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Thousands of years ago, volcanic activity formed a contrasting landscape. Tall mountains, deep valleys, serene lakes, crystalline waterfalls and a never-ending green landscape stretching far and wide, from where every colour under the sun burst forth. The Laurissilva Forest of Madeira, where there are countless species long gone from the European continent, is Unesco classified Natural World Heritage. The Laurel, the Til (Ocotea foetens), the Folhado (Clethra arborea) and the Pau Branco (Picconia excelsa) are some of the trees in this vast forest that is home to the Madeira’s Petrel and the long toed pigeon, indigenous species of the island. In stark contrast to the mother island’s green hues, sandy tones colour the landscape of Porto Santo. Just two and a half hours away by boat, or fifteen minutes by plane, from Madeira Island, it is worth visiting this little piece of paradise that welcomed Christopher Columbus in the 16th century. |
