Fanal Forest
UNESCO laurisilva plateau famous for its ancient til trees, otherworldly when fog rolls in.
About Fanal Forest
Fanal Forest is one of Madeira's signature miradouros
At 1150 m, Fanal Forest sits above the usual cloud line — mornings here often start with a sea of white filling the valleys below. The Atlantic weather moves fast at this altitude, so the view can flip from zero visibility to panorama in minutes. Dress for wind and carry a jacket even in summer.
Fanal is the high-altitude laurisilva plateau (1,150 m) on the road between Paúl da Serra and Porto Moniz, famous for ancient gnarled til trees (Ocotea foetens), some over 600 years old, scattered across open pasture. It is the single most-photographed forest on Madeira — particularly when fog rolls in and turns the trees into silhouettes.
What to know before you go
- Bring a windproof layer — even on warm days the exposed clifftops are noticeably cooler.
- First light and the last hour of the day are when the cliffs colour up — middle of the day is the harshest window.
- Parking is small at most miradouros; arrive early or be prepared to wait briefly for a spot.
- Stay behind the railings — the cliffs are higher than they look.
- Best in early morning fog (October–March) for the atmospheric look. Clear days are still beautiful but more ordinary.
- Free entry, free parking, no facilities — bring everything you need.
Best time to visit
Year-round, but May, June, September and October combine the most settled weather with the best light. Avoid windy days for clifftop viewpoints.
Location
Porto Moniz, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.81470, -17.15710
Frequently asked
When is Fanal best to visit?+
Early morning or evenings with low cloud, when fog drifts through the til trees. Clear sunny days are far less atmospheric.
Is Fanal Forest free to visit?+
Yes — Fanal Forest is a public miradouro with free access. Any small fee you see covers parking, not the viewpoint itself.
How long should I spend at Fanal Forest?+
Allow at least half an hour. On a clear day it's tempting to stay through golden hour, so build that into your schedule.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Fanal Forest.