Walk through UNESCO World Heritage Laurisilva Forest
Madeira, Portugal • 
Must Do
Must DoMadeira, Portugal
Must Do
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Best months to visit
Jun, Jul, Aug
19°C – 23°C, june brings warmer temperatures and very low rainfall, providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
19°C – 23°C, june brings warmer temperatures and very low rainfall, providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Walking may be required
Walking may be required
Value for money
Medium
Reservations and potential crowds affect the value.
Reservations and potential crowds affect the value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
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Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Magical Forest
Couples found the misty trails and serene atmosphere perfect for a romantic walk.
Breathtaking Beauty
The scenery was stunning, making it a perfect spot for couples to enjoy nature together.
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the tranquility and the opportunity to escape into nature's embrace.
Crowded Trails
Travelers noted popular trails get very busy, which can spoil the peace.
Unpredictable Weather
The weather can change quickly. Be prepared for rain, and pack accordingly.
Limited Parking
Couples struggled to find parking, especially if arriving later in the day.
Hours of operation
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience a walking tour across Laurisilva Forest.
Soar high above Laurisilva Forest with this aerial footage.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
April
MEDIUM
15-19°C
Mild temperatures with lower rainfall; full spring bloom.
Mild temperatures with lower rainfall; full spring bloom.
Open
Increased visitors during festivals; early planning recommended.
Increased visitors during festivals; early planning recommended.
Recommended
April offers ideal hiking conditions with vibrant flora and moderate crowds, especially during the Flower Festival.
April offers ideal hiking conditions with vibrant flora and moderate crowds, especially during the Flower Festival.
May
MEDIUM
17-21°C
May offers mild temperatures and lower rainfall, making it ideal for hiking and enjoying the lush greenery.
May offers mild temperatures and lower rainfall, making it ideal for hiking and enjoying the lush greenery.
Open
No significant restrictions; however, some trails may be slippery due to occasional rain.
No significant restrictions; however, some trails may be slippery due to occasional rain.
Recommended
May is an excellent month to visit the Laurisilva Forest, with pleasant weather and moderate crowd levels. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance as tourist numbers start to rise.
May is an excellent month to visit the Laurisilva Forest, with pleasant weather and moderate crowd levels. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance as tourist numbers start to rise.
June
HIGH
19-23°C
June brings warmer temperatures and very low rainfall, providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities.
June brings warmer temperatures and very low rainfall, providing excellent conditions for outdoor activities.
Open
Popular trails may require early starts to avoid crowds; accommodations may be limited due to high demand.
Popular trails may require early starts to avoid crowds; accommodations may be limited due to high demand.
Recommended
June marks the start of the peak tourist season. While the weather is favorable for hiking, expect higher prices and busier trails. Early planning and reservations are recommended.
June marks the start of the peak tourist season. While the weather is favorable for hiking, expect higher prices and busier trails. Early planning and reservations are recommended.
July
LOW
21-25°C
July offers warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities.
July offers warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities.
Open
High demand may lead to limited availability of accommodations and guided tours; early booking is essential.
High demand may lead to limited availability of accommodations and guided tours; early booking is essential.
Recommended
July is the height of the tourist season. While the weather is excellent, expect crowded trails and higher prices. Early morning hikes and advance reservations are highly recommended.
July is the height of the tourist season. While the weather is excellent, expect crowded trails and higher prices. Early morning hikes and advance reservations are highly recommended.
How to get there
Car
Recommended
Driving provides the most flexibility. Key access points like Fanal Forest Post are well-signposted. Use GPS to find parking areas.
Shuttle
Recommended
Organized tours and shuttle services offer direct transfers to popular trailheads like Fanal, with multiple pick-up points across the island.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and private hire vehicles provide direct access from Funchal and other towns to trailheads like Fanal, offering a convenient but more expensive option.
Bus
Public buses reach towns near the forest; e.g., bus 56 from Funchal to Santana for Ribeiro Frio, or bus 139 to Ribeira da Janela. A taxi is then needed to reach trailheads.
Walking
Walking is the primary way to explore the forest, with trails and levadas accessible from designated trailheads and parking areas.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Not allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
