Comments on: Beautiful Fanal Ruined by our Government and Tourism

By: George Nabbs

George Nabbs — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 12:45:23 +0000

A fine rave, in some ways justifiable but not a single idea as to how to allow the forest to thrive and the Madeiran economy to continue to grow through it’s only serious asset, tourism. Insult the tourist, what’s his money ever done for the people of Madeira? My usual advice to people who blame tourism. Go ask the 60/70/80, year old Madeirans if they’d be happy to go back to the days before tourism? You can’t live on laurel leaves.

By: V

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 11:48:09 +0000

If people can’t respect nature, what respect do they have for themselves or others? These ignorant acts have led to the current situation. The government or administration should know better and protect this area. If people can’t be trusted, then there is no option but for areas to be fenced off. Do people want to get to the point where they will have to pay for access because they can’t be trusted to respect what Mother Nature has given us FOR FREE! Let that sink in! You will end up paying for something that was gifted to Madeira!!! If that’s not stupidity then I don’t know what is. Have some self respect and do some self reflection please. Where has common sense gone? Oh, yes, it’s been sucked into your smartphone. Wake up please. Thank you

By: Maggie Pearce

Maggie Pearce — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 20:39:47 +0000

I Do very much agree Madeira is been spoiled by the Madeira Government and stupid tourists. It is not Ibiza or Costa be sol so don’t come to a beautiful wonderful Nature Reserve. To many places have been ruined by stupidity that can never be replaced There is far to much building spoiling the Island . I have been coming to the Island since 1998 . It has lost the appeal that it was then. I understand t life must move on but it has now got far to far

By: LUCAS

LUCAS — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 20:19:38 +0000

sustainability award for Madeira (Tourism office …”the (god chosen) guardian of the Laurisilva forest..” and Madeira”. Quality Management award as well for Madeira (Tourism office) for observing all kinds of quality standards including ISO 14000x etc etc. LOL … . Adventure award for Madeira for creating adventurous moments on Madeira islands …go to the forest with your feet, your car, your bike, .. and have adventures that you probably survive. …The forest doesn’t but you paid well for that, you piece of you know what your are. Tell your grand children for having survived Madeira, you brave tourist. Why not join some real forces somewhere in the East; there you can even kill real people and get applauded for it. Ah, they might shoot back …you laughing stock of a Madeiran tourist or Madeirense guide.

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 15:37:17 +0000

In reply to Sandra Gobell. Just a reminder, this article is not about a missing tourist...

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 15:35:59 +0000

People destroy everything just for a few pictures and likes.

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 11:32:35 +0000

Public opinion will only sway the governments thinking so unless their is a concerted effect and an overall desire for change we will keep having repeats of the type of damage Fanal forest has undergone in other parts of the island. The intervention works now underway are better than nothing.

By: Sandra Gobell

Sandra Gobell — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 11:24:09 +0000

In reply to Nicky. I quite agree with your comments. I have been visiting Madeira for over 20 years and have never been to Fanal as I was told that it is a forest not suitable for unregulated tourists. Why do some tourists always spoil places, not only Fanal but the mountains also. They ignore signs telling them that some trails are dangerous but then expect the rescue services to help them.

By: Nicky

Nicky — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 11:10:48 +0000

There is such a thing as the wrong type of tourist and Madeira has an abundance of them. Under our very noses this beautiful, previously unspoilt, peaceful, clean and precious place is being irreversibly destroyed and prostituted in the name of profit and greed. It will not stop until there is nothing left and then it will be repeated somewhere else. Azores watch out.