PR 13 — Vereda do Fanal
Briefly
A mystical walk through the ancient Til forest of Fanal, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva. The trail connects the high plateau of Paul da Serra to the Fanal forest park. It is world-famous for its centenarian, twisted laurel trees that look like sculptures, especially when the area is covered in its characteristic thick fog.
Basic Information
Start: Paul da Serra (Assobiadores / ER 209)
End: Fanal Forest Park (Linear)
Distance: 10.8 km (one way)
Time: 4 hours
Elevation gain: Moderate (constant ups and downs)
Difficulty: Moderate
Entrance: €4.50
Parking: Posto Florestal Fanal or Assobiadores
Best season: All year round (Foggy days are best for photos)
How to Get There
The trail starts on the ER 209 road at the “Assobiadores” area on the Paul da Serra plateau.
Open Assobiadores Start on Google Maps
Important: This is a linear trail. Many people walk only the final section at Fanal or use a shuttle/taxi to get back to their car.
What to Bring
- Waterproof jacket (it’s almost always damp/misty)
- Hiking boots (the grass and mud can be very slippery)
- Camera (essential for the “ghostly” trees)
- Water and lunch
Key Points
- The Fog: Don’t be disappointed by fog — this is the “classic” Fanal look. However, be careful not to lose the trail markers in low visibility.
- Cows: You will meet many free-roaming cows. They are harmless but don’t disturb them.
- The Trees: Some of the Ocotea foetens (Til) trees here are over 500 years old.
- Posto Florestal: At the end (Fanal), there is a picnic area and toilets.
Booking
Advance booking is mandatory.
Book here: SIMplifica
Madeira residents: Free entry, but booking still required.
Similar Trails
- PR 14 — Levada dos Cedros: Starts at Fanal and descends into the valley.
- PR 6.2 — Levada do Alecrim: Another high-altitude plateau walk.
- PR 15 — Vereda da Ribeira da Janela: A steep historical descent in the same region.
Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 