Laurisilva

Madeira stands out as one of the most beautiful places I’ve traveled and hiked in. I feel grateful to have seen its ancient trees and stunning coastal landscapes.

According to UNESCO Wold Heritage, the Laurisilva of Madeira is an outstanding relict of a previously widespread laurel forest type. It is the largest surviving area of laurel forest and is believed to be 90% primary forest. It contains a unique suite of plants and animals, including many endemic species such as the Madeiran long-toed pigeon.

The Laurisilva of Madeira, within the Parque Natural da Madeira (Madeira Natural Park) conserves the largest surviving area of primary laurel forest or "laurisilva", a vegetation type that is now confined to the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands. These forests display a wealth of ecological niches, intact ecosystem processes, and play a predominant role in maintaining the hydrological balance on the Island of Madeira. The property has great importance for biodiversity conservation with at least 76 vascular plant species endemic to Madeira occurring in the property, together with a high number of endemic invertebrates and two endemic birds including the emblematic Madeiran Laurel Pigeon.

Ancient tree with moss-covered branches in a foggy forest
Two hikers on a mountain trail surrounded by green bushes and distant mountain views under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of green flowering plant with small white flowers outdoors.
Two hikers on a mountain trail above the clouds, surrounded by greenery and rock formations.
Hiking trail sign in a wooded area showing directions to "25 Fontes" 1.9 km away and "Calheta ER 211" 3.7 km away, with hiking symbols and "PR 6" markings.
Two hikers walking on a misty forest trail with large trees and lush greenery.
Wooden hiking trail signs for Pico Areeiro and Pico Ruivo with distances and trail numbers, surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky.
Lush green tropical forest with dense foliage and a thin waterfall cascading down a distant mountain slope.
Two people hiking up a foggy, lush green forest trail with large trees overhead.
Aerial view of a coastal landscape with cliffs, ocean, and clouds.
Mountain path with railing, surrounded by greenery and trees, leading into mist and fog.
Outdoor market stall with various fruits, including oranges, apples, grapes, papayas, bananas, and pineapples, beautifully arranged in baskets.
Hikers on a narrow mountain path with steep steps, surrounded by rocky terrain and vegetation, under a clear blue sky with the sun shining brightly.
Foggy forest scene with a cow grazing, moss-covered trees, and two people in the background.
Scenic mountain range view with clouds above and rugged peaks
Hikers on a narrow mountain path with steep rocky terrain and vibrant greenery, under a clear blue sky, sun shining brightly.
Two hikers walking on a stone path surrounded by greenery and hills, under a clear blue sky, with a tree and a house in the background.
Two people walking on a lush forest trail with overhanging tree branches and a narrow canal on the side.
Mountain landscape with rocky peaks and green vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Purple flowers in front of a mountain landscape under clear blue sky.
Two hikers on a mountain trail surrounded by green vegetation and a clear blue sky.
Mountain landscape with rugged peaks and clouds below, under a clear blue sky.
Yellow flowering gorse bushes with green foliage in a natural outdoor setting.
Lush forested stream with rocks and mist
Close-up of green pine needles on tree branches with water droplets.
Twisted tree branch over ferns in lush rainforest
Hiker walking along a forest path with a small canal
Mountain landscape with yellow and purple wildflowers in foreground, under a blue sky with clouds.
Purple flowers against a mountainous landscape under a clear blue sky.
Hiker ascending a narrow, rocky trail surrounded by lush greenery and yellow flowers in a mountainous landscape.
Mountain path with rocky terrain, mist, and trees.
Hikers descending a rocky mountain trail with clouds and rugged landscape in the background.
Hiker walking down a narrow path with lush greenery and steep cliffs in a mountainous area.
Purple morning glories among lush green fern leaves.
Panoramic view of lush green cliffs overlooking a calm ocean under a cloudy sky.
Coastal landscape with greenery, ocean view, and cloudy sky
Scenic coastal cliffs with lush green vegetation overlooking the ocean, under a partly cloudy sky.
Hikers on a narrow mountain trail with lush green slopes and rocky cliffside.
Two people hiking on a mossy forest trail with dense trees and rocks
A person standing amidst a large, moss-covered, twisted tree in a foggy forest.
Two people hiking in a foggy landscape with green vegetation.
Two people in a misty forest, one person interacting with a curved, gnarled tree.
Person standing inside the hollow of an ancient, moss-covered tree in a misty forest setting.
Foggy forest with moss-covered trees and thick branches.
Two people standing under a large, moss-covered tree with expansive branches in a forest setting.
Close-up of green moss and lichen growing on tree bark