Fanal Forest Private Sunset Hike

I can't say enough good things about Paulo. We went on several guided hikes, and Paulo was the absolute best guide. I recommend selecting a guide who is a true local Madeiran, like Paulo, as they know far more about Madeira, including the best (and "secret") hiking routes, timing and viewpoints, care about the island, and offer an interesting perspective and information. Paulo went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience in Madeira. The Fanal Forest hike was our favorite - it had everything -- nature, crazy trees (obviously), gorgeous views and varied terrain -- and very few other tourists for most of the (very well-planned) route. If I could, I would have done it twice.

My husband and I can't stop talking about what an amazing day we had with Paulo. We didn't know what to expect but whatever it was we got so much more. Before getting to the Fanal Forest, he took us to some breathtaking spots for unbelievable pictures. When we started our hike, his knowledge of the trails and area made it so we saw almost no one until we hit the touristy areas. He explained all about the flora and fauna and the history of the areas we visited. Paulo is experienced, kind, and wants each guest to have the best experience. We wish we could have done every hike with him!

Paulo's sunset tour of the Fanal Forest was the absolute highlight of our trip. His knowledge of the forest, its unique plants, history, and hidden trails made the experience so much more meaningful than simply visiting on our own. He took us along beautiful secret paths, high above the clouds, and made sure we were in the perfect spot to witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets we've ever seen. Throughout the tour, Paulo went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience. What stood out most was his genuine passion for and pride in his country. His love for Madeira was evident in every story he shared and every place he showed us. If you're visiting Madeira, I cannot recommend Paulo's Fanal Forest sunset tour highly enough. It was a magical experience that we'll remember for years to come.

I had an amazing hike in the Fanal Forest with Paulo. He adapts the hike to your abilities and the weather conditions. It is not the tourist route, it is Paulo‘s own route, so you get a unique experience away from the crowds. The trees and the scenery are amazing, like something out of Lord of the Rings. We also visited lots of other places and viewpoints around the island as part of the trip. Despite rainy weather in the Fanal forest, I loved every minute of the experience and have some wonderful atmospheric photos of the amazing trees. As a solo traveller, I felt completely safe with Paulo who is caring and kind and a very experienced mountain guide. He also took lots of great photos for me. Highly recommend this experience!

Our private tour was amazing! We were picked up and dropped off directly at our hotel. Paulo was a fantastic guide, stopping at some quick, photo-worthy locations before getting to the Fanal Forest. He took us off the "tourist" trail to his own favorite trails that were stunning. We barely saw any one else during our whole visit. He shared all sorts of interesting stories about the island, the forest, and his adventures. He took photos for us and pointed out all the best views. We wish we would have found Paulo earlier on in our trip, because we definitely would have booked more tours/hikes with him if we'd had more time! Highly recommend for a personalized, private tour with an experienced local!

Paulo tailors the trek to your experience with off the beaten path treks with breathtaking views and barely a sole to spoil the views. I’m a city girl with limited trekking experience but comfortably managed the distance and got some great misty forest photos.

It was the most stunning walk we've done so far! Paulo is a passionate, friendly and knowledgeable guide. He explained everything with patience and brought us to the best viewpoints and the most mystical places in Fanal. We absolutely recommend booking this tour with him!

Would absolutely recommend booking with Paulo for your Madeira trip. He thoughtfully plans out the best hiking routes with his expert local knowledge to bring out the best of the land and the views. He very sweetly also added in an additional stop in Seixal for us after learning how much we loved that coast line. Our afternoon trip was perfect and a definite highlight! Thank you so much Paulo!

Spent a fascinating afternoon and evening with Paolo exploring the Fanal Forest. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the flora and fauna and is good fun too. Would thoroughly recommend his services if you want to get away from the crowds that usually throng the forest.

Paulo is a great guide. His knowledge of everything worth knowing about Madeira is second to none and so is his passion for nature and offering his guests the best possible experience. From reminding me about what equipment to take to finding the best route away from the tourist trails to pointing out the most beautiful trees and taking countless pictures of me during the hike, nothing was too much trouble. While the weather conditions were not ideal Paulo made sure that the route was safe at all times. He even had an alternative in case if the weather had turned bad. If you want to experience unspoilt nature of Madeira Paulo will make sure you do.

Paul did show me the secrets of Fanal 2 weeks ago and I must admit his reviews are telling the truth-he is a guide that tells you a lot about the Island from his point of interests-nature and sporting…is willing to discuss other topics concerning the Island i have been visiting Madeira for more than 10 years and that afternoon in Fanal (no matter the weather as in Scottland hills) gave me a new view. Will book Paul again with my next stay. Obrigada!!

We loved our private sunset hike with Paulo. He was passionate , knowledgable guide who patiently took us through some of the best walking paths. Fanal forest was magical - and everything we hoped it would be. Highly recommend this tour & with Paulo is you’re in Madeira

Amazing experience with Paulo. He has a huge knowledge about the island, mountains and even the plants. We had a lovely hike in Encumeada and Fanal forest as well as Porto da Cruz to Caniçal. The huge advantage of booking with Paulo is that you will have a very personal experience without the crowd. I highly recommend!!

Hiking with Paulo was like hiking with an old friend - it was great fun with fantastic scenery! Definitely the best tour of our holiday. Thank you so much Paulo!

Paulo was an incredible host, tailoring the trip to my preferences. The walk through the forest was peaceful at that time and we chose paths away from the main routes. You really feel immersed in the nature. Once back to the car we stopped to see the sunset above the clouds which was spectacular, and then we stopped at a restaurant for limpets (a Madeiran speciality) and a drink. If you can afford to then this has been far my favourite trip because of the intimate nature of it given the private tour. Thank you so much Paulo!

The big knowledge and experience of the very smart guide which / who made this private Tour so unique and outstanding. It was a real pleasure and can be highly recommended. This tour could be really very individual and special which make it of course then to an unforgettable experience...

My original trip to Fanal couldn't be hiked because of a large fire in the area, so Paulo contacted me the day before and very kindly offered me a walk of my choice. I let Paulo decide and he took me on a beautiful quieter levada walk away from the crowds (which is what I was looking for). His knowledge and passion for Madeira and the flora and fauna was fantastic and made the trip so much more enjoyable, and after the hike we stopped off to try the traditional poncha drink. Amazing guide and will use again

The Hike with Paulo was absolutely great. I got to know a lot about hiking and sports at Madeira as well as plants and culture like typical food and drinks. We had a nice route and the most amazing views. We also got a Poncha after the hike, which was a great experience to try. I definitely recommend him for a hike!

Thank you for this beautiful discovery! The misty side made this hike mystical! Thanks to Paulo for his professionalism, his kindness, he teaches us many things! I really recommend it, it is great! It adapts to everyone! Thank you very much!

Das war eine sehr beeindruckende Tour. Paulo ist ein sehr angenehmer Guide, zuvorkommend, hilfsbereit und plant die Tour so, dass man die schönsten Stellen sieht, aber nicht immer auf den "Touriwegen" läuft. Abends sind auch nicht mehr so viele unterwegs. Ich war schon einmal dort, aber dieses Mal mit Nebel, Sonne und dem starken Wind, ein Erlebnis. Dieses Wechselspiel zwischen Nebel und Sonne, der Hammer. Wir würden immer wieder bei Paulo buchen. Danke 😊

Paulo is de ideale gids. Hij had veel te vertellen én een route waar je bijna niemand tegenkwam. Ik heb genoten van mijn privat tour en heb een paar pareltjes van foto’s kunnen maken. Aanrader!