Highlights
2 spots left
portugal
madeira fanal forest
Forests - coasts - waterfalls
Tour length
5 Days
Dates
November 1 - 5, 2026
Activity level
Easy
Group size
Max 6
Price
€2,750.-
Don’t miss the chance to explore the magical landscapes of Madeira, a hidden gem in the Atlantic Ocean. During this Madeira Photo Tour, we’ll guide you through the island’s most spectacular natural wonders—from the mist-shrouded trees of the famous Fanal Forest to dramatic cliffs, lush valleys and rugged coastlines.
With excellent accommodation and a wonderfully mild climate, Madeira is the perfect escape for photographers and nature lovers. Its UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest, renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, offers endless opportunities for exploration. Combined with ever-changing light and weather, the island’s mystical forests and breathtaking coastline create unforgettable photographic scenes at every turn.
Magical fanal forest
Photograph Madeira at Their Best
Madeira is unlike anywhere else on Earth, with the magical Fanal Forest wrapped in mist, dramatic waterfalls, rugged coastlines and endless photographic opportunities. From ancient laurel trees and atmospheric mountain views to powerful waves crashing against volcanic cliffs, this tour is designed to send you home with world-class images.
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE OF MADEIRA
With extensive experience across the island, Max knows where to find the strongest compositions—and how to adapt quickly when mist, light and weather conditions change.
PERSONALIZED IN-FIELD GUIDANCE
Max provides personalized, hands-on guidance tailored to every participant, helping you refine your compositions, master new techniques and return home with your best possible images.
MORE TIME IN THE FIELD
A carefully designed itinerary with one comfortable base in Porto Moniz, short travel distances, excellent local restaurants and maximum flexibility to follow Madeira’s best conditions.
tour itinerary
Fanal Forest: Magic Mist
The Fanal Forest is at its most atmospheric when mist drifts between its ancient laurel trees. The fog creates separation between the trunks, adding depth, mystery and a beautifully layered quality to every composition. Conditions can change quickly—sometimes the mist lingers throughout the day, while at other times it appears only briefly. We will remain flexible and explore different areas of the forest to find the strongest conditions and compositions.
Funchal Airport
First shootings
First shootings
Fanal Forest: Ever-Changing Light
On rare occasions, sunlight breaks through the mist, creating magical beams of light that illuminate the trees and forest floor. As the fog begins to lift, soft and mysterious scenes can suddenly transform into vibrant landscapes filled with colour and detail. Each day, we will explore a different part of this remarkable forest, searching for everything from isolated trees and winding paths to intimate woodland details. With conditions constantly changing, no two visits to Fanal are ever the same.
Fanal Forest
Coastal Shoot
Waterfall
Mountain Viewpoint
Coastal Shoot
Waterfall
Mountain Viewpoint
From Deep Forests to Open Clearings
Some areas of the forest are enclosed and intimate, creating darker moods and richer shades of green, while its open clearings offer wider views and more isolated compositions. Mist plays an important role throughout Fanal, separating the trees and adding depth, atmosphere and mystery to every scene.
Fanal Forest
Coastal Shoot
Waterfall
Mountain Viewpoint
Coastal Shoot
Waterfall
Mountain Viewpoint
Ancient Trees and Waterfalls
For sunrise, we photograph Passo Giau, where autumn brings beautiful fall-colored trees and a very different look from summer. In the afternoon, we head to the mighty Tre Cime, hiking about an hour to our sunset location. From there, the group can spread out to several nearby compositions. If the conditions are right, we can also stay for Milky Way photography above Tre Cime.
Fanal Forest
Coastal Shoot
Waterfall
Mountain Viewpoint
Coastal Shoot
Waterfall
Mountain Viewpoint
Madeira’s Dramatic Coastline
Weather permitting, we will explore and photograph some of Madeira’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. Rugged cliffs, volcanic rock formations and the powerful Atlantic Ocean create endless opportunities for dramatic seascape photography. If you enjoy capturing waves, reflections and long exposures, you will love photographing this remarkable coastline.
Fanal Forest
Coastal Shoot
Waterfall
Mountain Viewpoint
Coastal Shoot
Waterfall
Mountain Viewpoint
Chasing the Best Sunrise Light
Sunrise along Madeira’s coast can be incredible, with the sky often filling with vibrant colours and beautiful morning light. We will carefully monitor the latest weather forecasts and remain flexible with our schedule, giving us the best possible chance of being in the right location at the right time. When the conditions come together, these coastal sunrises can become some of the tour’s most memorable moments.
Funchal Airport
INCLUDEd & EXCLUDEd
Max brings extensive experience guiding photographers across Madeira, with an intimate knowledge of its ancient forests, dramatic coastlines, hidden waterfalls and ever-changing conditions. Alongside him is Madison McCardle, a talented landscape photographer and dedicated assistant who is always ready to offer guidance and help every participant make the most of each location.
We will stay in comfortable apartments with beautiful sea views, located in the picturesque coastal village of Porto Moniz.
After an incredible morning shoot, enjoy some of the best breakfasts Madeira has to offer—the perfect way to relax, recharge and prepare for the next photography adventure.
We travel across Madeira Island in one spacious 9-seater van, with plenty of room for you and your camera gear. We’ll pick you up and drop you off directly at your accommodation, while Max and Mady’s experience behind the wheel allows you to sit back, travel comfortably and enjoy Madeira’s spectacular scenery along the way.
After signing up, you’ll receive a massive bonus package: all 18 of Max’s editing tutorials, 9 Lightroom preset packs, and 3 exclusive In-the-Field tutorials. Everything is downloadable and comes with lifetime streaming access, so you can keep learning long after the tour is over.
One photograph of your choice can be edited by Max from start to finish, with the entire process screen-recorded and shared with the group. While completely optional, these edits can provide valuable ideas for processing images from each location—and give you access to additional editing videos featuring photographs and techniques from across the tour.
Travel insurance is required and must be arranged before the tour begins. We’re happy to provide advice and recommend suitable options if needed. It usually costs only a small amount compared with the overall trip, but can provide valuable protection and assistance should anything unexpected happen.
We’ll visit some of the best local restaurants for lunch and dinner whenever the schedule allows. Since we often spend long hours in the field chasing the best light, it won’t always be practical to have both meals at a restaurant. On those days, we’ll stop at supermarkets or local places for convenient takeaway options. For example, after shooting sunset at Tre Cime, we’ll return late in the evening, making a restaurant dinner impractical.
q&a
Max brings extensive experience guiding photographers across Madeira, with an intimate knowledge of its ancient forests, dramatic coastlines, hidden waterfalls and ever-changing conditions. Alongside him is Madison McCardle, a talented landscape photographer and dedicated assistant who is always ready to offer guidance and help every participant make the most of each location.
We closely monitor the webcams and weather conditions around Fanal Forest, allowing us to adapt the itinerary quickly. Although November offers a relatively high chance of mist, mountain weather is unpredictable, so it can never be guaranteed.
If mist appears, we will make photographing the forest our priority. If conditions remain clear, we will visit Madeira’s other spectacular locations, including coastal viewpoints, waterfalls, mountain landscapes and seascapes. We will always photograph Fanal Forest during the tour—even without mist—and if the forest remains misty for several days, we will ensure there is still plenty of time to explore Madeira’s other highlights.
No, photographers of all experience levels are welcome. Whether you need help using manual mode, creating a panorama or mastering advanced techniques such as handheld focus stacking, your guide will be happy to assist and adapt the guidance to your individual skill level.
Madeira enjoys mild temperatures in November, typically around 18–23°C (64–73°F) along the coast, with cooler conditions in the mountains. The weather can change quickly, bringing sunshine, rain and mist—perfect for creating atmospheric landscape photographs. We recommend bringing layers, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.
We recommend bringing lenses that cover approximately 15–150mm, giving you plenty of flexibility for everything from wide forest scenes and dramatic seascapes to more distant details. If you have a lens wider than 15mm, it is also well worth bringing.
We will stay in comfortable apartments with beautiful sea views, located in the picturesque coastal village of Porto Moniz.
Yes and no. The main area of Fanal Forest can become busy, particularly when mist appears for only a short time. You can expect to see other walkers, photographers and content creators there. However, once we explore beyond the most popular areas, the forest becomes much quieter and we may have entire sections to ourselves.
Most other locations are relatively peaceful, as November is part of Madeira’s low season.
your guide
Madeira’s Fanal Forest is one of the most magical forests in the world, especially when mist drifts between its ancient laurel trees.
Max Rive
Photographer. Explorer. Storyteller.
Max is driven by discovering new perspectives in nature and capturing them in his distinctive style. Madeira’s ancient forests, dramatic waterfalls and rugged coastline offer endless opportunities for atmospheric and powerful landscape photography.
Every location on this tour has been personally scouted by Max, with a strong focus on unique compositions and understanding how each scene changes with mist, light, tides and weather.
Just as importantly, Max genuinely loves guiding and sharing his knowledge. He’ll help you refine your compositions, photograph the misty Fanal Forest, capture flowing water and adapt to Madeira’s rapidly changing conditions. His goal is for you to return home with outstanding images and as a more confident and experienced photographer.
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
Questions?
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Have a question about the tour or ready to join? Send me a message below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
all you need to know
tour pdf
Download the complete guide to the Madeira Photo Tour, with everything you need to know before joining.
- Full day-by-day itinerary
- Participant testimonials
- Photos from even more locations
- Packing list & gear recommendations
🔒 100% free – instant access
REFUNDS + CANCELLATION POLICY
Refunds
Refunds will be issued using the same payment method as the original transaction. Please note that transaction fees and currency exchange differences may affect the final amount received. Approved refunds will be initiated within 72 hours of the request being confirmed.
Cancellation
The €1,500 deposit is transferable and may be applied to a different photo tour.
For the remaining balance, which is due 90 days before the tour start date, the following cancellation and refund policy applies:
- More than 60 days before the tour: 70% refund
- 45–60 days before the tour: 35% refund
- 30–44 days before the tour: 15% refund
- Less than 30 days before the tour: No refund
