Madeira's Laurisilva is a living relic: a subtropical laurel forest that has survived here for millions of years and now covers about a fifth of the island. If you only see Madeira from the coast, you miss its green heart. Here is what the forest is, where to walk it, and how to fit it around a day at sea.
What is the Laurisilva forest in Madeira?
The Laurisilva is a humid laurel forest, and Madeira's is the largest surviving area of its kind in the world. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in 1999, and it covers roughly 20% of the island. Its trees, including the til, vinhático, barbusano and loureiro, belong to a type of forest that once spread across southern Europe before the ice ages. Here, sheltered by the Atlantic, it endured.
Why is the Laurisilva so important?
It is important because it is the island's water factory. The moss-covered canopy catches mist and rain and feeds the springs and the levada channels that have irrigated Madeira's farms for centuries. It is also home to endemic wildlife, including the Madeira laurel pigeon (trocaz) and many rare plants and invertebrates. Protecting the forest keeps the island's taps and terraces running.
Where is the Laurisilva located?
Most of it sits on the humid north-facing slopes and in the central highlands, where clouds rise from the sea and linger. Ribeiro Frio, Queimadas, Rabaçal and Fanal are the usual gateways. The south coast, where our boats operate, is drier and sunnier, which is exactly why the two make such a good pair.
What are the best walks in the Laurisilva?
The classic is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, a path from Queimadas through tunnels and past waterfalls into the forest's core. Rabaçal, with the Risco waterfall and the 25 Fontes, is the other great route, and Fanal offers the photogenic, twisted old til trees standing in mist. Difficulty varies, and trails sometimes close after heavy rain or storms, so check the current status with the local authorities before you set out.
What should I bring, and when should I go?
Bring a waterproof jacket, shoes with real grip and a head-torch for the tunnels, because the forest is damp and cool at any time of year. Spring and early autumn tend to give the best mix of flowing water and workable trails, and mornings are usually clearer before cloud builds. Start early, carry water and stay on marked paths: the forest floor is delicate, and the drops beside some levadas are real.
How do I combine the forest with time on the water?
Treat them as two halves of one island: forest by day, sea by evening. A morning in the mountains followed by a private Chifbay boat trip from Marina do Funchal lets you watch the same green slopes fall into the Atlantic at Cabo Girão. The Sunset Trip departs at 18:00: 2h for €400 turning at Cabo Girão, or 2h30 for €500 continuing to Ribeira Brava, with drone, drinks and food aboard. If you would rather swim, the Day Trip runs 10:00–13:00 or 14:00–17:00 and stops at Fajã dos Padres and Ribeira Brava. The whole boat is yours, for up to five guests.
The forest gives Madeira its water. The sea gives it its horizon. You need both.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Laurisilva in Madeira?
The Laurisilva is Madeira's ancient laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 that covers roughly 20% of the island, mostly on the cool, wet north side and the central highlands.
Where is the best place to walk in the Laurisilva?
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde from Queimadas, the Rabaçal area with the 25 Fontes, and the Fanal forest are the most rewarding entry points. Check current trail status before you go, as paths close after storms.
When is the best time to visit the Laurisilva?
Spring and early autumn usually offer the best balance of dry trails and green, flowing levadas. The forest is wet and misty at any time of year, so bring a waterproof layer.
Can I combine the forest with a boat trip?
Yes. Many guests spend a morning or day in the forest and book a Chifbay Sunset Trip (2h, €400, departing 18:00) the same evening, or a Day Trip on another day.