The captivating Fanal Forest in Madeira with its beautiful and oddly shaped til trees (Ocotea foetens) has a majestic atmosphere that’s unique to this spot on the Island. With its high altitude, veils of fog take over the landscape making you feel like you’ve been transported to a faraway mystical land.
Add the Fanal Forest to your backpacking itinerary in Madeira and read this ultimate guide to learn all you need to know about it!
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What is the Fanal Forest in Madeira?
The Fanal Forest is an ancient Laurisilva forest of profound ecological significance and beauty, earning it the distinction of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is situated on the northwest side of Madeira, near the town of Ribeira da Janela.
Some of its trees have surpassed 500 years, and their intricate branches, intertwined with the almost mystical fog, impart a genuine enchanted forest ambiance.
To fully appreciate the Fanal Forest, consider exploring the Vereda do Fanal (PR 13) or Levada dos Cedros (PR 14) trails.
Why is Fanal Forest so unique?
These rare forests thrive in regions with elevated humidity, a mild climate, and specific altitudes (typically between 500 and 1400 meters above sea level), conditions prevalent across the Macaronesia islands.
Reaching heights of up to 40 meters, these trees are precious remnants of the subtropical Pliocene forests.
While these forests once blanketed much of Madeira, extensive deforestation, agricultural activities, grazing, and the encroachment of non-native species have significantly diminished them.
How to get to the Fanal Forest
The Fanal Forest is located 8 km from the town of Ribeira da Janela (about 50 km from Funchal).
The best option to visit Fanal Forest from Funchal is by car, which takes about an hour.
Search Fanal parking area on Google maps for directions to the small parking lot. Nearby is also a lookout point of the forest. Here are directions from Funchal:
Would you like to rent a car in Madeira? Check out our full guide to Madeira for anything you need to know about it.
Get to Fanal Forest by public transport
Unfortunately, there is no public transport service in the area.
If you’re not driving, you have the option of taking bus no. 139 to the town of Ribeira da Janela (a single ticket costs around 5€) and then continuing by taxi. Ribeira da Janela is about 8km from the Fanal Forest, but walking it is challenging as the elevation gain is significant.
Another alternative is to join one of the guided tours that incorporate Fanal Forest into their itinerary.
What to expect
Fanal Forest sits at an elevation of about 1150m above sea level, requiring a drive up some steep roads.
The journey itself is a treat, passing through the “scenic road,” arguably Madeira’s most picturesque stretch of asphalt, and the longest straight roads on the island—both perfect for photo opportunities.
Upon arrival, you’ll discover that Fanal Forest is a world of its own on the small island of Madeira.
The climate here is unique, offering a mix of fog, rain, clouds, and wind, even when the sun graces the rest of the island. Conversely, on a sunny day, you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views from Fanal.
As you reach Fanal, you might be greeted by adorable cows freely roaming the lush green fields of this volcanic plateau. There’s a spacious, free-of-charge parking lot at the trailhead to make your exploration hassle-free.
Visiting Fanal Forest: a detailed guide
Unlike your typical Veredas or Levadas in Madeira, there isn’t just one trail in Fanal. Instead, there are a number of different wallking paths that let you wander through this enchanted forest.
Take the one you like the most and enjoy this magical atmosphere. Here is a map of the Fanal Forest:
There are also two hiking trails which are worth checking near the Fanal Forest. Check them out into details:
PR 13 – Vereda do Fanal
The Vereda do Fanal is a 10.8 km-long one-way hike which starts in E.R. 209 Assobiadores and ends in Fanal. The hike is on a slight descent from Asssorbiadores to Fanal, with a total elevation difference of 290m.
Check out the detailed map from the official website of Madeira.
PR 14 – Levada dos Cedros
Levada dos Cedros is a continuation of Vereda do Fanal. This path descends steeply in the valley before continuing along a water channel in an almost flat pathway.
The trail is 7.2 km-long one way. It begins in Fanal and ends in Curral Falso, which is a point along the E.R. 209 road.
Check the detailed map, or read our full guide to Levada dos Cedros.
Best time to visit the Fanal Forest
Fanal Forest in Madeira is a fantastic destination year-round. Its elevated position results in persistent fog, creating an otherworldly atmosphere even when the coastline is clear.
For an immersive experience, we suggest visiting early in the morning or late afternoon when the captivating fog might add a unique charm to this enchanting forest.
However, keep in mind that fog is a natural phenomenon and although frequent, it’s not guaranteed in Fanal.
What to pack
A rain jacket is essential here as Fanal’s weather is as unpredictable as it can get. Wearing waterproof hiking shoes or boots is also a good idea since parts of Fanal Forest can be quite muddy or wet.
If you’re into photography, consider bringing different lenses here. The fog produces different results whether you’re shooting with a wide lens or a telephoto lens, so get ready to have some fun.
Our best tips for the Fanal Forest in Madeira
When you visit the Fanal Forest in Madeira, make sure to check out also the Vereda do Fanal (PR 13) and Levada dos Cedros (PR 13), both of which are nearby and absolutely beautiful. You probably won’t be able to do both in the same day, but you should definitely check at least one.
If the fog is quite heavy, find a system to take note of your path if you need to backtrack your steps. Fanal forest isn’t huge, and you will easily find your way out if you follow one of the paths.
Don’t forget your camera – you’ll definitely want to capture the unique atmospheric vibe of the surroundings. Here’s a tip: get to know how fog affects photos. If you want fog in your pictures but it’s thin, use a longer lens, like a 70mm. If the fog is too thick, use a wider lens to lessen the fog in the final photo.
Don’t forget to pack snacks and water since there are no cafes or restaurants nearby.
