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Fanal Madeira: PR13 Trail Through Ancient Laurisilva

Porto Moniz
Group walking under a natural tunnel of giant heather, during the Fanal Forest Madeira Tour.
Gnarled tree with its twisted branches and surrounding green landscape.
A lone, gnarled tree standing in an open clearing, with its twisted branches reaching towards the sky. The surrounding green landscape and distant mountains highlight the beauty of Madeira's high-altitude forests.
A dramatic rock formation covered in lush vegetation, rising against a bright blue sky. This landscape is part of the Paul da Serra plateau, home to the unique Laurisilva forest.
A stone staircase leading into the dense forest, surrounded by ferns and moss-covered branches. The shaded path gives a sense of adventure and tranquility.
Two hikers walking through a landscape of green shrubs and scattered trees, with the open sky above. This section of the Fanal Hike offers breathtaking views of the highlands.
A wooden bridge crossing a forested area, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The bridge provides a safe path for hikers exploring the rugged terrain.
Ancient laurel tree with twisted branches, standing as a symbol of the Laurisilva forest’s resilience. The tree’s silhouette is striking against the backdrop of rolling hills.
A dense section of the Fanal forest, with moss-covered trees creating a fairytale-like setting. The path winds through the lush greenery, inviting exploration.
A spectacular view above the clouds, from the Paul da Serra plateau. The rolling mist below creates an ethereal effect, as if standing on top of the world.
A narrow hiking trail cutting through dense vegetation, with tree roots and ferns lining the way. The untouched nature of the area showcases Madeira’s rich biodiversity.
A panoramic view from the mountain ridge, overlooking a sea of clouds covering the valleys below. The altitude of the Fanal forest creates a surreal landscape.
A distant view of the rolling hills and deep valleys of Paul da Serra, with lush green vegetation stretching into the horizon. This breathtaking sight highlights the untouched beauty of Madeira’s highlands.
A panoramic view of rolling green hills and distant mountain ridges, with a clear blue sky overhead. The open landscape highlights the beauty of the Paul da Serra plateau.
A group of hikers ascending a dirt path surrounded by lush green vegetation, making their way through the scenic trails of the Fanal Hike in Madeira.
Duration
7 Hours
Size
1-22
Difficulty
Challenging

Key Benefits

  • Explore one of the world’s last laurel forests, home to trees over 600 years old.
  • Enjoy stunning vistas of the Rabaçal Valley and the north coast.
  • Visit viewpoints, once crucial for transporting goods via an old cable system.
  • Discover ancient Ocotea foetens Madeira trees, towering heaths, and other endemic species.
  • Experience landscapes so beautiful they feel like they’re straight out of a movie.

Overview

Ready for an adventure? Our Fanal Forest Madeira tour takes you on an 8.4 km trek (which feels like a 12 km journey) through the heart of the ancient Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow the famous PR13 trail as you discover Madeira’s best-kept secret, filled with unique plants, awe-inspiring views, and a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere. This is a must for any nature lover visiting the island!

Included & Excluded

  • Certified Staff
  • Applicable taxes
  • Entrance fees (where applicable)
  • Insurance (as required by Portuguese law)
  • First aid kit (essential items as recommended by ATR)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal and Caniço
  • Drinks and meals (Please bring your picnic and water).
  • Our pick-up and drop-off services outside Funchal and Caniço are not included by default. However, if you require this service, mention it in the booking notes. Depending on availability, we will send you a proposal. Alternatively, you can meet us at the designated meeting point at the Funchal Cable Car stop. We will email you the exact time and location, ensuring a smooth and convenient start to your tour.

Additional Notes

The Fanal Forest Walk offers options for every budget, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or in a group. It guarantees a high-quality experience that showcases the best of Madeira. What sets us apart is our ability to upgrade any tour to a private experience, giving you a more personalised journey with flexible start and stop times. We’ll help you choose the best schedule by considering daylight hours, ensuring a worry-free experience that’s tailored to your preferences.

For something truly extraordinary, we can work with you to design a fully customised journey from scratch, with your preferences at the heart of the planning process. Click here to learn more about our Personalised Madeira Itinerary service. If you proceed with booking the walk, the design fee will be deducted from the total tour cost, making it a seamless and personalised experience from start to finish.

Other Information

Hotel Pick-upFunchal: 08h45-09h00 | Caniço: 08h20-08h30

We will confirm the meeting point and time by email.

On the day of the tour, you will be picked up at the indicated place. To confirm your voucher identification, you can present either a paper or an electronic ticket for this activity. The tour will begin as soon as we finish collecting tour members.

Day of the WeekThursday

Year-round, except on December 25 and January 1

Trip Specifications Distance & altitude

  • Distance: 8.4 km (feels like 12 km)
  • Starting point: Paul da Serra (Assobiadores) at 1350 metres altitude
  • Ending point: Fanal Forest Post at 1210 metres altitude

Requirements Punctuality & reasonable fitness level for walking

What to bring? Don't forget

  • Comfortable layered clothing suitable for hiking
  • Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
  • At least 1 litre of water, snacks, and a packed lunch
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Camera
  • A waterproof jacket if rain is in the forecast

 

Good to Know Activity level

  • Walking time: Approximately 4.5 hours, with many stops along the way.
  • Age restrictions: Not recommended for children under 9.
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for people with limited mobility
  • Terrain: uphill and downhill sections, uneven terrain, and varying conditions.

This moderately challenging Fanal walk has a mix of shaded and exposed areas. The path has several steps and can be muddy or dusty depending on the weather. Signposting is limited, but you’re in good hands on this guided tour. There are no places to buy food or drinks along the way, so pack accordingly. The Fanal Forest trail is uncrowded, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

Safety First: Don't take unnecessary risks

It’s better to go with a guide and relax than get lost in the mountains of Madeira. Our mountain guides can activate the emergency system if you fall or feel unwell.  They send a warning and the group’s location to the local authorities, enabling a quick rescue. It’s all well worth the money for the hike.

Why choose us?Our Expertise

  • We have extensive experience and expertise in leading Madeira tours.
  • We pick you up from where you are staying and drop you off when finished.
  • It is an easy and comfortable way to get to the walk.
  • There are comfort breaks before and after the walk.
  • It’s easy to book.
  • Our staff are qualified.
  • We take you to various sites we know you will want to explore.
  • Our fundamental principles are the comfort, safety, and flexibility of our guests and personnel.

Hotel Drop-off15:30 - 16:00

Please Note The order of the itinerary may change due to local conditions.

Cancellation Policy: link on the footer of this page

From
47 €