Laurel Forest (Laurisilva) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Laurel Forest. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• 25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6)

• Exclusive Private Buggy Adventure: Forest and Mountains

• Walk with a local

• Caldeirão Verde Levada (PR 9) - Guided Madeira Levada Walk

• Private Tailored tour to the East in a 4WD. No shared groups!

While it’s free to visit the Laurel Forest, which is within Madeira Natural Park, there are also affordable guided tours where you can learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided walks through the forest start at around US$50, while tours that include additional stops are priced around US$70.

The Laurel Forest in Madeira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it’s the largest surviving area of laurel forest in the world, though this type of forest was once prevalent throughout southern Europe. An estimated 90 percent is believed to be primary forest, housing unique plants and animals, including endemic species.

A good rule of thumb is to pack the same as you would for any forest-based hiking trip. Fresh water, sturdy shoes, and sun screen/insect repellent are good to have. Laurel Forest’s subtropical climate has warm weather throughout the year, but bringing a light jacket or hat may be useful.

The best way to get to the Laurel Forest in Madeira from Funchal is by car. Drive west of Funchal on the ER101 then continue north onto ER104 around Ribeira Brava. Just north of Serra de Agua, you’ll turn onto ER105, then quickly onto ER228, where you’ll find an entrance to Madeira Natural Park.

The abundant evergreen trees are a hallmark of the Laurel Forest. There are at least 76 vascular plant species found only in Madeira, as well as two birds, one being the Madeiran Laurel Pigeon. You’ll also find rare or endemic mollusks, arachnids, liverwort, bats, moss, lichens, and ferns throughout the Laurel Forest.