What is the Laurissilva forest in Madeira?
Laurissilva is an ecosystem of great importance at a botanical and scientific level that was considered a world heritage site in 1999 and appeared in the Tertiary Period, that is, 65 to 2 million years ago, and covered much of the Mediterranean.
This forest is of great importance for the island because it retains and absorbs a large amount of water which is then redirected to groundwater and underground water reserves.
Currently, the most conserved part is found in Portuguese territory, although we can find it in “Macaronesia”, which consists of the archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira, Cape Verde, and the Canaries.
It occupies about 20% of the island of Madeira, which in this case will be 15000 hectares and predominates mainly on the north coast, let's see where?
Where is Laurissilva Forest located?
Laurissilva Forest is spread across the island in different places let's see where:
Where do I find this forest on the island?
1. Calheta
The Rabaçal area is one of the best areas to know Laurissilva Forest. At about fifteen kilometers from the village of Calheta, at an altitude close to a thousand meters above sea level, Rabaçal is one of the largest valleys in Madeira and is distinguished by the diversity of its vegetation greens.
The Fonte do Bispo Forest Park has a picnic area suitable for socializing or relaxing after strolling the surrounding walking paths. A little further up, there is a
viewpoint with a beautiful view over the valley of Ribeira da Janela and Paul da Serra. Undoubtedly, it is worth starting here with the innumerous walking and cycling routes that exist in the surroundings.
2. Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz Tours
Glide through the plateau of the Island to reach Fanal and Rabaçal. At “Pico da Urze”, see a grand valley covered by this thriving forest. In this area, there are several areas to be discovered, namely the 25 Fontes. Fanal ‘s centenary trees exhibit a cinematic beauty. Feel the silence and the cool breeze that floats in the sky.
This valley is located in Seixal, crossed by a river, and on its banks, the Laurissilva Forest exhibits with pure grace. The scenery is very simple, unpretentious, and calm. This place is known for the collection of Cow sheds that were once used as warehouses to support agriculture.
Curiosity: This place is applied for the 7 wonders in Portugal.
3. São Vicente
São Vicente Tours
Bica da Cana viewpoint is located in Canhas parish village of Ponta do Sol. Bica da Cana viewpoint it's an underrated but amazing viewpoint with views of Pico Ruivo, as well as good visibility all the way to Pico Arieiro. This is a great sunrise spot due to its height of 1,560m above sea level, from where you can enjoy a mystical atmosphere as the sea of clouds roll over the mountains below. Despite the mountains surrounding the ''sea of clouds'' are the focal point and slowly pours down into the lower valleys towards the east, creating an incredible waterfall of clouds. The sun finally crept over the peaks in the distance and began to light up the scene.
Lombo do Mouro where you can observe fascinating mountains and valleys and the clouds blown in from the trade winds flow over the encumeada.
Drive through Ribeira Brava and go up to Serra d’Água (which was the island’s first water power station) and stop there to taste Poncha, and then go up the old road, Encumeada, you'll arrive at the top of the valley giving incredible views of both the south and the north coast.
Walk along this laurel forest and discover the charm of this place, located between Encumeada and São Vicente. The mist mixes with the green lichens, which hang from the trunks of its trees, in a setting that transports us to a fantasy world.
The Leisure Area of Chão dos Louros is located next to the ER 228 that connects Encumeada to the Rosário site, in São Vicente. Its toponymy derives from a large number of Loureiros existing in this forest area.
4. Santana
Levada walks
The Queimadas Forest Park is on the west coast near Santana. It is a beautiful park flanked by the Laurissilva Forest with wide trails and picnic areas. This park takes us to a wonderful forest full of the densest and extraordinary vegetation; imposing trees, flowers, and famous trails such as Caldeirão Verde, Caldeirão do Inferno, where you will find typical Santana houses and a restaurant.
- Drink a coffee at the old typical house and relax
- Visit the ducks and swans
In this space, there is the possibility to do several walking on levadas and trails of unparalleled beauty that lead to many places such as
- Do Caldeirão Verde levada walk
- Explore the footpath that allows access to Pico das Pedras
- Explore the place that leads to a viewpoint-about 1km from the houses and gives great views over the valley towards Faial and the Atlantic
- Watch the endemic birds
Levada Walks
The Ribeiro Frio Forest Park is known for its beautiful gardens, trails, and trout farm, one of the famous Levada walks is located here:
Balcões, and the unique footpaths, such as the - PR10 - Levada do Furado (Ribeiro Frio - Portela).
It is surrounded by a wide variety of native plants and towering trees that cover the surrounding mountains. Come for a walk in nature and dive into the depths of the Laurissilva Forest to discover its true beauty.
5. Machico
Start: Portela viewpoint.
The trail begins just to the left of the cafe (pictured above in the directions section) and follows a dirt path for the first section of this route.
End: Maroços, in Machico
Hike Distance: The total distance of the trail was 8 kilometers.
Hike Duration: The hike will take you about 2 hours.
Hike Difficulty: This hike has a low difficulty
What's the best way to experience Laurel Forest?
LEVADA WALKS
MOUNTAIN BIKING
CANYONING
Laurel Forest walks
Rabaçal:
1. 25 fountains
Start: Rabaçal
End: Rabaçal
Hike Distance: 11km
Hike Duration: 4h
2. Lakes of Madeira
Start: Rabaçal
End: Rabaçal
Hike Distance: 10km
Hike Duration: 4h
3. Lagoa do Vento walk
Start: Rabaçal
End: Rabaçal
Hike Distance: 7km
Hike Duration: 4h
Santana:
4. Caldeirão Verde Walk- Queimadas- Caldeirão Verde
Start: Queimadas
End: Caldeirão do Inferno
Hike Distance: 13km
Hike Duration: 4h
Check also: Santana Bike Tours
5. Balcões
Start: Ribeiro Frio Forest Park
End: Balcões viewpoint
Hike Distance: 2km
Hike Duration: 45m
6. Levada do Rei-Quebradas- Ribeiro Bonito
Start: São Jorge- Caminho das Eiras
End: São Jorge- Caminho das Eiras
Hike Distance: 10km
Hike Duration: 4h
São Vicente
7. Caminho Real da Encumeada- Boca da Corrida- Encumeada
Start: Boca da Corrida
End: Encumeada
Hike Distance: 11,7km
Hike Duration: 4-5h
Porto Moniz
8. Vereda do Fanal- Paul da Serra- Fanal
Start: Assobiadores
End: Fanal
Hike Distance: 10km
Hike Duration: 4h
9. Levada dos Cedros
Start: Curral Falso
End: Curral Falso
Hike Distance: 11km
Hike Duration: 4h