The second day in Madeira was very eventful. The sound of the sea right outside the window calmed us down a lot in the morning and made us a little sleepy also. After a hearty breakfast, we went straight to hiking in the primeval forest of Fanal.
The primeval forest of Fanal is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This ancient laurel forest is located in the northwestern part of the island and is one of the most untouched and pristine natural areas in Madeira. It is a place of stunning natural beauty that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on visitors. It is believed to be over 4,000 years old, making it one of the oldest surviving laurel forests in the world. It is home to a variety of endemic species of flora and fauna, including the Madeiran long-toed pigeon, the Madeiran firecrest, and the Madeira laurel pigeon. The trees in the forest are huge, with many of them reaching up to 50 meters in height. The dense foliage of the trees provides shade and shelter for a variety of ferns, mosses, and lichens, which make up the understory of the forest. One of the best ways to explore the primeval forest of Fanal is by taking a hike - and that is exactly what we did. There are several trails that crisscross the forest, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular hiking trail is the PR 13, which starts at the nearby town of Paúl da Serra and winds its way through the forest. The trail is well-marked and took us through some of the most stunning parts of the forest, including the Ribeira da Janela viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The landscape was breathtaking and the viewpoint Ribeira da Janela was a special highlight.
Visitors to the Fanal forest should be aware that this is a protected area, and as such, certain rules and regulations apply. For example, visitors should stay on designated trails and avoid damaging any of the vegetation. Camping is only allowed in designated areas, and fires are strictly prohibited. Visitors should also take care not to leave any trash or litter behind. In conclusion, the primeval forest of Fanal is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Madeira. This ancient laurel forest is a place of great natural beauty and is home to a variety of unique species of flora and fauna. Whether you prefer hiking, camping, or simply taking in the stunning scenery, the Fanal forest is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
At lunchtime, we took a short break in a snack bar and fortified ourselves. Unfortunately, our suitcases hadn't turned up that day either, but I didn't let it spoil my day and took a short nap.
To relax, we used the sauna in the hotel in the afternoon and then enjoyed the view of the sea on the terrace with a glass of champagne. In the evening we walked through Porto Moniz and finally got some good news: My suitcase had arrived!
We then decided on a delicious dinner at the Bouillabaisse restaurant and enjoyed cod with fruit. A nice end to this eventful day.
I'm curious to see what tomorrow will bring.
