Fanal

One of the places where the Laurissilva, a World Heritage site since December 1999, is most alive: between Ribeira da Janela and the Paul da Serra plateau, the Fanal forestry post is famous for its centuries-old tils, some of them already standing before the island was discovered, and for the mystical atmosphere of its fogs. A small volcanic crater classified as a Rest and Quiet Reserve by the Parque Natural da Madeira and a Natura 2000 site, it is a place of contemplation as much as a trail junction: PR 13 Vereda do Fanal arrives here from Paul da Serra, PR 14 Levada dos Cedros leaves towards Curral Falso, PR 28 (closed) drops to Rocha Vermelha. On the ER 209; free access, trails charged.