Fanal Witch Tree

The Witch Tree is the most photogenic trees in the Fanal Forest. This ancient laurel has a dramatically twisted trunk and branches that spread outward like outstretched arms. In fog, the silhouette looks like a robed figure, which is where the name comes from. Fanal is a cloud forest in the mountains of northwestern Madeira, part of the Laurissilva UNESCO World Heritage Site, and some of the trees here are estimated to be over 500 years old. Fog is what gives this location its mystical feel. The gnarled, moss covered trees emerge and disappear in the mist and the whole place transforms. The fog is not guaranteed, but it happens often. It forms when warm moist air from the ocean rises up the mountain slopes and cools. Mornings tend to offer the best chances. Conditions can shift quickly. Thick fog can roll in and clear again within minutes, so be ready to shoot fast when it arrives. As of late 2025, new conservation measures have been added to the area. A lot of the trees have been fenced off to keep visitors on designated walkways in order to protect the forest's fragile ecosytems. These walkways have changed how close you can get to individual trees, so you may have to adapt your compositions to the current walkways. An entrance fee has also been introduced to help maintain the conservation efforts. The forest is about an hour's drive from Funchal. There is no public transport, so you need to rent a car or be part of a guided tour. (Paul da Serra, Madeira, Portugal)