Ancient til trees in Fanal Forest, island of Madeira, Portugal

The Portuguese island of Madeira—about 965 kilometres southwest of mainland Portugal—hides a forest unlike any other.

On its northern slopes lies Fanal Forest, where veils of mist drift through centuries-old til trees.

These are part of the Laurissilva of Madeira—an outstanding relict of a once widespread laurel forest type.

Laurissilva is the largest surviving area of its kind, with about 90% considered primary forest.

Home to a unique array of plants and animals, including endemic species such as the Madeiran long-toed pigeon, it remains a living museum of natural history.