A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Laurissilva Forest includes a section on Madeira Island called the Fanal Forest. A variety of plant and animal species can be found in this subtropical forest, which is about 15,000 hectares in size. Some of the plant species are unique to Madeira Island. Laurel trees, the forest’s dominant species, are what give the forest its distinctive appearance.
The Canary laurel, Madeira laurel, and Bay laurel are some of the laurel species that can be found in the Fanal Forest. These tall trees, whose height can reach 40 meters, have broad leaves that absorb moisture from the persistent mist that covers the forest. Because of the laurel trees, the forest has a special atmosphere with high humidity and relatively constant temperatures all year long. Ferns, mosses, and lichens, among other plant and animal species, can all thrive in this environment. Numerous bird species, including the Laurel Pigeon and the Madeira Firecrest, which are both endemic to the island of Madeira, can be found in the Fanal Forest.
We thought we’d try again with an early morning drive hoping for eerie fog, but once again we were greeted with sunshine & crystal blue skies. No complaints, it’s quite amazing. We were early enough to not have many others in the forest. So we ventured among the forest of trees and visited with wandering local cows enjoying the morning sun.
It’s a magical place.
If you walk to the edge the view from 3,000 feet is above the clouds
And you can pinch a ☁️
A few locals meandered by
It was nice to not see them surrounded by people so munching fresh grass was their mission this morning.
When we arrived back to the car the lot and roads were overflowing. Time to drive along the coast and enjoy the beautiful day.
We tried a few stops but the road were full of parked cars and the cafes were bustling. So Saô Vicente offered 🅿️ (a sign we love to see) a beautiful coastline, a quaint bakery & coffee shop with a table waiting for us.
We spent a lot of time in tunnels again today. There are 180 on the island and 80.7km in length. What takes a little over an hour used to take 8, so I’m good with tunnels.
We’ll get a Levada hike in tomorrow, our last full day in wonderful magical breathtaking Madeira.
