PR13 Vereda do Fanal Mystical Self-Guided Hiking with Transfer

The magic of this outing is the ancient Fanal forest, where twisted tis trees rise from a volcanic caldera and the air can feel cool, damp, and quiet. PR13 gives you open mountain views, shaded forest sections, and a proper point-to-point hike without forcing you to solve Madeira’s transport puzzle.

I like the self-guided format, which lets you set your own walking pace, and I like the practical transfer service. You are not tied to a guide’s speed, yet someone knows where you are headed and collects you at the other end. The main drawback is weather: cloud, rain, or a trail closure can change the plan, and the trail still calls for moderate fitness.

Key points to know before booking

• The walk finishes at Fanal, a volcanic caldera protected as a Rest and Silence Reserve.
• The route is about 10.7 kilometers, according to the supplied tour details, rather than the much harder 22-kilometer version without transport.
• You walk independently, using the provided map and hiking explanation rather than following a guide.
• Transfers solve the hardest practical problem, getting you from Funchal to the trail and from the finish back to your accommodation or meeting point.
• The trail mixes open views with cool Laurissilva forest, including views toward Ribeira da Janela valley and Chão da Ribeira.
• The €41.12 price does not include the €3 hiking fee, which you pay on site.

Why PR13 Fanal is one of Madeira’s special walks

Madeira is famous for levadas and steep coastal paths, but PR13 offers a different kind of day. The route leads through native Laurissilva forest, a type of laurel forest that has survived on Madeira for a very long time. Here, old tis trees, also called Ocotea foetens, give the woods their unusual character.

Some parts of the trail open out onto wide mountain views. Other sections pass beneath thick plant cover, where the path feels cooler and more enclosed. That change keeps the walk interesting. You are not simply following one long stretch of trees or one repeated viewpoint.

The final area, Fanal, is the emotional high point. It contains a small volcanic caldera and old tis trees, some said to predate the discovery of Madeira. The setting is protected as a Rest and Silence Reserve, so the appeal is not only what you see. It is also the chance to slow down in a place set aside for quiet.

I would choose this walk if you want natural scenery without spending the day on a crowded coach excursion. It is a good match for people who enjoy walking alone or with their own group, but who still want reliable transport at both ends.

The Funchal pickup and the value of arranged transport

The day starts around 8:00 a.m., with pickup details confirmed before the outing. The exact pickup point and time matter, so check them carefully. The time shown on the ticket is an estimate, and the confirmed details are sent the day before.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, a useful touch when you are leaving Funchal for a full day outside. The group can include up to 16 people, which keeps the transfer smaller than a large sightseeing bus while still making the price practical.

At $41.12 per person, the value is mainly in the transport. PR13 is a point-to-point route, so arranging your own car creates a nuisance: you need to reach the start, then somehow get back from the finish. The transport service removes that problem. One account of using the company for several walks also highlights reliable pickups, clear communication, and safe, professional drivers.

The service has included drivers named Filipe, Jessica, and Logan in the communication and arrangements. Filipe is specifically noted for making the day run smoothly and offering useful suggestions for Funchal. Driver names can change, but the important point is that this is not simply a ticket for a bus ride. The operator manages the transfer side of an independent walking day.

Starting PR13: open views before the forest closes in

The first stop is Vereda do Fanal, the PR13 trail itself. You receive a map and an explanation of the hike, then walk at your own pace. That arrangement gives you room to stop for photographs, adjust your speed, or spend longer at a viewpoint without holding up a group.

The route has open sections where you can appreciate the scale of Madeira’s mountain country. Views extend toward the Ribeira da Janela valley and Chão da Ribeira. These are the moments when the trail feels broad and airy, with the island’s folds and ridges spread out in front of you.

The views are not guaranteed to be clear. Fanal is known for a moody forest setting, and the weather policy makes clear that good conditions matter for this activity. Cloud can limit distant views, but it may also add to the quiet, wooded feeling. You should book this walk for the forest and the changing scenery, not only for a single photograph from a viewpoint.

The trail is described as medium difficulty. One detailed account calls it easy to moderate, but you should still expect a real walk of around 10.7 kilometers. A moderate fitness level is required. There is no suggestion that this is a casual stroll suitable for everyone, so bring proper walking clothes and shoes even though clothing is not included.

The Laurissilva forest: shaded, old, and full of character

As PR13 moves into thicker cover, the experience changes. The Laurissilva forest is cool and leafy, with sections sheltered by heavy plant growth. The word mystical fits here better than any sales phrase because the trees are old, the air can be damp, and the path moves between open mountain views and enclosed woodland.

The tis trees are the stars. Their trunks and branches create unusual shapes, and their age gives Fanal a sense of time that is difficult to find in a developed resort area. You are not visiting a themed attraction or a decorated park. You are walking through a protected native forest that has been allowed to keep its own form.

I like this part of the route because it rewards patience. If you rush from one end to the other, you may miss the small changes in texture and light. Stop when the path opens, look back through the trees, and give yourself time to notice how different the sheltered sections feel from the exposed viewpoints.

At the same time, self-guided walking requires some responsibility. The operator gives you a map and hiking explanation, but there is no guide beside you interpreting every turn or setting the pace. Stay attentive to the information you receive and keep track of the agreed collection point.

Fanal at the finish: the quietest part of the day

The route ends at Posto Florestal Fanal, the forest post and collection area associated with the final stop. This is where the outing becomes more than a straightforward transfer and hike. You have completed the point-to-point walk and reached the Fanal area, where you can relax and take in the surroundings.

Fanal’s small volcanic caldera gives the area a distinct shape. The natural viewpoints allow you to look across the open sections, while the old tis forest provides the setting that gives the place its name and mood. The final section is described as the best part of the route by one detailed account, which is useful when deciding how to pace yourself.

Do not burn all your energy at the start. The day allows time for the hike and some free time at the end, so the finish should not feel like a rushed dash to the vehicle. The exact amount of spare time depends on the group and the walking pace, but the structure gives you a chance to enjoy Fanal rather than simply pass through it.

The reserve is meant for rest and silence. Keep voices low, especially if the area is busy, and treat the old trees with care. You are visiting a protected place, not a picnic ground built for loud group activity.

Self-guided freedom, with a safety net

The best feature of this format is the balance between independence and support. A fully guided walk can be useful, but it also means following someone else’s timing. A completely independent PR13 outing requires you to arrange transport and monitor the return plan.

Here, you walk on your own while Do It Madeira handles the vehicle transfers. That makes the route workable for couples, friends, and small groups who want to talk, stop, and photograph the forest without a guide hovering over every minute.

You also have the comfort of a known pickup at the end. One detailed account describes the benefit of knowing that the company knew where the group was and would collect them after the point-to-point walk. That is especially useful on an island where road access and trail endpoints do not always line up neatly.

The tradeoff is that this is not a nature interpretation tour. You should not expect a guide to identify plants, explain geology at each viewpoint, or lead the group through the woods. The map and hiking explanation are the tools provided, and the appeal is freedom rather than instruction.

Price, inclusions, and the small extra fee

The advertised cost is $41.12 per person. The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, the transfer service, a map, and an explanation of the hike. It does not include food, hiking clothes, or the €3 admission and hiking fee paid on site.

That extra €3 is small, but budget for it before you leave. You should also bring your own food and water because meals are not included. The supplied information does not describe a meal stop, so do not plan on the outing providing lunch.

The value is strongest if you do not have a rental car. You avoid parking concerns and the awkward task of returning to the start after a linear hike. It is also a reasonable choice if you want to walk independently but prefer not to depend on public transport for a rural trail.

If you already have a car and are comfortable arranging the route yourself, the price may feel less essential. The main purchase is convenience and dependable collection, not a guided program packed with extras.

Weather, fitness, and what to bring

This outing requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is useful on Madeira, where mountain weather can disrupt walking plans.

The tour asks for moderate physical fitness. You should be ready for a 10.7-kilometer route and changing trail conditions, even though the walk is described as easy to moderate by one detailed account. The information does not provide an elevation profile, so you should not assume the walk is flat.

Bring suitable hiking clothes, since they are not included. Carry food and water, and allow room for changing conditions in the forest. Check the confirmed pickup information sent the day before, including the exact location and estimated time.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start. Inside that window, changes and refunds are not accepted. The operator may also cancel if too few people book, in which case you are offered another option or a full refund.

Who should book this Fanal walk?

I would recommend it to independent hikers who want a real Madeira walk without hiring a car. It is also a strong choice for couples, families with fit older children, and small groups who enjoy setting their own pace.

It suits you especially well if you value:

• A point-to-point route rather than returning to the start
• Quiet forest and mountain views
• A small transfer group rather than a large coach
• Help with transport but no need for a full-time guide
• The chance to visit Fanal without relying on public transport

I would think twice if you dislike walking for several hours, need a fully guided route, or want guaranteed clear views. The weather can change the feel of the day, and the self-guided setup means you must pay attention to the route and meeting arrangements.

Should you book PR13 with Do It Madeira?

Book it if your ideal Madeira day combines ancient forest, open mountain views, and independent walking. The transfer service solves the route’s biggest weakness, while the self-guided format gives you freedom to enjoy Fanal at your own speed.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the reliable pickup structure, professional communication, and the reduced difficulty compared with tackling the longer 22-kilometer version without transport. At $41.12, it is a sensible buy for visitors without a car.

Skip it if you want a guide explaining every tree and viewpoint, or if a moderate 10.7-kilometer hike is beyond your comfort level. For fit walkers who want a practical way into one of Madeira’s most unusual forest areas, this is a well-balanced outing.

FAQ

How long does the PR13 Fanal hiking experience last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours, including transfers, walking time, and time at the finish.

What time does the experience start?

The listed start time is 8:00 a.m. The pickup time shown on the ticket is estimated, and confirmed pickup details are sent the day before.

Where does the hike take place?

The walk follows Vereda do Fanal, also known as PR13, through Madeira’s native Laurissilva forest and finishes in the Fanal area.

How long is the hike?

The supplied information describes the route as approximately 10.7 kilometers. Without the arranged transport, the full route can be about 22 kilometers and more challenging.

Is the hike guided?

No. This is a self-guided hike. You receive a map and an explanation of the route, then walk independently.

What is included in the price?

The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, transport, a map, and hiking instructions.

Is the €3 hiking fee included?

No. A €3 admission or hiking fee per person is paid on site.

Are meals included?

No. Meals are not included.

How difficult is the walk?

The trail is described as medium difficulty, and participants should have a moderate fitness level. It is also described as easy to moderate in the supplied tour details.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity may be canceled because it requires good weather. You are then offered another date or a full refund.