Núcleo Museológico - Rota da Cal🏛 museum
Museum dedicated to the history of lime production in Madeira.
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Madeira Laurisilva
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Forest
The Laurisilva of Madeira is an outstanding relic of a previously widespread laurel forest type that covered much of Southern Europe 15 to 40 million years ago. Covering approximately 15,000 hectares, it is the largest surviving area of laurel forest in the world and is estimated to be 90% primary forest. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 due to its exceptional biodiversity and its role as a biological refuge for many endemic species. The forest is characterized by evergreen trees with laurel-like leaves, such as the Til and the Canary Laurel, as well as a rich undergrowth of ferns and mosses. It plays a crucial role in Madeira's hydrological cycle by capturing water from the mist and feeding the island's complex system of irrigation channels known as levadas. The forest is home to unique fauna, including the Trocaz Pigeon, which depends entirely on the laurel berries for its survival.
- Location: Portugal, Portugal
- Top sights: Núcleo Museológico - Rota da Cal · Grutas e Centro do Vulcanismo · Ruivo do Paul
- Nearby: Câmara de Lobos (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 32 | 38 | 40 | 26 | 16 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 38 | 43 | 45 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The ancient laurel forest is mainly explored via Madeira's extensive network of levadas, which are typically accessed from various mountain roads across the island.
Best season
The forest is beautifully lush and green year-round, though the slightly drier summer months offer more stable hiking conditions compared to the potentially wet, humid winter.
Terrain & paths
Paths often directly follow narrow water channels along very steep valleys, featuring dark tunnels, slippery stone steps, and dense, ancient vegetation.
What to bring
Essential equipment absolutely includes a good flashlight for the tunnels, a reliable waterproof jacket for the humid microclimate, and shoes with solid, dependable traction.
Parking
Levada trailheads usually have rather small, informal parking areas that fill up very quickly in the morning, making early arrival a highly sensible strategy.
Safety
Hikers should be extremely careful on narrow, unprotected cliff edges, and strictly avoid specific trails during heavy rainfall due to the elevated risk of landslides.
Time needed
Levada walks can vary greatly in length, with most nature visitors spending between three and five hours completing a typical out-and-back or scenic circular route.
Geography
Facts
- The Laurisilva has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.
- The protected area covers approximately 15,000 hectares.
- The forest covers about 20% of the entire Madeira island.
- An estimated 90% of the area is considered primary forest.
- It is home to at least 76 endemic plant species of Madeira.
- The island's levadas system exceeds 2,000 kilometers in length.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Madeira Laurisilva (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Laurisilva forest?
A prehistoric laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.
How old is this forest type?
This type of forest covered vast parts of Europe millions of years ago.
What is the best way to explore the forest?
Hiking along the levadas (water channels) is the best way.
Are there rare animals there?
Yes, the Trocaz pigeon is an endemic bird species of this forest.
Is the forest often foggy?
Yes, moisture and fog are typical and vital for the forest's survival.
Madeira Laurisilva: where is it located?
Madeira Laurisilva is located in Portugal, Portugal.
Madeira Laurisilva: what is there to see?
Highlights include Núcleo Museológico - Rota da Cal, Grutas e Centro do Vulcanismo, Ruivo do Paul.
Madeira Laurisilva: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Madeira Laurisilva: why is it worth visiting?
The Laurisilva of Madeira is an outstanding relic of a previously widespread laurel forest type that covered much of Southern Europe 15 to 40 million years ago.
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