8 hour(s)
English
Included
Scenic walk from Paul da Serra to the ancient forest of Fanal
Panoramic views over Ribeira da Janela and Chao da Ribeira
Encounter with centuries old Til trees
Atmospheric volcanic crater that forms a natural lake in rainy weather
€ 47.57
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
Select your preferred date and time from the calendar above.
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
This walk begins on the high plateau of Paul da Serra and leads toward the ancient Fanal forest, one of the most enchanting areas of Madeira’s Laurissilva. The route moves through sections of open terrain that reveal sweeping views over the valleys of Ribeira da Janela and Chao da Ribeira, as well as parts where the trail becomes immersed in dense green vegetation. Along the way you can observe the remnants of an old cable system once used to transport forest materials to the lower agricultural villages, a reminder of the region’s history and traditional practices.
As the path continues, the landscape becomes increasingly mystical, transitioning into a forest of monumental trees that have stood for centuries. The towering Til trees create an atmosphere of timeless nature and offer a habitat for several native bird species including the Madeira chaffinch and the rare laurel pigeon. Reaching Fanal feels like stepping into a natural sanctuary where immense moss-covered trees dominate the scenery. A small volcanic crater is also visible, and during heavy rains it transforms into a tranquil natural lake surrounded by the whispering forest.
Professional mountain guide
Transport from selected pickup points
Safety support throughout the walk
Gratuities
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather appropriate clothing or jacket or sweater
Bottle of water and Snacks
A flashlight and cane
Camera
Participants must be at least 18 years old
Public transportation nearby
Wheelchair not accessible
Keep your 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.
Loading pick up points...
Loading pick up points...
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.
