s no phone signal, so you can’t call anyone if needed."

Despite these minor issues, Oksana’s overall experience was deeply memorable, capturing both the enchanting and mysterious nature of Fanal Forest.