Machico’s natural heritage lays in an area of around 68km² and is of incalculable ecological value, that combines species of coastal flora, Laurissilva forest and diverse fauna especially rich in birds. Many of these species are endemic to the Island.
The Laurissilva forest has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1999. An integral part of the Natura 2000 network, the Laurissilva forest is one of Madeira's greatest natural attractions. The forest occupies a vast area of the Island, with Machico having the largest area of Laurissilva, about 800 hectares, on the South-East coast.
Characterised by the existence of large evergreen trees that can grow over 20 metres tall with dense and leafy canopies, these large trees belong mostly to the Lauracea family.
Other endemic species to look our for are the Shrubby Sow Thistle (Sonchus fruticosus), Black Parsley (Melanoselinium decipiens), and the Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans).
In addition to being a Natura 2000 site, the Laurissilva forest is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the many endemic birds that inhabit the forest such as the Trocaz pigeon (Columba trocaz) and Madeira Firecrest (Regulus maderensis).
Despite being a protected area, you can interact with the Laurel forest and may do so on the following routes:
Main species:
Other equally important species:
Natura 2000 is a network of protected areas within the European Union, which aims to ensure the survival of the most precious and threatened European habitats. Created under the Habitats Directive in 1992, Natura 2000 is the largest network of protected areas in the world and a testament to the importance given by European citizens to the environment.
In addition to the Laurissilva forest, one of the main sites is Ponta de São Lourenço, a peninsula located in the far East of the Island. Its extreme beauty contributes to the wide variety of landscapes in the region as the aridity and its inhospitable nature is unique on the Island.
Ponta de São Lourenço is considered a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and an Important Bird Area (IBA) as well as being part of the Madeira Nature Park (PNM) and in the uniqueness of this landscape lies an exclusive endemic species such as the São Lourenço Everlasting (Helichrysum devium).
Ponta de São Lourenço is a fantastic way to absorb the surroundings and interact with all the natural elements of one of the most visited walks in Madeira.
The following sites are also part of the Natura 2000 network:
