Fanal Madeira: PR13 route, status, and access guide

Fanal Madeira’s PR13 Vereda do Fanal is a 10.8km linear trail from Assobiadores on ER 209 to Fanal. The official page rates it moderate and estimates four hours. It was listed as open when checked on 14 August 2026, and a SIMplifica reservation is required.

The trail in three sentences

The official PR13 route page gives a start altitude of 1,420m and a finish altitude of 1,130m. The path crosses high plateau and indigenous Laurissilva before ending at Fanal. Because the route is linear, confirm the return between the two ER 209 endpoints before starting.

Getting to the correct start

PR13 starts at Assobiadores on ER 209 and ends at Fanal on the same regional road. Do not begin at the Fanal leisure area unless the official map and your planned direction say to do so.

Use the official map, current road signs, and legal parking at each end. Keep road, farm, resident, bus, and emergency access clear. Do not assume parking capacity or transfer availability from an old article.

Fanal looks different in mist and clear weather. Neither condition is guaranteed, and a photograph is not a reason to leave the signed route or enter a closed area.

Cloud can reduce both road and trail visibility. Check IPMA warnings and the plateau forecast, carry a waterproof layer, and change the plan if wind, rain, or visibility exceeds the group’s experience.

What you actually see

The tourism board describes a conserved area of indigenous Laurissilva and centuries-old til trees, some predating Madeira’s fifteenth-century discovery. Near Fanal, the route also reaches a small volcanic crater protected as a Rest and Quiet Reserve by Madeira Natural Park.

Stay on the path, do not collect plants, and give cattle and wildlife space. The Fanal visitor page provides context for the forestry station and leisure area.

Photo tips

Protect the camera from rain and condensation, and clean the lens without stepping into vegetation. Wide scenes work in clear weather; closer tree details still work when cloud removes the distant view. Avoid blocking the trail while setting up.

What to bring

Bring water, sun protection, a waterproof and warm layer, footwear with grip, the official route map, and the reservation confirmation offline. Add food and enough daylight margin for the full linear plan and confirmed return.

Combining with Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz can be an optional stop only after the route, return transport, road conditions, and daylight are settled. Check current pool access and sea conditions rather than assuming a swim will be available.

FAQ

Can I bring a dog? Check the current IFCN and protected-area rules before bringing an animal. Carry water and keep clear of cattle and wildlife.

What if I go on a clear sunny day with no fog? The official route remains a Laurissilva and plateau walk in clear weather. Choose the day for safe conditions and the landscape you want, but do not postpone solely for a mist photograph.

Can I drive into the forest? Drive only on public roads and use signed legal parking. Do not take a vehicle onto a forest track because a map or social post appears to show access.

Is the lake always full? No. Visit Madeira describes it as a winter lake in an old volcanic crater. Its appearance depends on recent conditions, so do not plan around a guaranteed water level.

Is PR13 scary? The official difficulty is moderate. Use the live route status, weather, visibility, surface, full distance, and linear transport to judge whether it suits you.

Best time of year for Fanal mist? No month guarantees mist at the right height. Check the current plateau forecast and warnings, then use the best time to visit Madeira guide for broader seasonal context.

A longer hiking stay

A longer stay gives more room to choose a suitable forecast, but mist is never guaranteed. Check route status and current conditions without entering closed areas for a photograph.

Banana House is a year-round, seven-room coliving in Ponta do Sol, normally designed around stays of one month or longer. Every room has a real desk and chair, and the house has 200+ Mbps fibre plus additional work areas. See the rooms and current monthly options.

For more routes, start with our Madeira hiking pillar. The sister trail through the same forest is PR14 Levada dos Cedros.