The Fanal Forest in Porto Moniz on Madeira Island, Portugal, is a broad expanse of ancient laurel woodland and highland meadow that feels unlike most places on the island. This guide explains where the Fanal sits geographically, what you will encounter, and essential planning information for a first-time visit.
You will learn how to get to Fanal Forest by car, where to park, what facilities exist on site, how to plan your timing for weather and light, and which nearby attractions you can combine into a day trip.
This laurel forest is a popular stop on Madeira jeep tours, along with other top spots including Cabo Girao, Seixal Beach, the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva and the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.
History and overview of the Fanal Forest
The Fanal Forest forms part of Madeira’s Laurissilva forest, a type of subtropical rainforest designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and protected as part of Madeira Natural Park. The forest here is dominated by centuries-old laurel trees (Ocotea foetens), some of which predate European discovery of the archipelago, and it sits between the Ribeira da Janela valley and the Paul da Serra plateau. This ancient woodland reflects a landscape type that once covered parts of southern Europe but now survives mainly on Macaronesian islands like Madeira.
People visit the Fanal Forest for its serene atmosphere, the twisted moss-covered tree forms, and the way changing weather shapes the experience. In misty conditions, low cloud and fog weave through the trunks, creating a quiet, reflective space that contrasts sharply with the island’s coastal overlooks and gardens. Paths from the forest connect to longer hikes that explore the broader Laurissilva and plateau landscapes.
🌟 Why book the Northern Wonders Jeep Tour?
- ✓ Off-Road Adventure: Get off the beaten track in a 4×4 Jeep to reach spots standard tour buses can’t access.
- ✓ Iconic Natural Pools: Includes a dedicated stop to swim in the famous Porto Moniz volcanic pools.
- ✓ The “Veu da Noiva” View: Witness the dramatic Bridal Veil waterfall dropping directly into the Atlantic.
- ✓ Ancient Fanal Forest: Walk through the mystical, fog-shrouded Laurel forest (UNESCO World Heritage).
How to get to the Fanal Forest
By car from Funchal, the main route takes regional road VE4 west toward Ribeira Brava, then ER209 up onto Paul da Serra. The drive is about 50 kilometres and usually takes around one hour. Approaching from the coast, the road winds up through rural slopes, sometimes into mist even before you reach the forest itself.
If you are coming from Porto Moniz on the north west coastline, follow ER209 south and up into the hills. This shorter drive from towns on the north coast usually takes 20 to 30 minutes but still winds through steep terrain.
Public transport options are limited: there is no direct bus service to the Fanal Forest. Visitors without a car typically combine a bus to Porto Moniz with a taxi or private transfer to reach the forest area. Alternatively, visit on a full day jeep tour that also includes numerous other Madeira attractions.
Parking at the Fanal Forest
There is a dedicated parking area near the forest marked as ‘Fanal Parking’ or ‘Posto Florestal Fanal’ on most navigation apps. The lot sits close to trailheads and easy walking areas, and most people park here before heading into the wooded meadow.
The surface is informal in places, with gravel and grass rather than marked bays. On busier days early in the morning or later in the afternoon you may need to wait briefly for a space to free up. Some visitors park on the roadside within the permitted area if the main lot fills, then walk a short distance to the forest edge.
Opening hours and entry information
The Fanal Forest is a public natural area with free access and no formal entry gates. It is accessible at all times, including early morning and late evening, though daytime visits in daylight hours are recommended for safety and visibility.
There are no ticket prices for general entry. Some longer hiking routes that start or finish in the wider area, such as Vereda do Fanal (PR13), may require trail permits or moderate difficulty planning, but for a visit focused on the forest itself you do not need to pay.
Facilities at Fanal Forest
The forest area offers very limited built facilities. There are picnic and leisure spaces near the parking area where you can rest, and some basic seating around the meadow, but there are no cafes or shops on site. Take water, snacks and weather-appropriate clothing with you as if you are heading into mountain countryside.
Public toilets are limited or absent directly in the forest, so plan accordingly. In fine weather the wide meadow and barley-grass slopes offer places to sit and rest, but in wet or foggy conditions expect uneven, muddy surfaces underfoot.
Accessibility considerations
Access from the main parking area to the forest edge is generally a short walk and manageable for most visitors on foot. However, surfaces can be uneven, rocky or slippery when it has rained or in heavy mist, and there are no paved paths through most of the site. Wheelchair access is limited beyond the parking and picnic spaces.
If you have mobility issues or are with very young children, stick to areas close to the car park and plan for slow, cautious walking on grass and soft earth. Footwear with grip and walking sticks can help.
Best time to visit Fanal Forest
The light and weather define the experience at Fanal Forest. Many travellers aim to arrive early in the morning to catch the low sunlight and to increase the odds of mist and low cloud filtering through the trees. Mid to late morning generally brings clearer conditions, while late afternoon light can be warm on the meadow grass and deep in the folds of the trees.
Seasonally, autumn through spring tend to offer cooler air and higher humidity, which supports fog formation. In summer the forest can be clearer and drier, so the atmosphere feels very different but still peaceful.
What to expect on arrival
On arrival, you will step out into wide meadowland with scattered ancient laurel trees whose trunks twist and stretch as though shaped by decades of wind and mist. The forest does not have one landmark but a series of spaces where light and moisture interplay on moss and leaf. Birds call from the undergrowth and, on calm mornings, low cloud can drift through in waves.
From the parking area you can choose to wander among the tree stands close by or set off on longer hikes like Vereda do Fanal or Levada dos Cedros. Even a short 30- to 60-minute wander offers a strong sense of place, but the paths invite exploration for hours if you have time.
Nearby attractions
Many visitors combine the Fanal Forest with other north and west Madeira sites in the same day. The natural pools at Seixal are a short drive toward the coast and offer a refresh after a forest visit. Porto Moniz village has ocean viewpoints and coastal swimming spots. A short coastal detour takes you to Ribeira da Janela for sea cliffs and beach views. The Paul da Serra plateau also has several scenic lookout points and hiking starts that are easy to pair with Fanal.
Practical questions about visiting the Fanal Forest
Yes, access to the Fanal Forest is free and there is no ticket for entry. It is open at all times, though most visitors plan for daylight hours when visibility is safest and the changing weather has more visual impact. For timing, arriving shortly after sunrise often gives you quiet space and the best chance of low cloud weaving through trees, but flexible planning around fog and light is more useful than a rigid schedule. Evenings can be quieter, though light fades fast once the sun sets behind the plateau ridges.
For children, short walks from the car park are entirely manageable. More challenging hikes can be long and rough underfoot, so gauge your group’s stamina before setting out. Wheelchair access is limited to the parking and picnic edges; once you step onto grass and natural ground, surfaces become uneven. There are no cafés in the forest itself, so bringing your own food is sensible, though the picnic area near the parking offers a place to sit and eat if weather is fine. Public transport to this part of Madeira is not reliable for direct access, so a car or private transfer is the easiest way to get here. The best parking is the marked area by the Fanal Forestry Station; allow at least 45 minutes to 90 minutes for a relaxed visit if you are staying nearby, and longer if you plan to hike.
