The island of Madeira is famous for its dramatic natural scenery — jagged mountains, volcanic formations, and rugged coastlines. Yet among all its wonders, one place stands out as truly otherworldly: an ancient forest where every step feels like entering the pages of a fairy tale. This mystical place is the Fanal Forest, a section of the island known for its thick morning fog and centuries-old laurel trees that have witnessed half a millennium of history.
Thanks to the stunning photography of Albert Dros, we get to wander visually through this dreamlike landscape. His images capture the ethereal atmosphere of Fanal, where twisted branches, moss-covered trunks, and rolling mist create scenes that look almost unreal.
Fanal sits within the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for both its ecological significance and its rare beauty. Millions of years ago — between 15 and 40 million — this type of laurel forest covered large parts of Southern Europe. Today, it survives only in a few places: Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. Madeira’s Fanal region is especially adored for its hiking paths, which lead visitors past countless ancient trees, some more than 500 years old, each with its own character shaped by wind, weather, and time.
Dros’ photo series reveals the forest from dawn to dusk. Close-up shots of moss-laden bark highlight the forest’s texture and age, while wider compositions show solitary trees emerging hauntingly from the fog. The mist that drifts through Fanal in the early hours gives the forest its famous magical quality, wrapping each tree in a veil of mystery. As day transitions to sunset or night, the mood shifts completely — warm light paints the sky behind the silhouettes of the ancient trees, creating scenes full of color and contrast.
“Walking around here is simply magical,” Dros shares. “With the forest covered in fog, you sometimes feel like you’re wandering inside a dream. I’ve never experienced anything else like it.”
Thankfully, the Fanal Forest is protected for future generations. Its UNESCO designation and its location within the Madeira Natural Park ensure that the ecosystem remains safeguarded and that these ancient laurel trees continue to thrive in their untouched, mystical environment.
Madeira’s Fanal forest is known for its ancient trees and fairy-tale landscape.
In the morning, fog rolls through the forest and envelopes the trees in mist.
Landscape photographer Albert Dros also captured a unique perspective of the forest under the stars.
Visitors flock to this protected area to take in the ancient trees, some of which are 500 years old.
