Fanal Forest, located on the north-western side of Madeira Island is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting its alluring beauty and eerie atmosphere.

This ancient laurel forest is home to a unique variety of subtropical plants, animals, and laurel trees which give the forest its distinctive appearance. With numerous hiking trails, from leisurely walks to more challenging point-to-point treks, visitors will be spoilt for choice.

An extra special treat comes as night falls, when the tree tops and forest floor are blanketed in mist and moonshine - a mystical and ethereal atmosphere that's truly enchanting. It's the perfect place to escape the everyday and reconnect with nature.

Fanal is a must-see location for visitors to Madeira. It’s the ideal location to get back in touch with nature and get away from the stresses of everyday life.

If you haven’t rented a car, you can book an affordable transfer with a reliable company here.

You can also reach Fanal Forest with a company that offers a budget-friendly shuttle service — and you’ll get an extra 5% personal discount through my link.

If you prefer a more private transfer, you can book it through this link.

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Fanal Forest is also an excellent place to watch the sunset. Experiencing the sunset in the forest is something truly special. However, it’s hard to predict what the weather will be like here at that time — in about 70% of cases, Fanal is covered in thick clouds. But if the day is generally clear across Madeira, with few clouds over the island, you may be lucky enough to witness the sunset in absolutely unique and breathtaking natural conditions.