Is Fanal Forest, Madeira Worth It? How To Visit & Explore in 2026
Often shrouded in clouds and mist, the Fanal Forest, Madeira, is a magical destination on the island that you must put on your bucket list and itinerary. With ancient laurel trees and weather that can provide an otherworldly experience, this is truly a special place.
That being said, with increased popularity, in 2026, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture, and the IFCN have been forced to create boardwalks, fences, and designated trails to help curb the damage that has been done to this area.
Find out more about our experience below and learn the best way to plan a visit to this unique area on Madeira Island.
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Webcams In Madeira
Make it a habit to check the live webcams each morning before finalizing your plans for the day. A quick look can spare you from starting a hike or heading to a viewpoint only to find clouds, rain, or low visibility waiting for you.
That being said, we DO recommend visiting Fanal Forest when it’s cloudy, foggy, and misty. It makes this area so much better! The vibes are on point when the forest is shrouded in mist.
Things to Know
- Stay on the boardwalks and on the marked trails. Do not cross the fences that have been put up. This is for the protection of this area! No off-trail exploration is permitted! On-site Nature Wardens will be present and may ticket you.
- It’s best to get here early to secure a parking spot. With increased visitation, the parking lot may now be monitored, and you may need to pay. There is still conflicting information out there currently, so be prepared before you go.
- Currently, the IFCN is studying an access fee model.
- A sustainable entry approach that encourages carpooling and organized guided tours could also be introduced sometime in the future.
- When we visited in 2025, we parked here.
- It’s best to still bring some sunscreen and plenty of water!
- There are restroom facilities here at the parking lot.
If you are planning on spending more time on Madeira, check out our full 9-day itinerary with the best hikes and things to do on the island!
Fanal Forest, Madeira
Fanal Forest sits on the northwestern side of Madeira, high on the Paul da Serra plateau within the island’s protected Laurisilva region.
This unique woodland is famous for its ancient, twisted laurel trees that are often wrapped in drifting fog, giving the area a dreamlike, almost mystical feel.
When you visit, you’ll likely find open grassy clearings, damp fresh air, and a peaceful stillness, along with ever-changing weather that can shift from clear views to thick mist in minutes.
Our visit was full of wind and mist. It was so windy that we almost got blown over. The weather made it feel like we were on another planet, and we loved it.
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Can You Still Hike In The Fanal Forest?
Alright, in full transparency, we are unsure of the current designated trail route in the Fanal Forest. During our visit in 2025, we followed a recommended route on AllTrails along an existing path that looped through the forest and around to the Fanal Forestry Station.
While hiking, we tried to stay on the dirt path and did not touch or sit on any of the trees.
Due to the changes at this location with fencing and boardwalks, there has now been a designated starting point to the trail identified, and this is likely near the main parking areas that we linked above. We would recommend starting here, or hiring a guided tour.
By hiring a guided tour, there are really no questions as to where to park, how to get there, and what to expect, as the tour guides will know exactly what you can and can’t do. Leaving the driving to someone else is always less stressful.
During our visit here, we saw plenty of cows roaming around, but with the new fencing put up, you may not see any cows at this point.
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Photos of Fanal Forest
Below is a collection of some photos we took in the Fanal Forest. The weather provided such an otherworldly experience and made this one of our top spots on the island.
Guided Tours To Fanal Forest, Madeira
To have the most stress-free experience visiting the Fanal Forest, we recommend booking a guided group tour. Some of the tours even go to other locations on the western section of the island. Check out some fun options here on GetYourGuide.
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Don’t Forget Your Rental Car
If you want to make the most of your time on the island of Madeira, be sure to book a rental car and book it early. For the best rates, check the prices and options at DiscoverCars! You really can’t go wrong with DiscoverCars.
If there is one takeaway about rental cars in Madeira, make sure you get the smallest one that fits your party. Roads are narrow, and parking can be tough!
Where to Stay While Visiting Madeira
Madeira has plenty of great hotels and rentals to choose from. We recommend picking one location on the island and using that as your home base. You can get anywhere on the island in about an hour or a bit more.
We chose the warm, scenic, and small town of Ponta do Sol as our home base, and we really loved our rental house! Some choose to stay in Funchal, which has tons of amenities.
Here are a few great places to stay in Ponta do Sol:
- A VRBO! If you are looking for your own place to stay on Madeira, check out the great rental options in Ponta do Sol or across the entire island of Madeira!
- 1905 Zino’s Palace – a beautifully restored pink palace in Ponta do Sol, offering an intimate boutique stay in a historic 19th-century building. With elegant rooms, ocean views, and a peaceful pool area, it blends Madeiran heritage with relaxed, modern comfort. Complete with a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a bar. Check it out now on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Enotel Sunset Bay – a relaxed 4-star hotel in Ponta do Sol, right by the Atlantic with stunning sunset views and easy access to a pebble beach. The property offers a heated pool, sauna, and restaurant serving local cuisine. Book right now on Expedia or Booking.com.
Final Thoughts
To answer the question, yes, a visit to Fanal Forest is worth it. We couldn’t get enough of this hike. When we pulled into the parking lot early in the morning, we were one of the first cars there. We looked at each other and laughed. It was SO windy, and the rain and mist were pounding the car windows.
Did that deter us? Oh no…no way! We put on our raincoats, and away we went. As noted before, we followed what seemed to be a previously established trail that went around the area. We were able to see some awesome trees and some cows roaming around.
As we made our way back around to the Fanal Forestry Station building, we could tell that it was getting way more crowded. As we reached our car, it was a madhouse.
Honestly, we are really glad that the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture, and IFCN are implementing some protections for this area, because it is truly amazing. Be sure to plan ahead before you visit.
🛌🏽 Looking for a place to stay with an epic view and pool, too? Don’t forget to check out VRBO or Expedia to book your stay!
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