Fanal Forestry Station — Attraction in Porto Moniz

The beautiful Fanal forest is perhaps the most well known of the remaining laurisilva forests that once covered 90% of Southern Europe and NW Africa several million years ago.

On the north side of Madeira Island, you can find a mysterious fog creating an incredible atmosphere amongst the trees of Fanal Forest. The twisted branches of the grand centenary Ocotea Foetens trees and the fog come together in this fairytale scene

Located on the north-western end of Madeira Island, the Fanal Forest is quite easy to find as it has a dedicated parking area called ‘Faial Parking’ on Google Maps. Here you can park your car and walk a few hundred meters straight into the forest or to visit the nearby viewpoint, which is also just a few hundred meters away from the parking lot. From Funchal, it will take you one hour via car.

The Fanal Forest is great to visit all year round but there are certain weather conditions that make this place quite atmospheric. Basically, you want the entire forest to be engulfed by fog to create this mystical, moody vibe that you can see in my photos. It is common for fog to hit this area, which is 1,150 meters above sea level. It can be quite hard to predict when it will be clear and when it will be foggy. Often if it is clear and sunny at sea level down by the beach, it can still be foggy conditions in the forest.

There is a trail for everyone, experienced or novice hikers alike. Be on the lookout for the well-known “fairy tale trees,” which are old laurel trees with twisted and contorted branches that resemble something from a fairy tale.

The Fanal Forest takes on a completely different personality at night. A mystical and ethereal atmosphere is created when the forest is enveloped in mist and the moonlight and starlight pass through the trees. It’s the ideal time to go on a guided night hike through the forest, where you can discover the magic of the forest at dusk. Even some nocturnal creatures found in the forest, like owls or bats, may be...

Fanal Forest is a true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! My visit to Fanal Forest was nothing short of magical and unforgettable. The ancient laurel trees, lush greenery, and serene atmosphere create a tranquil and enchanting environment that is perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Walking through Fanal Forest feels like stepping into a fairytale. The towering trees, and moss-covered rocks create a mystical and ethereal atmosphere that is both calming and awe-inspiring. The air is fresh and clean, and the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling add to the serenity of the forest.

Fanal Forest is a hidden gem on the island of Madeira, and I feel incredibly grateful to have experienced its beauty and tranquility. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Fanal Forest is a must-visit destination that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and connected to the...

We almost didn’t go because we had read so many reviews saying it’s only worth visiting if it’s foggy. But it’s not fog – it’s clouds! It turned out to be our favorite experience on Madeira. We kept checking the weather forecast, hoping for a foggy day, but there weren’t any. So we nearly skipped it based on what others had said. In the end, we went on an cloudy day and realized that what people referred to as "fog" was actually clouds rolling through the landscape, creating that mystical, foggy atmosphere.

We completely fell in love with the peaceful vibe up there. The silence, the nature, the fresh air – it was incredibly refreshing. A true little escape from everything.

The area is so vast that it feels like you can walk around completely on your own. Plus there are cute cows! Highly, highly...