Complete Guide to Visiting Fanal Forest in Madeira

Nestled in the heart of Madeira, an island paradise off the coast of Portugal, lies a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its mystical charm and natural beauty – Fanal Forest.

This enchanting destination is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering a unique experience that combines lush greenery, ancient trees, and an ethereal ambiance.

Getting to Fanal Forest

To reach Fanal Forest from Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, it’s approximately a one-hour drive by car. Using Google Maps, locate the dedicated parking area named ‘Faial Parking,’ which serves as the starting point for your adventure. The scenic drive takes you through picturesque landscapes, offering glimpses of the island’s breathtaking beauty. Once you arrive at ‘Faial Parking,’ find a safe spot to park your vehicle. From there, take a short walk to the entrance of Fanal Forest, following the signs or marked trails. As you step into the forest, be prepared to be transported into a world of natural wonder. Ancient trees, vibrant flora, and a tranquil ambiance await you, inviting you to explore and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Fanal Forest.

Best tour of Fanal Forest

If you don’t have your own car and you’re looking at visiting Fanal Forest I’d highly recommend booking a tour that takes you through the western coast of Madeira. This 4×4 tour departs from Funchal and will take you along some of the best things Madeira has to offer:

• São Vicente
• Seixal
• Porto Moniz
• Paul da Serra
• Fanal Forest
• Cabo Girao Cliff

Finding the fog

One of the most sought-after experiences in Fanal Forest is wandering through its ethereal landscape veiled in mystical fog. The interplay of mist and ancient trees creates an atmosphere straight out of a fairytale, where every step unravels a sense of wonder and enchantment.

Madeira is absolutely full of microclimates, which make predicting the fog tricky. It could be glorious sunshine on the cost and rainy in the mountains (or vice versa!). Visiting in the morning definitely increases your likelihood of experiencing this captivating phenomenon, we went at around 9am and it was absolutely perfect.

I imagine when looking for a blog on Fanal forest you were hoping for an absolute comprehensive guide on finding the fog, I remember I was when doing my research. I’m sorry to say that, unfortunately, it’s just not possible! None of the weather apps or webcams of Madeira will give you accurate enough info to predict the fog in Fanal forest. All you can do is go in the morning and try your luck, we got very lucky first try!

History of the forest

Fanal Forest, also known as Laurissilva Forest, holds a rich history and ecological significance that dates back millions of years. It is a living relic of the Tertiary Period, a time when these lush forests covered large areas of Southern Europe.

The Laurissilva Forest is a type of subtropical rainforest and is unique to Macaronesia, a group of volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, including Madeira. The forest primarily comprises evergreen laurel trees, but it is also home to a wide variety of other flora and fauna, creating an intricate and diverse ecosystem.

The origins of Fanal Forest can be traced back to around 20 million years ago, during the Miocene Epoch. During this period, the climate in the region was much wetter and warmer, facilitating the growth and spread of the laurel forest. Over time, as the Earth’s climate cooled and dried, the forest gradually retreated to smaller areas, leaving its primary modern-day stronghold on Madeira.

The conservation efforts for Fanal Forest gained momentum during the 20th century. In 1982, UNESCO designated a significant part of the Laurissilva Forest as a World Natural Heritage Site, recognising its importance as a living relic of ancient biodiversity.

What else is there to see around the area?

When sorting out our itinerary for Madeira we tried to pair up things that were geographically close by to save on driving. For your Fanal Forest day I’d recommend the following:

9am: Fanal forest, you’ll likely be finished in an hour or two depending on how many pictures you want to take

11am: Make your way to Seixal and relax on the black sand beach

12pm: Lunch in Seixal, we ate at Lounge Bar near the beach and the portions were massive

2pm: Walk across the town to the natural pools which are free to enter and spend the rest of the day lounging there

Practical Tips for Visiting Fanal Forest

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain as there are tree roots everywhere.
• Bring layers of clothing as the fog will make it very very cold and wet.
• Respect the forest and its inhabitants by following designated trails and refraining from littering.
• There will likely be cows (and calfs if you’re visiting during spring) wandering around the forest, please keep an eye out and stay respectful of them as you explore

Fanal Forest in Madeira is a destination that invites you to reconnect with nature, to explore a world untouched by time. Its ethereal beauty, enchanting trails, and magical atmosphere make it a must-visit for those seeking a unique and awe-inspiring experience. So pack your bags, set foot on this extraordinary island, and let Fanal Forest weave its spell, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Check out my full Madeira itinerary here