PR13 Vereda do Fanal Hiking with Transfer
Full-day guided transfer and hike along the PR13 Vereda do Fanal route: one-way hiking from the Paul da Serra plateau (Assobiadores) to the Fanal forest. Moderate difficulty, 10.8 km, approx. 5 hours on-trail. Pickup from Funchal and selected coastal towns; return transfer to Funchal included. Hiking permit (PR13) is not included and must be purchased separately as instructed after booking.
In Collaboration with Do It Madeira. Updated on July 8, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Do It Madeira, inspired by the tour PR13 Vereda do Fanal Hiking with Transfer. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Hike the PR13 Vereda do Fanal: 10.8 km one-way
- Walk through UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest and centuries-old Ocotea foetens trees
- Finish at the atmospheric Fanal Rest and Silence Reserve (volcanic caldera and viewpoints)
Explore all itineraries in Funchal.
Itinerary
Day 1
Morning pickup in Funchal/selected coastal towns → 1‑hour transfer to Paul da Serra (Assobiadores) → 5‑hour PR13 Vereda do Fanal hike → 1‑hour return transfer to Funchal.
Pickup and transfer from Funchal (and listed coastal pick-up points)
Your estimated group pickup is at 08:00 from a central point in Funchal (exact pickup time and location are confirmed the day before). Vehicle capacity up to 8 guests. Drive to the Paul da Serra plateau (Assobiadores area) takes approximately 1 hour.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a confirmation message the day before with your precise pickup time — the 08:00 start is the tour-wide departure time.
- Have light layers ready for the vehicle; temperatures on Paul da Serra can be several degrees cooler than Funchal.
- Keep a small daypack accessible in the vehicle with your water, permit (when purchased), sun protection, and snacks.
PR13 Vereda do Fanal — Hike from Assobiadores to Fanal Forest
Guided one-way hike along Vereda do Fanal (PR13). Trail distance is 10.8 km with an estimated on-trail time of 5 hours. Expect sections of open plateau and dense Laurissilva forest, several viewpoints over Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira, and a finish inside the Fanal Rest and Silence Reserve.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a printed or mobile copy of the PR13 hiking permit or be ready to show proof of purchase; the permit (not included) must be acquired before or upon arrival as instructed.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip and bring at least 1.5–2 liters of water per person and layered clothing — weather and trail exposure change quickly.
- Start of the trail (Assobiadores) is at higher elevation; apply sunscreen and a hat, and use the provided map and explanation handed out by your guide.
Return transfer and drop-off to Funchal
After the hike finishes in the Fanal area, board the vehicle for the return drive to Funchal (approx. 1 hour). Drop-off is at the central Funchal meeting point or the previously confirmed location.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow the guide to confirm final drop-off point before leaving Fanal; times are approximate and may shift slightly depending on traffic and group pace.
- Bring a change of top layer for the return drive; coastal Funchal is often warmer than the Fanal finish point.
- Keep garbage with you until you reach the vehicle — there are limited facilities at the trail end.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 1 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor |
