Fanal forest, Madeira island, Portugal
© Val Thoermer/Alam
Info. Fanal forest on the island of Madeira, Portugal
Today we’re exploring a subtropical forest on the Portuguese island of Madeira off the north-west coast of Africa. Fanal forest is part of the Laurisilva forest, the largest surviving laurel forest in the world. About 90% of the forest's growth remains uncut, and the forest was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 for its ecological importance and beauty.
Laurel forests, also called laurisilvas, covered most of Southern Europe millions of years ago. Old-growth areas like this one that were never cleared for agriculture include laurels that are around 500 years old.
Related Images
Letchworth State Park, New York
A mountain gorilla eating in a tree in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Lake Dobson in Mount Field National Park of Tasmania
Living root bridge in India
Blooming jacaranda trees in New Farm Park, Brisbane, Australia
County Bridge in New Hampshire
Highbush blueberry plants in Acadia National Park, Maine
Meditation domes at the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh, India
Bing Today Images
Grand Canal in Venice, Italy
Oct 19, 2026
Apples ready for harvest, Minnesota, United States
Oct 19, 2025
Castell y Gwynt, Snowdonia, Wales
Oct 19, 2023
Wartburg Castle, Thuringian Forest, Germany
Oct 19, 2022
Sydney Olympic Park Games Memories
Oct 19, 2018
Limestone cliffs in Foradada, Catalonia, Spain
Oct 19, 2016
