This morning I hiked up to Fanal Forest from home, curious to see for myself the new structures being put in place to protect this incredible landscape. It’s one of my favourite walks on the island, and seeing changes happening in such a familiar spot felt both strange and reassuring — a sign that steps are being taken to safeguard Madeira’s natural treasures.
If you’ve ever stepped into Fanal Forest, you’ll know exactly why it’s one of Madeira’s most photographed and mystical places. That otherworldly fog drifting through ancient laurel trees feels like walking through a dream. It’s also one of the highlights of my private tours, where guests often tell me it’s the moment they’ll never forget from their trip.
But Fanal’s growing popularity has started to take a toll on its fragile ecosystem — and now there are new rules in place to help preserve this UNESCO-listed wonder for generations to come.
Why the rules have changed
The Fanal Forest sits in the heart of Madeira’s Laurisilva, a rare and ancient laurel forest that’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its moss-covered trees are hundreds of years old, and the ground beneath them is sensitive to erosion and damage caused by too many wandering feet.
Over the last few years, visitor numbers have increased dramatically thanks to social media exposure. Unfortunately, that’s led to trampling of roots, litter, and soil degradation. To counter this, local authorities have introduced new conservation measures aimed at protecting both the landscape and visitor safety.
What’s new at Fanal Forest
Here’s what’s changed for anyone planning a visit:
- Stay on the designated walking paths and boardwalks.
Some areas are now fenced off to allow the land and vegetation to recover. As you can see in the photo above, protective fencing has been placed around several iconic trees to reduce soil compaction and prevent damage from livestock and visitors. - Use official parking areas only.
Controlled parking zones have been introduced to avoid congestion on access roads and prevent off-road damage. - No littering or disturbing wildlife.
This may sound obvious, but sadly it’s become a growing issue. Please carry everything back out with you. - Check for permits if using picnic or camping facilities.
Most of Fanal remains free to visit, but certain areas and amenities may now require a small fee or booking.
(See the Madeira Travel Guide update for full details.)
Visiting responsibly
When I bring guests here on my Madeira Misty Mountain tours, we always talk about how Fanal changes with the weather — sometimes clear and bright, sometimes completely swallowed by fog. That “misty magic” is what makes it so enchanting, but also a reminder that this is a living ecosystem, not a theme park.
A few friendly tips:
- Bring good shoes — the ground can be uneven and muddy.
- Pack layers — weather shifts quickly up here.
- Download a map or let someone know your plans — mobile signal is patchy.
For route ideas and walking info, the Vereda do Fanal PR13 guide is a great resource.
🌫️ Keeping the magic alive
Fanal’s haunting beauty lies in its stillness — the way mist curls around each gnarled branch, the quiet broken only by cowbells or the crunch of moss underfoot. The new fences and rules might seem restrictive at first, but they’re there for good reason. Every step we take with care helps ensure this forest remains just as spellbinding for the next traveller who wanders in.
If you’d like to experience Fanal Forest as part of a private or custom Madeira tour, where we explore hidden spots away from the crowds, you can find more info at mistymountainsmike.com/routes.
Let’s keep Fanal wild, magical, and protected — one mindful visit at a time. 🌲