The Fanal Forest by Feeling Madeira

Discover the Enchanting Fanal Forest with Feeling Madeira

If you’re looking for a way to truly connect with Madeira’s natural beauty, the Fanal Forest tour offered by Feeling Madeira might be just what you need. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, it’s clear from the reviews and details that this experience offers a genuine peek into the island’s lush, untouched wilderness.

What we love about this tour is how it combines stunning scenery with a moderate, manageable walk that’s accessible for most travelers with a decent fitness level. Plus, the opportunity to see Madeira’s iconic native plants and animals feels special—something that nature lovers will really appreciate. On the flip side, the tour’s length and walking demands mean it’s best suited for those who enjoy a good outdoor trek and aren’t looking for a super relaxed, casual stroll. If you’re into hiking, exploring pristine forests, and learning about local flora and fauna, this experience is a winner.

It’s also good to keep in mind that this tour is centered around natural beauty and walking — it’s not a sightseeing bus tour with lots of stops for photo ops. That said, the serenity and the views are worth every step, and it’s an excellent choice if you want a meaningful, nature-focused outing.

Key Points

• Beautiful trails through Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest offer a chance to see native flora and fauna in a relatively untouched setting.
• A 7-hour experience with pickup from major hotels makes it a convenient and immersive outdoor activity.
• Guided walks mean you’ll learn about the endemic species and the history of the forest from a friendly, knowledgeable guide.
• Cost-effectiveness at $40 makes it accessible for many travelers seeking a full day of nature.
• Moderate physical activity is required, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and some elevation.
• Limited group size (up to 16 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience.

A Deep Dive into the Fanal Forest Tour Experience

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This tour shines because it highlights Madeira’s lush Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The experience isn’t just about walking; it’s about discovering a living museum of endemic plants and appreciating the tranquility of one of Madeira’s most beautiful natural areas.

The journey begins with a pickup from key locations around Funchal, including major hotels, which takes away the hassle of planning transport. Once on the trail, you’ll be greeted by a mix of endemic vegetation—plants that are unique to Madeira—and species introduced after the island’s discovery. According to reviews, the scent of eucalyptus on the way adds to the sense of being in a true wilderness.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The tour kicks off with a visit to Posto Florestal Fanal, which is described as “a magnificent trail” through the Laurissilva forest. Here, you’ll start by exploring a landscape where native trees like laurel and heather flourish alongside other flora and fauna. The trail offers various viewpoints of a nearby village, giving you a chance to enjoy a panoramic view of the landscape.

The second part of the walk takes you deeper into the forest interior, where the area remains remarkably unchanged since the island’s discovery over five centuries ago. This part of the trail is especially captivating because it feels like stepping back in time, with untouched greenery and native inhabitants such as the chaffinch.

What makes this walk special is the encouragement to keep exploring even after the levada (irrigation channel) seems to end—a reminder that the forest is full of surprises. As one review notes, “If you think you’ve reached the end of the levada, keep going.” This sense of discovery is part of what makes the experience so rewarding.

The Experience: Walking, Views, and Nature

The walking is described as moderate—great for those who are comfortable with a few hours of outdoor activity. From the reviews, travelers praise the breathtaking scenery and the smell of eucalyptus trees as part of the journey. The guide’s friendly and humorous manner enhances the outing, making it not just educational but also fun.

At 4 hours of walking at a leisurely pace, the tour provides plenty of time to soak in the natural beauty without feeling rushed. The group size is limited to 16, which helps ensure everyone gets individual attention, and questions about flora and fauna are encouraged.

Price and Value

At $40 per person, this tour offers good value for a full day of exploring an UNESCO site. The price includes the guided walk and pickup service, making logistics easier. Compared to other experiences, it’s quite reasonable given the proximity to nature and the quality of the experience.

Travelers have raved about the breathtaking views and the informative, friendly guide, which adds to the overall value. The fact that some reviews mention the guide making the day enjoyable through humor and explanations shows that feeling connected to the local environment enhances the experience.

Who Is It Best For?

This tour is perfect for nature lovers and anyone eager to walk through Madeira’s iconic Laurissilva Forest. It’s suited for travelers with moderate fitness levels, comfortable with outdoor walking and some uneven terrain. If you’re a family with older children or teens who enjoy nature hikes, this could be a memorable outing.

However, if you’re looking for a relaxed, low-effort activity, this might feel a bit demanding. The walk involves some elevation and distance, so it’s best to be prepared. It’s also worth noting that the group size is limited, which creates a more intimate setting—ideal if you prefer avoiding large crowds.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Fanal Forest tour by Feeling Madeira offers a genuine, scenic, and educational experience. You get to wander through one of Madeira’s most pristine natural areas, surrounded by native trees, birds, and the soothing scent of eucalyptus. The combination of beautiful views, friendly guides, and manageable walking makes it a standout choice for those wanting to see Madeira’s wilderness up close.

While it’s not a casual stroll, it’s a rewarding one—perfect if you’re prepared for some physical activity and eager to learn about the island’s unique flora and fauna. The limited group size makes it feel personalized, and the price reflects good value for a full day immersed in nature.

If your idea of a day well spent is walking through lush greenery, discovering native species, and enjoying panoramic vistas, this tour will likely leave you with lasting memories of Madeira’s natural charm.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from major hotels in Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, and Calheta, which makes organizing your day easier.

How long does the tour last?
The walking part of the tour lasts around 4 hours, but the entire experience, including pickup and travel time, is approximately 7 hours.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more personal, less crowded experience.

Is it suitable for children?
While the tour requires moderate physical activity, it may be suitable for older children and teens who enjoy hiking. It’s best for those comfortable with walking and uneven terrain.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, water, and perhaps a camera. The terrain can be uneven, so suitable footwear helps.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Given the walking and terrain involved, it might not be ideal for those with limited mobility or certain health conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice means no refund.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of breathtaking views, indigenous flora and fauna, friendly guides, and the peaceful serenity of Madeira’s forest makes it a truly memorable experience.

If you’re eager to experience Madeira’s natural side and enjoy a well-organized walking adventure, this tour comes highly recommended. Just be ready for some steps, fresh air, and the chance to see a truly spectacular part of the world.