The Laurissilva Forest is one of the most beautiful natural treasures of Madeira Island.
In 1999, UNESCO appointed it as a World Heritage Site.
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Madeira's Laurissilva is the largest surviving area of laurel forest and is believed to be 90% primary forest. It contains a unique range of plants and animals, including many endemic species.
Endemic trees of the Lauraceae family such as the Barbusano, the Laurel, the Til and the Vinhático are dominant.
The Laurissilva forest plays a predominant role in maintaining the hydrological balance on the Island and has great importance for biodiversity conservation.
The settlers of Madeira constructed water channels, known as levadas, which run through the forest following the contours of the landscape, carrying water from the forest to hydropower stations providing drinking water and irrigation supplies. Along the levadas there are paths typically 1-2m wide, which allow access to the otherwise almost impenetrable forest.