Fanal Forest

Fanal is one of those places in Madeira where the atmosphere is the main reason to visit. Centuries-old laurel trees stand scattered across open grassland, and when the mist rolls in, the entire landscape can take on an almost mystical feel. The ancient Til trees are part of Madeira’s UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest, with some of the most impressive specimens standing completely on their own across the plateau. Fanal is famous for its foggy scenery, but don’t be disappointed if you arrive to blue skies: the twisted shapes of the old trees and the wide-open landscape are impressive in a completely different way. Fanal has become one of Madeira’s most popular nature spots, so the area around the main car park and picnic area can get busy. If you want to experience a quieter side of it, come earlier in the day and take the time to walk a little further away from the main gathering spots. New measures are being introduced to better protect Fanal, including marked trails, boardwalks and more controlled access and parking. Please stick to the designated paths and help protect this fragile landscape. And one practical tip: bring an extra layer, even if it’s warm and sunny down at the coast. At around 1,100 metres above sea level, the weather at Fanal can be completely different and change surprisingly quickly.