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Tell me about the Fanal - Ribeira Funda hike in Madeira
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The user is asking about the "Fanal - Ribeira Funda" hike in Madeira. Let me look this up using the hikestool.The search for "Fanal Ribeira Funda" returned no results. Let me try a broader search with just "Fanal" to find the trail, and also try searching with differentterms.The user asked about the "Fanal - Ribeira Funda" hike. Looking at the results, there's no official IFCN PR trail with that exact name, but there IS a community trail that matches: "Ribeira Funda Viewpoint - Rocha dos Ingleses - Lagoa do Fanal" - this is the one that goes through Fanal to Ribeira Funda. Let me describe it from the data. This is a community/unofficial trail (not an official IFCN PR trail), so I need to label it clearly as such. Let me pull out the details: - Name: "Ribeira Funda Viewpoint - Rocha dos Ingleses - Lagoa do Fanal" - Rating: 4.5★ from 346 hiker reviews on AllTrails - Difficulty: easy - Length: 3.4 km - Route type: loop - Estimated time: 1–1.5 hr - Area: Madeira Natural Park - Coordinates: 32.80907, -17.14158 - Description: "Recommended walking route for a walk or a run through nature, crossing an interesting area that is part of the Laurissilva forest classified as World Natural Heritage by UNESCO, since December 1999 and part of the European Network of Sites of Community Importance - Natura 2000 Network. Along this route, we highlight the viewpoint over Ribeira Funda, Lagoa do Fanal and the beautiful green landscapes where you can breathe fresh air that invite you to enjoy various outdoor leisure activities..." I should also mention the official PR trails nearby in Fanal since there are several, but the user specifically asked about "Fanal - Ribeira Funda," so I'll focus on the community trail that matches that description. Let me presentthis clearly.
How this was derived · 1 step
Trails near FanalMap & photos
6 photos
Levada dos CedrosLevada dos CedrosLevada dos CedrosLevada dos CedrosLevada dos CedrosLevada dos Cedros
Official PR trail (IFCN) Community route (AllTrails — not official)
Photos: walkmeguide.com · green = official IFCN PR trail · amber = community route (AllTrails)
Fanal – Ribeira Funda Hike

The route you're looking for is a community trail mapped on AllTrails — officially called "Ribeira Funda Viewpoint – Rocha dos Ingleses – Lagoa do Fanal". It's one of the most popular walks in the Fanal area, rated 4.5★ from 346 hiker reviews on AllTrails.

⚠️ Important: This is a community-mapped route — not part of Madeira's official PR (Percurso Recomendado) trail network managed by IFCN (the regional government's forests & nature authority). It therefore has no official open/closed status and no maintenance or signage guarantee. Check access and conditions locally before setting out.

Trail Details
Distance3.4 km (loop)
DifficultyEasy
Estimated time1–1.5 hours
Route typeLoop
AreaMadeira Natural Park (Laurissilva Forest — UNESCO World Heritage)
What You'll See

The trail crosses through the Laurissilva forest, classified as a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO since 1999 and part of the European Natura 2000 Network. Highlights along the route include:

  • Ribeira Funda viewpoint — sweeping views over the deep valley
  • Rocha dos Ingleses — a dramatic rock formation
  • Lagoa do Fanal — the seasonal winter lagoon surrounded by ancient, moss-covered Til trees
  • Green landscapes and fresh mountain air throughout
Getting There

Directions to the trailhead ↗

The trailhead is in the Fanal area, on the Paúl da Serra plateau in the municipality of Porto Moniz.

Official PR Trails in Fanal

If you'd prefer a trail with official status and IFCN maintenance, the Fanal area has several nearby:

TrailPR CodeDistanceDifficultyDuration
Levada dos CedrosPR 147.2 kmModerate3 hrs
Vereda do FanalPR 1310.8 kmModerate4 hrs
Vereda da Ribeira da JanelaPR 152.7 kmModerate1.5 hrs

These all require an access fee of €4.50 (visitors over 12; free for 12 and under), payable via the SIMplifica portal.


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