In a nutshell
- Fanal Forest is one of the top attractions in Madeira. It’s known for its unusually shaped trees, which are often shrouded in fog and look truly mystical.
- In this article, we’ll share all the essential tips for visiting Fanal: how to get there, the best hikes, and the ideal time to go.
- Now you have a quick overview of what to expect here. Let’s get started with our personal tips for the Fanal cloud forest in Madeira!
What is the Fanal Forest in Madeira?
Fanal is an area on the Paul da Serra plateau in northwest Madeira. The landscape features green meadows and a forest of laurel trees – some of which are centuries old!
Because of this, Fanal is also known as the laurel forest. But that’s not its only name – it’s also called fairy forest, cloud forest, mystic forest or foggy forest.
Most of the names come from the fact that Fanal is often shrouded in thick fog, while “fairy forest” likely comes from the landscape’s completely fairytale-like appearance.
You can go on both short and long hikes in Fanal, picnic under the trees, and take amazing photos. We’ll tell you more about all of this now.
How to Get to Fanal Forest
The best way to get to Fanal is by rental car, taxi, or transfer, as there are no public buses.
If you drive, you can park near the public toilets (Google Maps: Casa de Banho pública) at the laurel forest, or find parking along the roadside.
Alternatively, we recommend booking a transfer online, which is usually much cheaper than booking a taxi on the spot.
Book a transfer to the Cloud Forest from Funchal
Another great option is to book a guided tour, which includes both transfer and a guide. These tours often cover other highlights in the west, such as the natural pools in Porto Moniz.
Book a guided tour to Fanal and the west of Madeira
Hikes in Fanal
Fanal is a popular hiking area in Madeira with a large number of trails that lead to or through the laurel forest. We present three beautiful hiking trails in Fanal here.
To give you a clearer idea of where Fanal is located in Madeira, we’ve marked the most popular hiking trails in the laurel forest on a map.
#1 Circular trail through Fanal forest
- Length: 3.7 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 100 meters
If you don’t want to hike too much, the best option is a scenic walk through the laurel forest. It’s short and takes you past some of the most beautiful spots in Fanal forest – perfect for taking photos!
The walk starts at Posto Florestal do Fanal, then leads uphill to the Miradouro sobre a Ribeira Funda. From the top, you get a stunning view.
Next, you head downhill, following the slope. This section is steep but manageable if you have good footing. After that, you cross a large green meadow and pass many laurel trees.
If you keep walking straight ahead, you’ll reach a small lake where you can hear frogs croaking. Continuing past it, you arrive at the Lagoa – a larger lake that was dry when we visited.
From Lagoa, you return through the laurel forest back to the parking lot. Before heading back, you can enjoy a wonderful picnic under one of the mighty trees.
#2 Vereda do Fanal (PR13)
- Length: 10.8 kilometers
- Difficulty: Medium
- Elevation gain: Approx. 300 meters
The Vereda do Fanal is ideal if you’re looking for a longer hike to the fairy forest.
The trail starts further down, at the parking lot on the ER209 road. From there, you’ll walk about 10 kilometers through diverse landscapes to reach Fanal forest. The hike ends at the Posto Florestal do Fanal.
You can also extend the hike by adding the circular route through the laurel forest.
Since the start and finish of the PR13 are in different locations, you have three options for getting back:
- Option 1: Park at the start and take a taxi from Fanal back to your car
- Option 2: Park at the start and either walk or hitchhike back
- Option 3: Book a guided hiking tour
Book a guided hiking tour: Vereda do Fanal PR13
#3 Levada dos Cedros (PR14)
- Length: 7.2 kilometers
- Difficulty: Medium
- Elevation gain: Approximately 300 meters
You can also combine your visit to the Fanal Forest with a levada hike in Madeira. The PR14 hiking trail leads along a levada to the cloud forest.
The starting point is also on the ER209 road, but towards Ribeira da Janela. You can park your car there.
The end of the hiking trail is the fairy forest. If you still have the energy, you can add the circular route at the end and take one of the many paths from the Lagoa back to the start of PR14.
Important: Be sure to download the Komoot or Maps.Me app to help you find all the hiking trails in Madeira.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Cloud Forest?
Generally, the best time to visit Fanal is in the morning when the forest is most likely to be shrouded in fog. However, there’s no guarantee.
Since Madeira’s weather is very changeable and can shift quickly, we wouldn’t rely on it too much.
We visited Fanal around 10 a.m. when the sun was shining brightly – and we still loved it as a day trip in Madeira.
The trees look amazing even without fog, and clear weather offers fantastic views.
Also read our tips on the best time to visit Madeira
FAQ about the Laurel Forest
Where is the fairy forest in Madeira, and how high is Fanal?
The fairy forest is located inland in the northeast of Madeira, around 1,200 meters above sea level.
When will there be fog in Fanal?
Unfortunately, this is always very different. You have the highest probability in the morning.
Is Fanal Forest worth visiting?
Yes, we really loved it!
How long do you need at Fanal Forest?
That depends on your plans. If you just want to visit and take some photos, we recommend allowing at least 1 hour.
But if you want to hike, have a picnic, or do other activities, plan for at least 3 hours.
These were our tips for the Fanal Forest in Madeira
Have you been to Fanal forest during your Madeira vacation? Or do you have any questions about the Fairy Forest? Let us know in the comments!