FANAL: EXPLORING AN ANCIENT MAGICAL FOREST

Fanal is located in the Laurisilva forest on Paúl da Serra and it’s fabulous! Several beautiful walks can be made in the area of Fanal, be sure to enjoy at least one!

A SHORT WALK THROUGH LAURISILVA FOREST

We chose this short, easy walk because we had walked several hard trails in the days before. This walk starts at the forestry house in Fanal. Take some time to walk around the area around the forestry house, because this area is simply stunning! Fanal is often veiled by fog, especially in the mornings, and it was like that when we were there. The fog makes this area even more beautiful, it transforms the place into a very surreal looking ancient magical forest.

START OF THE FANAL TRAIL

For this circular trail, follow the PR 13 Paúl da Serra sign at the forestry house, leading you up the wooden steps on the small hill. The fern grown hill leads to a large field. The trail will lead you past the ridge of the plateau. We weren’t able to see that anymore while we were following this trail. The fog had thickened so much, that we were able to see only a few meters ahead. So as for details about the vistas on the ridge side of the trail: I have no clue!

Even without being able to see our surroundings in detail, this was such a very beautiful walk. Past the plateau, the trail leads into another old thick Laurisilva forest. And again, there are so many beautiful mysterious laurel trees here. The UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Madeira Laurisilva forest absolutely is well deserved.

A STORM IS COMING OUR WAY

Because the weather got really bad, we decided not to follow the rest of the trail and instead we doubled back to our car. The wind and rain got really bad and we didn’t think it safe to continue our walk. But, surely we will be back for more hiking in the Fanal area.

USEFUL INFO

There are several walks to be made in the Fanal area, varying in length and easiness. This makes this area perfect for both beginning as experienced hikers. As for the fog: don’t let it scare you out of starting a hike. The fog only makes this area more beautiful than it already is. The only reason we decided to break off our hike, were the overall worsening weather conditions.

ROUTES FANAL

Route #46 en #53 in Rother Wandelgids.

Officiële route van Madeira Toeristenbureau: PR 13