PR 13 – Vereda do Fanal
The Enchanted Forest
Distance
10.8 km (One Way)
Duration
4h
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: For Fanal, “Bad Weather” is often “Good Weather.” The twisted trees look best in the fog and mist. A sunny day at Fanal is pretty, but a foggy day is unforgettable.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Vereda do Fanal?
The PR 13 crosses the UNESCO World Heritage Laurisilva forest. The highlight is the Fanal Forestry Station, an ancient volcanic crater covered in grass and dotted with 600-year-old Til (Stinkwood) trees.
These trees are twisted into bizarre shapes by centuries of wind and weather. It is widely considered one of the most photogenic and mystical spots in Europe.
Trail Map
From Paul da Serra (Assobiadores) to Fanal Forestry Station.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Paul da Serra (Start)
Start at the ER 209 road (Assobiadores). The trail begins by traversing the high heathland with views of the Rabaçal valley.
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2
Fio Viewpoint
Make a short detour to the “Fio” wire viewpoint. You can see the old cables used to transport wood down to the sea.
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3
The Laurisilva
You enter the dense forest. The path can be muddy. The trees become older and more twisted as you approach Fanal.
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4
Fanal Crater (Finish)
The trail opens up into a large grassy picnic area. Here are the most famous ancient trees and usually a herd of friendly cows.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The stars of the show. Find a tree with gnarly roots and wait for the fog to drift through for a moody, cinematic shot.
The resident cows are very calm. A photo of a cow emerging from the heavy fog is a classic Madeira image.
On the rare clear days, walk to the edge of the crater to see the vertical cliffs dropping down to Seixal beach.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
The trail connects the Paul da Serra road (ER 209) to the Fanal Parking area.
🚕 Linear Strategy
This is a long linear walk (10km). Do not walk there and back (20km). Park at the end (Fanal Forestry Station) and take a taxi to the start (Posto Florestal Fanal / Assobiadores). Walk back to your car.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Plateau Driving
Beware of cows on the road!
Our Rental Recommendation: The road to Fanal (ER 209) can be foggy and has loose cows. Drive slowly. An SUV offers better visibility and handles the occasional pothole or cow-pat much better than a low sports car.
Essential Gear
- Waterproof Jacket: Even if it’s sunny in Funchal, Fanal is often wet and dripping.
- Picnic: There are no restaurants or cafes for miles. Bring lunch.
- Mud Shoes: The grassy crater turns into a swamp after rain. Bring a change of shoes for the car.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Restaurante Braseiro (Ribeira da Janela)
Drive down the steep road towards the north coast. This spot offers fantastic Espetada (beef skewers) on a laurel stick. A hearty meat meal is perfect after the cool Fanal air.
