2 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
English
Included
Explore the centuries-old laurel trees of Fanal forest
Accessible trail through open areas and native forest
Magical, misty atmosphere like a fairy tale
Opportunity to relax and swim in the Atlantic Ocea
€ 46.51
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In Fanal, visitors are greeted by a truly unique landscape dominated by a forest of centuries-old laurel trees. This enchanting forest is part of Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The route through Fanal is accessible and offers a mix of open areas and dense native forest, allowing hikers to fully appreciate the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of the region. The area is famously shrouded in a constant mist, creating a magical, almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere that captivates all who visit.
After exploring the mystical Fanal forest, the journey continues with a descent to Seixal beach, renowned for its natural black sand and often considered one of the best beaches in the world. Here, visitors are invited to relax and cool off in the refreshing Atlantic waters, completing a day that combines the wonders of lush forests with the beauty of Madeira’s coastal scenery. This route offers both serenity and adventure, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Nature and scenic hiking tour
Entrance fees
Gratuities
Boots or athletic shoes
Waterproof clothing, warm clothing
Hat & sunscreen
Start early to allow enough time for the hike
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Keep personal essentials
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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We were at this place during a period of really strong fog with a slight wind. It brought an added magic to the location. Anyone who played The Witcher game will understand the atmosphere. For that place, there is no good or bad weather; it's just fantastic at any time. Mysterious trees are speaking with you by projecting funny shapes. * During an offseason it’s easy to find a parking slot. * No data coverage. * Safe for all family. Strongly recommend, as I would name it as a Madeira New Zealand.
One of the most magical hikes in Madeira! 🌿✨ The PR13 Vereda do Fanal takes you through an incredible microclimate where the landscape changes constantly. On many days, the area is wrapped in mist, giving the ancient laurel forest an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The twisted, centuries-old trees covered in moss are unlike anything else — walking among them feels otherworldly. The trail can be done as a loop and offers a mix of open ridges with wide views and shaded forest paths. On clear days you may find yourself above the clouds with jaw-dropping panoramas, while on misty days it feels mysterious and quiet, with birdsong echoing through the trees. On the drive there, you’ll also see wind turbines dotting the hillsides, a reminder of Madeira’s unique mix of nature and human presence. The hike is not too difficult, well-marked, and suitable for most people with decent fitness. It’s a fantastic place for photography, picnics, or just soaking in the beauty of the Laurisilva forest — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fanal is a place where you can easily spend hours wandering and exploring. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Madeira — whether you’re a hiker, a nature lover, or simply someone who enjoys magical landscapes. 🌳☁️
The starting point is easy to find and clearly marked. The route is well-signed and easy to follow. This hiking trail offers stunning views, but it’s quite long and requires a bit of stamina or prior training to complete. All in all, we really enjoyed the experience!
The Vereda Do Fanal is quite something. The forest areas are remarkable with trees that look very unusual. The journey to the hiking areas is quite an intense drive uphill with some quite extreme parts to the drive but that shouldn't put you off. Ideally make sure you're driving an automatic as the drive to this location would be quite challenging in a manual. Parking can be a little tricky as it's a very popular location. However there are a good number of car parks so with a little patience you'll find a space. Highly recommend a visit.
This is a very long trail that winds along the road. For those who just want to visit Fanal, look for the parking area near the end of the trail in Fanal and save over 6 hours of hiking round-trip. If you choose to do the full trail, make sure to bring sunscreen. There are two spots along the way with drinkable water. Just 3 stars because a good portion of trail is quite similar and got boring.
