Vereda do Cavaco — from Chão da Ribeira Valley to Fanal 🌿

If you’re up for a challenging but deeply rewarding hike, this trail is for you.

Starting from the lush Chão da Ribeira Valley, it climbs all the way to the mystical Fanal Forest, one of Madeira’s most magical and photogenic places — and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

🥾 The challenge:

An 850-meter elevation gain that feels almost non-stop — step after step through the heart of the Laurisilva forest. Along the way, you’ll pass dense greenery, open viewpoints, and even a small waterfall before reaching the top.

✨ The reward:

At the end of this demanding climb awaits Fanal, a surreal forest often wrapped in mist — one of the most unique landscapes on Earth.

I completed the hike both up and down, totaling almost 11 km, and I’ve attached my GPS track for reference. However, the trail can also be done one way, either ascending from the valley or descending from Fanal.

If you haven’t rented a car, you can book an affordable transfer to Fanal 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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All the transfers mentioned above will drop you from Fanal, not to Chão da Ribeira, where the trail actually begins.

That’s why I recommend either using a rental car or arranging a private transfer for this hike — especially if you plan to do it one way.