Beginning at the Paúl da Serra (Assobiadores) plateau, on regional road ER 209, Vereda do Fanal is 10.8 km long and has an estimated duration of 4 hours, offering hikers the opportunity to cross a wide green area of the indigenous Laurissilva forest.
Here, this forest area endemic of Madeira, a Unesco Natural World Heritage Site, is in a perfect state of conservation and development.
This is a scenery of great natural exuberance, which accompanies and marks the whole experience of hiking along Vereda do Fanal.
Along the trail, in the area known as 'sítio do Fio', you will have the chance to observe the ingenious installation of cables that was made to transport wood and shrubs from the area of Fanal to Chão da Ribeira and Seixal, to help in farming.
A trail of moderate difficulty, Vereda do Fanal ends at Fanal, where you will find a small volcanic crater classified as a Rest and Quiet Reserve by the Madeira Natural Park.
It is the ideal place to relax and unwind, while enjoying the views from the natural viewpoints and the unique surroundings of the centenary Til (Ocotea foetens) woods, some of which have been there prior to the discovery of the island.
Details
Distance: 10.8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 hours
Start/End: E.R. 209 Assobiadores / E.R. 209 Fanal
Max. Altitude / Min. Altitude: 1420 m / 1130 m
IFCN Madeira
Rua João de Deus 12 F, RC C
9050-027 Funchal
9050-027 Funchal