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Laurisilva forest on the island of Madeira | Portugal

Claire — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:59:09 +0000

Laurisilva forest on the island of Madeira is a rest of formerly widespread laurel forest. It contains the largest surviving relict of the defunct laurisilva forest that was once widespread across Europe. This forest is considered the center of plant diversity where you can find numerous rare, relict and endemic species, like bryophytes, ferns or flowering plants. Laurisilva forest also has a very rich fauna. Endemic species include the Madeiran long-toed pigeon and some 66 species of vascular plants.

Laurisilva forest was classified by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage in 1999, and it is still the only natural UNESCO site in Portugal. Such a forest exists now only on the Atlantic Islands, forming the so called Biographical Region of Macaronesia – Madeira, Azores and Canaries Islands, however the most extensive laurisilva forests remain on the island of Madeira.

Close to the Laurisilva forest you can visit also Santana 12 km, Ponta Delgada 7 km, Machico 23 km, Pico Ruivo 5 km, Pico do Arieiro 8 km, Madeira 3.8 km, Fortaleza do Pico 15 km, Monte 14 km or Madeira Theme Park 11 km.

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Penyal D’ifac – the smallest protected area in Europe | Spain

Claire — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:38:37 +0000

Peñón de Ifach is a rock formation and protected Natural Park situated above the bay of Calpe, in Valencia region. It is also a symbol of this seaside town and also of the whole Costa Blanca. In earlier times, this rock was, thanks to the excellent strategic location, used as a watchtower. Currently, the Peñón de Ifach is a great refuge for many plants and bird species. Unfortunately, due to the large number of tourists an access to this exceptional rock is limited. There is a marked trail leading to the top of the mountain, where you can get in 40 minutes. Peñón de Ifach in offering magnificent views of the surroundings, so it is worth visiting. During nice weather it is even possible to see the island of Ibiza from here.

Photo by admin

In 1987, the rock was declared a nature reserve and the smallest protected area in Europe, because it covers an area of 4,5 square kilometers. There is a number of endemic species of plant and animals such as sea gulls and falcons.

Peñón de Ifach is a distinct visual attraction on the Mediterranean coast, reaching a height of 332 metres.

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