Fanal Forest

About

The captivating Fanal Forest, a UNESCO-recognized laurisilva forest, is an enduring echo of a time when such forests blanketed most of Southern Europe and Northwest Africa millions of years ago. Nestled in the northwest of Madeira island, remnants of these ancient laurisilva forests now only persist in Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands, with just a fraction of their original coverage remaining. This bewitching forest is a medley of trees of all shapes and sizes. Thanks to its high humidity, visitors frequently find it shrouded in mist and fog, which creates an ethereal ambiance reminiscent of a scene from 'Alice in Wonderland.' Straddling the mountainous divide between Seixal and Ribeira da Janela, the Fanal Forest can be accessed from various points. Visitors can approach from the lofty plateau of Paul Da Serra, situated at an altitude of over four thousand feet, or from the village of Ribeira da Janela. To truly immerse yourself in the forest's signature foggy atmosphere, it's recommended to plan your visit in the mornings when the mist is most likely to settle.