Laurel Forest (Laurisilva)

Overview

Laurel Forest (Laurisilva) in Madeira is a unique and ancient subtropical forest known for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a tranquil escape into nature.

One of the largest and most important laurel forests in the world, it is a relict of a pre-historic vegetation type that once covered much of Southern Europe.

Forest Hiking Wildlife

Location

Address

Madeira

Neighborhood: Santana

Coordinates

32.765800, -16.924400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

€10

Children

€5

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May and October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild and pleasant

• spring flowers
• birdwatching

summer

warm

• long daylight hours

autumn

cool and pleasant

• fall foliage

winter

cool and rainy

• holiday decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book ahead
Bring ID
Check weather

What to Bring

essential

ID water tickets

seasonal

jacket umbrella

not allowed

large bags drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• uneven terrain

Medical facilities: first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

Euro

Typical Costs

entry €10

parking €5

food €15

souvenirs €10

Dress Code

casual, comfortable hiking shoes, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• 2 weeks
• official website
• 48 hours
• available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Madeira Nature Guide

Size: 40 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Madeira Airport (FNC)

Distance: 30 km

Travel Time: 40 minutes

taxi

€40 40 min

public_transport

€5 60 min

From City Center

Distance: 15 km

bus

€2 30 min

taxi

€20 20 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historic importance and natural beauty

Historical Significance: Important biodiversity site

Insider Tips

Free entry early morning
Best food at local cafes

Local Recommendations

• Try local cafe
• Ask for guide Miguel

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Olá

thank_you Obrigado

where_is Onde está

how_much Quanto custa

beautiful Bonito

ticket Bilhete

Guide Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle

Result: Great shot

#nature #Madeira

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas

prohibited areas protected zones

flash photography not allowed in some areas

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy prohibited

tripod policy restricted

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Santana

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Historic Village

Pico do Areeiro

Distance: 5km

Walking: 60 min

Type: Mountain Peak

Reviews

4.7

Based on 500 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book online"
"Visit early"
"Great views"

Contact Information

+351 291 571 055

info@parquesnaturais.gov.pt

www.parquesnaturais.gov.pt

Social Media

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