💭 Thinking
How this was derived · 3 steps
- Vereda do Fanal 4.4 Directions
Route: Paul da Serra → Fanal
Distance: 10.8 km
Duration: ~4 hours (official)
Difficulty: Moderate (official) / Hard (community consensus)
Altitude: 1,130 m min – 1,420 m max
Managing authority: IFCN (Instituto de Florestas e Conservação da Natureza)
PR 13 Vereda do Fanal is one of Madeira's classic levada walks, crossing the high plateau of Paul da Serra before descending into the magical Fanal laurel forest — a UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva stand famous for its centuries-old, moss-covered Tis trees and frequent ethereal fog. The route follows levadas through dense native forest, with sweeping views over the north coast's valleys and mountains.
- Start point: ER 209 (Assobiadores), on the Paul da Serra plateau
- End point: ER 209 (Fanal)
- Type: Out-and-back (AllTrails community data)
€4.50 per visitor (over 12 years); free for children 12 and under. Payment is made via the SIMplifica portal before your visit.
⭐ 4.4 / 5 from 556 hiker reviews on AllTrails · Features: forest · river · views
Always check the current trail status (open / closed / restricted) before setting out — conditions in the mountains change, especially at this altitude. The status is managed by IFCN and can vary with weather.
Also note that the trail reaches over 1,400 m altitude, so fog, wind and rain can set in quickly even when the coast is sunny. It's worth checking the mountain weather forecast and IPMA warnings for the day you plan to hike.
Directions to trailhead ↗ · Official trail page
Want me to check the mountain forecast & IPMA warnings for tomorrow, or show you how to get to the trailhead by bus from where you're staying?





