This is one of those places you could easily showcase on a postcard from Madeira. It is not just unique in appearance but also holds the distinction of being one of the few remaining laurel forests worldwide. This enchanting location is a must-visit during your trip to Madeira.

Fanal is situated in an isolated location with few attractions beyond the breathtaking nature. The area could be unofficially divided to 3 parts: The main area with the most impressive trees which are quite spread from each other in a way that on a clear day you won't feel that you're actually in a forest. The hilltop area, denser with picturesque trees offering a panoramic view of mountains and the ocean; and the third area, Fanal Pond, which occasionally dries out in the summer. While the pond may be the least captivating, being in Fanal makes it worth a visit.

Fanal is a unique place, so you can expect to see something special when you visit. It's common to see Fanal Forest covered in dense fog, which is actually low-lying clouds that roll in through the mountain range from time to time. However, this natural phenomenon is not guaranteed. Sunrise isn't usually the best time to see the clouds. Getting the right weather conditions is a bit of a lottery, but to maximize your chances, you can check the webcam from Porto Moniz, which offers a view of Seixal, above which lies Fanal Forest. The weather in Fanal changes rapidly, and within five minutes, it can switch from clear skies to dense fog. In our experience, the best chances of seeing fog are between 9 AM and 12 PM. Patience is key if you want to witness Fanal in its moody state.

In the main area, you'll see many cows trimming the grass. The animals aren't dangerous and are very comfortable with having people around. However, as the grass goes in, it also comes out, so be careful not to step in cow’s dung.

Wearing good shoes will also make you feel more comfortable, as the ground in Fanal often gets wet and muddy. Since this place is situated very high, the temperatures here can be much lower than at sea level, so having a jacket just in case would be a good idea.

Best time for: Anytime

📍: You’ll see first trees after making just few steps from your car

🚘: Large free parking

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