THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Madeira’s stunning nature on a scenic trek through the ancient Fanal Forest to the black sands of Praia do Seixal. Experience breathtaking landscapes and local legends in one unforgettable day.
Discover Madeira’s stunning nature on a scenic trek through the ancient Fanal Forest to the black sands of Praia do Seixal. Experience breathtaking landscapes and local legends in one unforgettable day.
Book with MB Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by MB Tours · Funchal, Madeira
Madeira’s Fanal Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a walker’s dream through moss-covered giants and twisting roots that feel like stepping into scenes from a fairy tale. MB Tours’ guided trek takes you on a 6 km journey through this ancient woodland, where towering oaks and eucalyptus trees stand as silent witnesses to centuries of natural history. As you navigate the lush landscape, the air thickens with the scent of damp earth and leafy canopies, creating an immersive experience that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
The trail’s highlight arrives as it descends to Praia do Seixal, a striking black sand beach fringed by rugged volcanic cliffs. The contrast of dark sands against azure waters offers a stunning backdrop for relaxation and picture-taking. This section of Madeira, known for its volcanic origin, showcases some of the island’s most breathtaking geological features and offers a unique blend of forest and coastal scenery. Visitors are encouraged to take their time, soaking in panoramic views and listening to the gentle crash of ocean waves. This area is rich in local folklore, with legends of pirates and explorers that add a layer of cultural intrigue to your visit.
MB Tours makes this adventure accessible and engaging with expert guides who share insights into Madeira’s volcanic formation, endemic flora, and the island’s history. The tour is perfect for nature lovers, families, or anyone seeking a peaceful yet scenic route into Madeira’s wild heart. The combination of moss-laden forests and black sand beaches in one trek makes this experience uniquely rewarding and a highlight of Madeira’s outdoor calendar. Come prepared for an easy walk filled with natural marvels—an unforgettable day out that balances adventure with serenity.
easy.
3–4 hours.
Moderate fitness required; comfortable walking ability needed
Yes, the trek is rated easy and suitable for most ages with proper footwear.
Approximately 3 to 4 hours including breaks.
Yes, booking through MB Tours is recommended to secure your spot.
Absolutely, the beach’s calm waters are perfect for a swim after the walk.
Transport arrangements are typically handled through MB Tours; check with them when booking.
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, but it’s enjoyable year-round.
Fanal Forest has stood as a protected UNESCO site since 1999, preserving its ancient red fir and laurel trees from logging and development.
MB Tours actively supports local preservation efforts, encouraging responsible tourism and minimal environmental impact.
MB Tours is a Madeira-based tour operator that offers a comprehensive selection of guided day trips, levada walks, vereda hikes, coastal excursions, island ferry transfers and cultural evenings. The business lists a wide variety of experiences by name, including Levada - Prazeres - Ponta do Pargo, Levada - Rabaçal, Levada - Queimadas/Caldeirão Verde and Vereda - Pico do Arieiro - Pico Ruivo, which focus on the island’s signature irrigation-path treks and scenic walking routes. MB Tours also operates viewpoint and sightseeing excursions such as Pico dos Barcelos/Eira do Serrado/Cristo Rei and coastal journeys to Porto Moniz and the west coast, offering panoramic views of Funchal, Curral das Freiras and Atlantic lookouts. The operator provides scheduled ferry transfers to Porto Santo on the vessel Lobo Marinho (noted departure at 08:00 with arrival around 10:30 in the provided schedule) and manages round-trip day visits that connect with return services to Funchal. Transfer services include airport-to-accommodation options between Funchal Airport and destinations listed in their offerings, such as Santo da Serra, Machico, Ponta do Sol, Monte, Ribeira Brava, Porto Moniz and other locations. Cultural programming includes the Noite Típica evening with a traditional Espetada dinner, a folklore group performance and nighttime views over Funchal. All descriptions are based directly on the supplied trip names and summaries, giving travelers clear, factual choices between levada treks, viewpoint tours, coastal excursions, Porto Santo ferry options and practical transfer services across Madeira.
Book with MB Tours