A lovely walk with some stunning views.
Much of it follows mountain bike trails, which means you can avoid the crowds on the PR13
I highly recommend it.
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Discovering the Fanal Forest
This hike is suitable for children aged 5 and above.
Starting from the main car park, you will quickly find a path where you can enjoy the greenery and several ancient and unusual trees.
The trail then joins the PR®13 to the Fio viewpoint.
Return via a new trail to the Fanal esplanade, which offers a cluster of magnificent trees that make for superb photos.
The path continues to a pond where you can hear frogs croaking in the distance.
Finally, you pass a second waterhole, which is sometimes dry, before returning to your car.
No difficulties. It is humid as the hike takes place in the clouds, but it remains reasonable.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 4.41 mi -
Average duration: 2h 45 -
Difficulty: Easy -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 860 ft -
Descent: - 879 ft -
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Highest point: 3,993 ft -
Lowest point: 3,533 ft
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Country:
Madeira
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City:
Porto Moniz -
Start/End: N 32.809355° / W 17.144187° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,681 ft - Car park
- 1 : mi 0.16 - alt. 3,763 ft - Crossroads
- 2 : mi 1.32 - alt. 3,921 ft - Fork
- 3 : mi 1.96 - alt. 3,740 ft - Viewpoint
- 4 : mi 3.51 - alt. 3,629 ft - Lagoa Pequena do Fanal
- 5 : mi 3.84 - alt. 3,533 ft - Lagoa do Fanal
- S/E : mi 4.41 - alt. 3,681 ft - Car park
Reviews and comments
5 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
5 / 5
Christophe69003
Christophe69003
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : Aug 03, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No
A lovely walk with some stunning views.
Most of it is on paths
I highly recommend it.
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DAMEC30
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : Jun 06, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes
A very pleasant walk with no particular difficulties. Well worth a go 
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Eric Saiag
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : Jun 06, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No
A wonderful, fairly easy 7.6 km walk, with varied scenery and vegetation. I highly recommend it.
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User 18247569
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : May 03, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No
A lovely walk, a little off the beaten track from the "PR13 trail".
We’d paid the €4.50 fee for the official trails but weren’t checked; however, we did meet some hikers who had been checked
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User 28696541
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : Mar 22, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No
We completed the route after a week of rain and in very poor weather. The paths had turned into streams. Visibility was very poor as we were in the clouds. We finished the hike in the rain. A few lovely photos nonetheless; the area is stunning.
Please note that since 1 January 2026, registration is compulsory for all official trails (PR), with a fee of €4.50 per hiker (https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt)
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User 28081689
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : Feb 23, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes
A very beautiful hike with lovely views and stunning scenery.
The trees are magnificent and magical, making us want to sit against them and breathe in their tranquil energy.
A must-do...
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Twipart
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : Oct 03, 2025
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No
A beautiful hike that allows you to discover the mystical trails around the Fanal forest. A magical finale in contact with cows.
There are a few people at the start of the hike, but as soon as you leave the car park, there is no one else around.
Some of the trails are a bit muddy, so make sure you wear good shoes with good tread.
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ducastelcb
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : Sep 24, 2025
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No
A beautiful hike in the Fanal forest. There weren't many people there because most people stay where the remarkable trees are grouped together, without going on the hike. We parked near the pond, which was dry, but the place is still pretty. There is a car park for about ten cars at this spot. Take the time to admire all the trees along this lovely, easy trail, which is safe for children.
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