Laurissilva Forest

Madeira is the proud guardian of a unique natural heritage. The indigenous Laurissilva Forest occupies 15,000 hectares here, which corresponds to 20% of the island. In the municipality of São Vicente, this particularly dense and exuberant forest covers a very wide territory.

The diversity of both flora and fauna species that can be found in this vast area is of vital importance. In all its extension, this green patch reveals an almost immaculate state of conservation, mirrored in the impressive vivacity of this natural scenery.

This rare subtropical rainforest, mainly composed of trees of the laurel family and species endemic to Macaronesia, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its origin dates back to the Miocene and Pliocene periods of the Tertiary Period, 20 million years ago. Its historical and ecological importance is therefore undeniable.

In the centre of the town of São Vicente you can find the Garden of Indigenous Plants, with an area of 2200 m². Among others, several species of the Laurissilva Forest of Madeira are represented there. However, the best way to get in touch with this millenary heritage is through the many hiking trails that exist all over the municipality of São Vicente.