9 – Walk Assobiadores – Fanal

Full-Day Madeira Island Walk

9 – Walk Assobiadores – Fanal

The Walk Assobiadores – Fanal trail starts in Paúl da Serra, Madeira’s highest plateau, and ends at Fanal, where we find the ancient forest of Madeira.

The hike is located in an area of Laurissilva Forest which is classified as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO and is a member of the European Network Sites of Community Importance (Natura 2000).

At the beginning of the walk, in an area known as Fio, we can observe what is left of a device made of steel cables that stretch downhill to the parish of Chão da Ribeira. This device was once used to carry wood and shrubs from Fanal forest down to Chão da Ribeira and then used in farming.

Some parts of the trail will have open areas where we have the opportunity to appreciate the landscape over the Ribeira da Janela valley and Chão da Ribeira. On other parts, we will be surrounded by the impressive and lush green vegetation.

Towards the end of the route, we will be presented by the forest of grand centenary Ocofea foefens trees (Til), most of these trees were here long before the discovery of Madeira Island.

We might be able to spot some different species of birds, such as the Madeira firecrest, the chaffinch, and the rare laurel pigeon.

After some ascents and descents, we arrive at our destination in Fanal. This is a magical place where we are surrounded by enormous ancient trees covered with moss. A small volcanic crater is also visible and when it rains heavily the crater is filled with water forming a natural pond.

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What to Bring?

According to the time of the year that you chose to walk in Madeira and taking into consideration our changeable weather, it is necessary to be well prepared for the Levada walks and the mountain trails.

Recommended Equipment