Laurisilva Rainforests of Madeira

Madeira’s Laurisilva Rainforests—which grow atop rugged mountains and provide a verdant complement to the island’s many waterfalls and valleys—are a peaceful place to explore. Located in the Madeira Natural Park (Parque Natural da Madeira) on the island of Madeira, the protected land offers a glimpse into an ecosystem that has occupied the archipelago for millions of years. The Laurisilva Rainforests can be explored on numerous hiking tours and levada (irrigation channel) walks.

• The only remaining such laurisilva forests are found on Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands.
• The diverse forests comprise more than 70 plant species that are native to Madeira, as well as unique animal species.
• Due to the steep and hilly nature of the trails, the Laurisilva Rainforests are unfortunately not readily accessible to wheelchair users.
• The area hosts many rare and endangered species, including Zino's petrel and the Madeira orchid.

The Laurisilva Rainforests span roughly 37,000 acres (15,000 hectares) within the Madeira Natural Park on the island of Madeira, which is often visited from mainland Portugal by plane or ferry. The trails in the forest are best discovered on foot, and guided hiking tours provide a simple way to explore the scenery.

The Laurisilva Rainforests are accessible all year long; as they’re known for their wetness and humidity, it’s advised to bring layers, rain gear, sunscreen, and sturdy boots with you. Given that the trails are often abutted by steep cliffs, it is recommended to hike during daylight hours only.

Many itineraries through the Laurisilva Rainforests follow levadas—gently sloping water channels that were designed to carry water from the wetter north of the island to the drier south, which were constructed between the 16th and 20th centuries. Today, they offer an accessible network of trails.