Are you visiting the magical Fanal Forest in Madeira?
This guide covers the details for visiting this fairytale location on the lush Portuguese Island of Madeira.
Fanal Forest is known for its centuries-old Laurisilva Trees dotted among the misty landscape of the indigenous Laurisilva Forest.
The UNESCO World Heritage site brings visitors from all over the world for its stunning scenery, photography, and all-around beauty.
This guide covers the best things to do, how to get there from Funchal, a detailed packing list, and so much more.
Venturing into this mystical forest, one will encounter serene walking trails that meander beneath gnarled, ancient trees shrouded in a perpetual, enchanting mist.
The unique atmosphere of Fanal Forest often draws comparisons to mythical landscapes, making it a perfect subject for photographers and nature lovers seeking an otherworldly experience.
Best Things to do in Fanal Forest
Hiking
One of the best activities in Fanal Forst is hiking. Some travelers even consider it some of the best hiking in Madeira.
Three of the most popular hiking trails in Fanal Forest are:
- Levada Nova
- Levada dos Cedros
- Levada do Paul
What is a Levada Walk?
Levada walks in Madeira are a unique experience, where hikers follow the historic irrigation channels known as ‘levadas’ that distribute water throughout the island.
These levadas offer a distinctive trail experience—often narrow and weaving through dramatic landscapes.
In Fanal Forest in particular, levada walks are special because they not only provide a pathway through the ancient, mist-laden forest, allowing access to the captivating, mossy undergrowth but also present a tranquil walking experience off the main tourist path.
Nature Walks
During my visit to Fanal Forest, I opted for a lowkey, informal nature walk instead of a hike. I didn’t follow any trail or guide, and just frolicked from the parking lot!
I really just wanted to bask in this incredible atmosphere and was not intent on moving through quickly, but rather relishing each moment.
And, I was keen on taking a photo shoot while the mist was still active!
Tip: DROP A PIN! And download offline maps! This is a HUGE tip!
The forest is so foggy and cloudy, you can’t necessarily follow your tracks to see where you came from. Dropping a pin saved me, repeatedly!
Photography
The interplay of light and shadow against the vibrant green texture of the ancient trees makes for photos that look like they are part of book covers.
As a solo traveler, I packed my portable tripod stand and camera remote. This is how I was able to capture stunning, in-motion photos as I skipped (literally) through the forest.
There are lots of great compact tripod options out there, but the cheapest ones are pretty fragile.
I bring them on a lot of hiking adventures and end up snapping one of the three pieces of the tripod base each time. (Just a me thing? Maybe.)
Picnic
Nothing screams quaint more than packing a picnic in an enchanting forest, right?!
You’re practically in Alice in Wonderland! Bring some snacks, drinks, and a blanket to enjoy the serene surroundings.
Having a picnic lunch while surrounded by trees 500 years old is an experience!
Tip: There are designated picnic areas throughout the park with tables, grills, and bathrooms nearby.
Camping
Camping at Fanal Forest is free! Reserving a permit in advance is required. You can reserve your permit on the Simplifica site.
The following basic, no-frills amenities are located near each of the campsites:
- Picnic tables
- Fire rings
Tip: The booking site is very similar to the US National Recreation website for booking United States National Park campgrounds.
Planning Details
Location
Fanal Forest is located within the Laurisilva Forest. This is in the São Vicente Municipality of Northwest Madeira.
Surrounded by verdant hills and mist-covered valleys, Fanal Forest is part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage site that is treasured for its subtropical laurel rainforest.
The forest sits at an elevation that offers a cooler climate and a unique ecosystem.
Its isolated location also means less foot traffic, making it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful exploration.
How to get there from Funchal
There are no public transportation options on the island to Fanal Forest. Most visitors fly into Madeira’s capital, Funchal.
(There are tons of non-stop flights every day from Lisbon and Porto in mainland Portugal).
From here, you have two options: rent a car or join a tour.
Rent a Car
From Funchal, one can rent a car and take the scenic drive to the forest. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
I rented a car and loved having the flexibility to explore the island during my final day of 4 days in Madeira, at my own pace.
Tip: If you feel uncomfortable driving on narrow, winding roads in a mountain region, skip the car rental.
Again, I loved it, but felt comfortable with this type of experience because I have had lots of driving experience in similar environments.
Tour
Alternatively, visitors can choose to book a guided tour that offers transportation to Fanal Forest from Funchal.
This is an enticing option if you have time for a quick visit, or if you want the logistics taken care of for you. Several tours offer pick-up from hotels around Funchal.
Tip: Fanal Forest is not included on most “Best of the West” Madeira tours.
Most tours that stop here include “Fanal Forest” in the name, and are usually paired with one or two other stops.
Parking
If you choose to rent a car, there is a small, designated parking area at the start of the forest.
During my visit in July 2022, several visitors were also parking on the side of the road and walking up to the forest.
However, winding, narrow roads on a foggy cliff didn’t sound like the best parking situation for me!
Weather
The weather in Madeira can change quickly and become very foggy (too foggy, with limited visibility).
Check the forecast and weather conditions before heading out.
Best time to Visit
The best time of day to visit Fanal Forest is in the morning, around 10:00am, for the best chances of mist.
It is certainly possible to visit on a sunny, clear day with no mist in which your experience would be totally different. Again, this is a weather-contingent experience.
The top seasons to visit Fanal Forest are considered autumn and winter for the highest chance of mist.
However, I visited on a July weekday morning and had the perfect weather experience!
Costs
There is no entrance or parking fees for Fanal Forest. Huge plus!
Packing List
- Shoes with good traction– This magical forest gets its charm from the foggy and dewy conditions… but this also means things are pretty slick.
The forest floor, often slick with moisture from the ever-present fog and mist, can create slippery trail conditions. Nothing horrendous, but I ate it multiple times.
Like, my white photo shoot dress still has a giant mud stain (all worth it).
Sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes with a good grip are recommended to navigate the mossy stones and wet paths safely. - Rain jacket– The misty and cloudy conditions that make Madeira magical also make for rainy weather.
A rain jacket will be essential for frequent mist! - Layers– the elevation of the Laurisilva Forest and the little sun make things a bit chilly.
Sure, you might also want your own white dress photo shoot but pack some layers just in case. - Packable backpack– Oh yeah, pack the layers here!
I love a packable backpack because I quickly roll this into my main suitcase or larger backpack (whichever my main carry-on item is) and it takes up little to no room.
Perfect for day trips! And to use throughout your Madeira itinerary.
Is it worth visiting Fanal Forest?
Absolutely! The only place I have ever experienced remotely like this was the Hoh Forest in Olympic National Park (OK Twilight fans).
Its naturally majestic atmosphere creates an other-worldly ambiance. You can’t find this almost anywhere else in the world!
For first-time visitors, Fanal Forest in Madeira is a must-see destination that promises an unforgettable experience amongst ancient trees shrouded in mist.
Among the best activities are exploring the moss-covered pathways and capturing the ethereal beauty with your camera.
Top tips include visiting earlier in the day to avoid the occasional tourist crowds and staying quiet to enjoy the forest’s serene tranquility.
With no fees involved, it’s an adventure that offers exceptional value.
Remember, the right gear will enhance your visit, so wear sturdy shoes, pack layers, and bring a reliable backpack to hold essentials, ensuring a magical and comfortable journey through this unique landscape.
