The Fanal Ancient Forest Running Tour in Funchal, Portugal, offers adventurers a chance to enjoy the serene beauty of ancient trees and historic levadas. Led by experienced local guides, this easy-to-moderate 9-mile loop with a 500-meter elevation gain promises a memorable exploration of nature’s wonders. Participants can expect to encounter endemic Madeiran birds and be captivated by the tour’s 99% recommendation rate. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply seeking an enchanting outdoor experience, this tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the enchanting landscapes of Funchal.
Good To Know
- An easy-to-moderate 9-mile loop tour through the UNESCO-listed Fanal Forest in Funchal, Portugal, featuring ancient trees, historic levadas, and local wildlife.
- Guided trail running experience with an elevation gain of 500 meters, showcasing the natural beauty of the Fanal Forest.
- Pickup and meeting point at Funchal accommodations or Pestana CR7 Hotel, with a tour duration of 2-3 hours.
- Moderate fitness level required, with terrain including mud, rocks, and roots, and not wheelchair accessible.
- 99% guest recommendation rate and an overall rating of 5.0 from 11 reviews, highlighting the tour’s scenic trails and experienced guides.
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Tour Overview
The Fanal Ancient Forest Running Tour offers an easy-to-moderate experience for travelers in Funchal, Portugal.
The 9-mile (15km) loop tour takes adventurers through the UNESCO-listed Fanal Forest, starting at an elevation of 850 meters and ascending to 1150 meters.
Along the way, participants can expect to encounter ancient trees, historic levadas (aqueducts), and local wildlife.
The guided tour has a maximum group size of 6 travelers and is priced from $68.11, with 99% of previous guests recommending the experience.
With an overall rating of 5.0 from 11 reviews, this tour is a highly-rated way to explore the region’s magical scenery.
Exploring Fanal Forest
As participants ascend into the Fanal Ancient Forest, they’re greeted by a serene and otherworldly landscape.
The trail winds through a dense canopy of towering laurel trees, their twisted branches reaching skyward. The air is thick with the earthy scent of moss and the gentle sounds of flowing levadas, historic aqueducts that meander through the forest.
Hikers may catch glimpses of endemic Madeiran birds and other wildlife as they explore this UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
The terrain is occasionally muddy, with rocks and roots underfoot, requiring caution and a moderate level of fitness. Yet the stunning beauty of the Fanal Forest more than compensates for the challenging terrain.
Trail Running Experience
Embarking on the Fanal Ancient Forest Running Tour, participants can expect an exhilarating trail running experience that showcases the stunning natural beauty of this UNESCO-listed wonder.
The tour starts at Curral Falso, an elevation of 850 meters, and ascends to the Fanal Forest at 1150 meters. Along the way, runners will encounter ancient trees, historic levadas, and local wildlife.
The terrain comprises dirt, occasional mud, rocks, and roots, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience. Guided by an experienced local, you will learn about the region’s unique features and stories, enhancing their overall adventure.
Meeting and Pickup
For participants joining the Fanal Ancient Forest Running Tour, pickup is available either from their accommodations in Funchal or at a designated meeting point – the Pestana CR7 Hotel.
The meeting point is in front of the CR7 Off-Side Bar, located at the Pestana CR7 Hotel.
Pickup time is 9:00 AM, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness, with no serious medical conditions.
Confirmation of the booking is received within 48 hours, subject to availability, and free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Inclusions and Requirements
The tour includes personal accidents insurance and liability insurance, as well as photos taken during the experience. However, there are some requirements for participating. Guests must have a moderate level of physical fitness and cannot have any serious medical conditions. Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Fitness | Moderate level |
| Medical Conditions | No serious conditions |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible |
Confirmation for the tour is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Guests can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Traveler Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have praised the Fanal Ancient Forest Running Tour, with 99% of reviewers recommending the experience.
The tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 5.0 from 11 total reviews. Highlights include the guide’s quality, with one reviewer noting "Dino was an excellent guide despite wet weather."
The tour’s scenery and trails have also received positive feedback, with travelers describing the ancient trees, levadas, and local wildlife as magical.
The moderate fitness level required and the inclusions, such as personal accidents insurance and liability coverage, have further contributed to the tour’s strong reviews.
Recommended Fitness Level
A moderate physical fitness level is required for the Fanal Ancient Forest Running Tour.
The trail covers approximately 9 miles with an elevation gain of 500 meters, making it suitable for experienced runners. Participants should have no serious medical conditions and be able to maintain a steady pace on the dirt and occasionally muddy terrain.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. While the route is classified as easy-moderate, it’s important for travelers to assess their capabilities and be prepared for the physical challenges of the trail running experience.
The guided nature of the tour ensures a safe and enjoyable adventure through the UNESCO-listed Fanal Forest.
Tour Duration and Distance
The Fanal Ancient Forest Running Tour covers approximately 9 miles (15 kilometers) in a loop, making it a suitable option for experienced runners. The tour takes adventurers through the UNESCO-listed Fanal Forest, with an elevation gain and loss of about 500 meters. This challenging yet rewarding experience is perfect for those seeking an immersive nature adventure.
| Tour Details | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 15 km | 9 miles |
| Elevation | 500 m | 1,640 ft |
| Duration | 2-3 hrs | 2-3 hrs |
The trail running experience starts at Curral Falso (850m) and ascends to the heart of the Fanal Forest (1150m), allowing participants to fully appreciate the ancient trees, historic levadas, and local wildlife along the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Fanal Forest?
The best time to visit the Fanal Forest is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is moderate, allowing for optimal trail conditions and wildlife viewing.
Can We Bring Pets on the Running Tour?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the running tour. The tour operator’s policy prohibits bringing any animals due to safety and environmental concerns within the protected Fanal Forest area.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Trail?
The tour overview does not mention any restroom facilities along the trail. However, it’s likely that the guide can provide more information about any potential restroom options during the running tour.
Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour company may allow participants to customize the itinerary, though specific details aren’t provided. Travelers should inquire about potential customization options when booking the tour to ensure it meets their needs and preferences.
Can We Purchase Additional Photos or a Video of the Tour?
Yes, travelers can purchase additional photos or a video of the tour. The tour operator offers this as an optional inclusion to capture the scenic highlights and memorable moments from the running experience.
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The Sum Up
The Fanal Ancient Forest Running Tour offers an exhilarating experience through the enchanting landscapes of Funchal, Portugal. Guided by experienced locals, participants can enjoy the serene atmosphere and encounter endemic Madeiran birds. With a high recommendation rate, this easy-to-moderate adventure promises a memorable exploration of nature’s wonders amidst ancient trees and historic levadas.