Fanal Forest Travel Tips: How to Get There and Best Times to Visit
Fanal Forest, located northwest of Madeira, Portugal, is a captivating natural attraction known for its ancient laurel trees and mystical atmosphere. The Laurisilva of Madeira is an exceptional remnant of a once extensive laurel forest that blanketed much of Southern Europe 15-40 million years ago. This ancient forest, with its centuries-old trees, is a must-visit as it now exists only in Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. In this article, you can learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including how to get there, the best time to visit, and things to do.
Table of Contents
How to Get to the Fanal Forest in Madeira
Fanal Forest sits in the mountains at an elevation of 1,150 meters above sea level in the northwestern part of Madeira. The area is unpopulated, thus offering pure nature. Consequently, the easiest way to get there is by car. However, consider taking a private tour if that’s not an option. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Ribeira da Janela and then a taxi.
BY CAR
Renting a car in Madeira would be the best option to get around the island. Reaching Fanal Forest by car is the most convenient as other transportation options are limited. The roads are well-maintained and offer spectacular views. Free parking is available right at the entrance of the forest.
GUIDED TOURS
Guided tours are another option for reaching this mystical forest. Here is a tour from Funchal, but they can also pick you up from other locations. This day tour includes not only Fanal Forest but also other attractions in Madeira. If this tour doesn’t suit you, feel free to search for other guided tours.
BY BUS AND TAXI
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus to Fanal Forest. However, you can use Rome2Rio to find a combination of bus and taxi to reach the evergreen forest in Madeira. Simply enter your departure city and destination as Ribeira da Janela to view bus schedules, and don’t forget to check out taxi options as well.
From the options above, we chose to rent a car for greater flexibility and freedom. However, since this isn’t always possible for everyone, I highly recommend staying in Funchal, as it offers the most transportation options.
Best Time to Visit Fanal Forest
Visiting Fanal Forest is possible year-round. Fanal Forest’s fog is low-lying clouds that roll in randomly throughout the day. Due to its high altitude, the weather here can vary significantly from the coastline. While fog is a natural occurrence, it’s not guaranteed. However, your best chance of experiencing the fog is on a cloudy day. If clouds are on the peaks, you’ll likely encounter some in Fanal Forest.
Things to Do in Fanal Forest
Fanal Forest is unquestionably one of Madeira’s most captivating natural treasures, renowned for its ancient laurel trees and mystical ambience. Here are some of the top experiences to enjoy in this ancient laurel grove:
- Wander around: This laurel forest is perfect for wandering and exploring. Each tree is unique, making it ideal to enjoy nature without a strict plan simply. During our visit, we easily covered 4-5 kilometres (2-3 miles) on foot.
- Hiking: For those looking to explore further, there are hiking options available. The PR13 Paul da Serra trail is a great choice, stretching 10,5 kilometres one way. While I didn’t personally hike this trail due to other plans, I’ve heard it offers a rewarding experience.
- Photography: Fanal Forest has become a favourite spot for photographers, not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its atmospheric mood, especially on misty days. The forest’s wildlife adds an extra dimension to photographing this enchanting setting.
- Picnicking: Adjacent to the parking lot, there are several picnic tables and areas perfect for gathering with family and friends to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Personal Experience at the Fanal Forest
I enjoyed my time at Fanal Forest, walking among trees that have stood for hundreds of years. We arrived in the morning and began our walk on the right side of the parking lot. The weather was pleasant, but long pants and sleeves or a jacket were necessary. Fortunately, we immediately experienced the moody atmosphere. However, this weather pattern did not persist throughout our visit. At times, the sun emerged, offering a completely different view and atmosphere before the fog returned. Both experiences were beautiful. We spent about three hours here, wandering, taking photographs, and finally enjoying a snack break at the picnic area.
Is Fanal Forest Worth It?
If you like nature and avoiding crowds, then visiting Fanal Forest is a must. Its uniqueness and mystical atmosphere are compelling reasons on their own. This is not a typical forest—its laurel trees are found only in Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. For those who enjoy the outdoors, whether for a short walk or longer hikes, the Laurisilva of Madeira is perfect. The experience is especially magical if you visit when it’s foggy, and best of all, it’s free to explore.
Leave a Reply