Fanal: Vereda do Fanal (PR 13)

The Vereda do Fanal (PR 13) trail is well maintained and quite clearly marked, however depending on weather conditions, it could be slippery and also foggy, so it is crucial to follow trail using a map or Strava. The total hike time depends on your overall fitness level and the time you would spend on breaks. The following Trail Timing Guide is the average walking time that sums up to almost 3h15 (long hike) or over an hour (short hike) not taking into consideration the breaks. It can serve you as a reference to plan your hike.

🚌 Option A) long hike: PR 13 Hike Start; distance to Fanal: 10,8 km (start around 9:30)

🔸 Follow the trail until you cross the road (1st) here; distance to Fanal: 9,3 km ~ 25 mins 

🔸 Continue downhill until you go up rock stairs to the left leading deeper into the forest and a quarter later cross the road (2nd) here; distance to Fanal: 8,3 km ~ 20 mins 

🔸 Walk among Heather trees and follow the sign PR 13 Fanal 6,8 km until you get to the first viewpoint (Miradouro) ~ 35 mins

🔸 Continue your way down a series of winding stairs, a picturesque wooden bridge to a narrow path to the right with only visible signs in the end: PR 28 - take this way to see the sign PR 13 Fanal: 5,7 km, now turn to the left ~ 20 mins

🔸 Then you will see PR 28 sign to find on the back the one showing your further way: PR 28! Fanal 5 km, so you should turn to the right. Go until you cross the road here (3rd) ~ 30 mins. Continue to Fanal using option B.

🚌 Option B) short hike starting point; distance to Fanal: 4.2 km (start around 9:40)

🔸 Go to the viewpoint Miradouro do Fanal-Chão da Ribeira, back to the PR 13 trail, walk until you see PR 13 E.R. 209 exit sign, but you should continue along the forest route; PR 13 Fanal: 3.2 km ~ 20 mins

🔸 Walk until a cross-road and further the narrow path according to the sign PR 13 Fanal 2,2 km ~ 15 mins

🔸 Wooden stairs lead you to another pointer PR 13 Fanal 2km. Soon after turn from the wider, gravel road into a dirt road to the left (attention, no sign here, use map) and now continue straight until you see the sign PR 13 Fanal 1,3 km ~ 10 mins

🚌 Continue along the trail towards your endpoint - 'Parking Fanal Forest' - Car Park (always check map, especially when foggy) ~ 20 mins → Pick up point (14:00)