Trails
Vereda do Fanal (PR13)
From the Paul da Serra to the centuries-old til trees of Fanal
The place
Vereda do Fanal is the official PR13, a one-way route of 10.8 km from Assobiadores, on the ER 209 on the Paul da Serra plateau, to Fanal, where it ends near the forest station, the Posto Florestal do Fanal. IFCN gives it about four hours, and heights stay between 1,130 m and 1,420 m. From Fanal, PR14 Levada dos Cedros and PR15 Vereda da Ribeira da Janela lead on to the parish of Ribeira da Janela.
The path crosses laurissilva in an excellent state of conservation, the laurel forest UNESCO listed in 1999, part of the Natura 2000 network, with viewpoints along the way. At a place called Fio are the remains of a steel-cable system that once sent firewood and brush cut at Fanal down to Chão da Ribeira, for the farms and livestock of Chão da Ribeira and Seixal. Fanal itself is a small volcanic crater that the Madeira Natural Park has made a Reserva de Repouso e Silêncio, a reserve of rest and quiet. Some of its centuries-old til trees are older than the discovery of Madeira; fog often wraps them, and cattle graze freely in between.
Highlights
- Laurissilva in an excellent state of conservation, with viewpoints along the way.
- The remains of the steel-cable system at Fio that once sent firewood down to Chão da Ribeira.
- Fanal, a small volcanic crater kept as a reserve of rest and quiet.
- Centuries-old til trees at Fanal, some older than the discovery of Madeira, with cattle grazing among them.
When to come
A clear day, for the viewpoints along the way. Fog is frequent and often wraps Fanal, so stay on the trail when it comes in, and bring warm clothes.
Getting there
Start at Assobiadores, on the ER 209 on the Paul da Serra plateau. The route ends near the forest station at Fanal, so arrange a lift or a taxi; the panel lists Táxis Porto Moniz, +351 291 852 243. From Fanal, PR14 and PR15 lead on to Ribeira da Janela.
Worth knowing
- Booking and fee: pay through SIMplifica; €4.50 in 2026 for visitors over 12, with children 12 and under exempt.
- Distance and time: 10.8 km one way, about 4 hours.
- Heights: between 1,130 m and 1,420 m.
- Difficulty: moderate; Visit Madeira, Ocean Trails and the regional government's map portal agree.
- Caution: fog is frequent and can leave walkers disoriented, so stay on the trail.
- Caution: IFCN warns that the weather changes often; bring warm clothes.
- Status: open on the IFCN list on 4 November 2026; check IFCN or SIMplifica before you go.
