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A 'must visit' for anyone visiting Madeira. Drive up and up via hair pin (sometimes hair raising) bends to be rewarded with the the sights, smells and sounds in the spectacular slopes of natural unplanned vibrant forest.

We were on an organised trip and spent about an hour here. The trip to the forest is hair raising but exciting and very beautiful. The ears pop the higher you get and of course it gets slightly chillier but as long as you take a jacket you'll be fine. The air is just wonderful the higher you go. The trees show signs of the fires from previous years but still there is lot of unspoilt areas and it's great to see so many wild flowers and plants. It offers such a different climate to Funchal and the flora and fauna is so great that to miss this would be a shame as this is when Madeira really does show her treasures.

This UNESCO world heritage site is one for the aficionados. Existing between 400 and 1200m altitude, this area is a relic of the forest that once covered large areas around the Mediterranean. Due to ancient climate changes there are now only fragments available to see in Europe and so the opportunity to visit is strongly recommended. It is a variety of rain forest, so come prepared! The higher levadas pass through many forested areas and give a good opportunity to see the range of trees and other plants. So enjoy both pleasures at the same time - it is well worth the effort.

we didn't see much the day we drove through the forest. There were low hanging clouds everywhere. We could just see for about 50 metres.

For a first short experience of the lovely levada walks, and one you can easily do on your own, take the Horarios do Funchal #56 (which goes to Santana) from the bus station by the Monte cable car station in Funchal. We caught the 10am bus and returned from Ribeiro Frio on the 13:15 bus, although there is another at just after 6pm. The ride is exciting on the switchback roads with great views of the city and port, and as you go up further (particularly in May and June) spectacular with the gorgeous flora - the roads lined with blue Pride of Madeira, white argyranthemum bushes and pink Madeiran geraniums, and the hillsides smothered in golden broom (see pics, which don't do it justice.) After a lovely 45 minute journey costing only 3.35E (June 2014), disembark at the pretty village of Ribeiro Frio.Wander down the road to the sign on the left for Balcoes. The round trip will take you about 40-60 mins (unless you take a picnic) on a level path to a stunning view to the north coast of the island (clouds permitting!) Don't forget to take a few crumbs for the friendly Madeiran chaffinches at the viewpoint. You might be lucky enough to spot the shy Madeiran firecrest or the rare Tracaz pigeon en route.Whilst waiting for the return bus (stops opposite the cafe), you could wander round the trout farm or have a coffee and cake in the cafe or a drink at the bar, or even wander a short way along the Portela levada (although this is closed for repair at the moment). Take appropriate clothing - it can be cooler and damper than in Funchal!

Cool in the heat and so easy to see Madeiran Firecrests and Chaffinches. Very few people out and about so easy to feel alone in March. Tree ferns and eucaliptus trees too

Take a bus to Ribeiro frio for walks in this wonderful forest," balcoas" vieuwpoint west of ribeiro frio and leveda walk upto 2hours east of bus stop.Much cooler and wetter than Funchal prepare warm clothes in winter

If you're going to Madeira you have to experience the Laurissilva upclose and the best place to do it, if you're short on time, is the levada dos Balc?es on the Ribeiro Frio natural park. Is on the right side of the island between Santana and the Pico do Areeiro and it's easy to walk, in the middle of the Laurissilva and very short (about 20m) ending in a breathtaking view over the mountains and the forest. You'll thank me later...

Hiking in these forests is incredible, just wonderful. When the mist passes through the trees, the atmosphere is almost mystical. Laurel forest is a highly endangered type of vegetation, and every effort should be taken for protection and conservation - it's definitely worth it!

So much of Madeira is worth seeing but the forests have got to be close to the top of my list. Weather can change quickly here but seeing it in all conditions is an experience in itself. Up into the clouds you can imagine you're the only one on the island, the stillness and raw beauty is a rare thing in Europe - visit it whilst it's still there.

This forest is typical of Madeira and the Canary Islands, but is threatened by encroaching development. A good place for walking.

Walking along the ¡°levadas¡± in the laurel forests in Madeira was an intense pleasure. The ¡°laurisilva¡± is a thick, cool, subtropical forest with high humidity due to the moisture from the sea and the fog in the mountains, and it contains a rich variety of evergreen trees, mosses and plants with glossy leaves and astonishing flowers. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of peaks, gorges, waterfalls, valleys and the deep blue sea in the horizon.In Madeira it is easy to hike deep into the laurel forest for hours following the irrigation waterways (levadas) that collect the water for farming purposes, and lead you gently down or upwards. Starting from Ribeiro Frio we did the ¡°Vereda dos Balcoes¡± (1h30m) and part of the ¡°Levada do Furado¡±, and starting from Queimadas, we did the ¡°Levada do Caldeirao Verde¡± (5h 30m). The footpath in Caldeirao Verde is often only a couple of feet wide and you sometimes have to negotiate the passage with the hikers coming in the opposite direction, there are cord barriers in the narrow and steep parts of the way but don¡¯t forget to bring a torch to walk through three or four long, dark tunnels (mind your heads, they are very low at times too!). In the afternoons, we basked on the sunny coast of Faial (see the pictures) and on the beach in Machico, where we enjoyed ¡°lapas¡±, dry ¡°gaiado¡± fish and sugar cane juice at the Machico Food Festival.We rented a car go get everywhere. Driving is Madeira is not easy, the secondary roads are narrow and very steep, they do not have pavement, and instead of a hard-shoulder they often have little ditches for drainage, so you have to be very careful to avoid scratching the car. We rented a small, brand-new car with Guerin for around €50 per day but, when we collected the car at the airport, we were asked to pay extra insurance to cover the wheels, bodywork and glasses which cost us around €16 per day (otherwise we had to lay down a deposit of €1200!). Madeira is a beautiful island and driving is a fine way to visit all the peaks, ¡°levadas¡± and forests, but you if you don¡¯t want to drive, you can book a tour or hire a taxi.

there is something for everyone the mountain walkers or the simplest of the levedas there is some breath taking scenes.

Our second visit to the island, we stayed at the Royal Savoy, Funchal (again) having managed to get a discount room via the timeshare office from someone who couldnt take theirs up.Food wise there are lots of good places to eat, the Piano is particularly good near Reids.We did 2 levada walks, both around 11 km, both involving quite large descents which were tough on calves (legs not cows!!). Very walkable in stout trainers, but be prepared to get a little muddy.The first was to the 25 fountains, a nice but very popular walk, a couple of dramatic waterfalls, congested at the narrower parts (but well guarded), an 800m tunnel to negotiate (we were supplied with torches but we learnt other tours weren't, so be prepared), worth doing once, lots of native heather rather than the laurel hoped for. Photos will be on http://www.flickr.com/photos/7727471@N07/ once they have been cleaned up.The second walk was technically the UNESCO location, starting at the Trout farm finishing at Portelas and a view of the coast. Yes lots of trees, amazing mosses, scary bits (before the barrier cords were put up), sunshine, mist, confined walkways to wide avenues, views of the highest mountains to the northeast coast probably the walk to do if no other.Depending where you stay I wouldnt recommend hiring a car, the roads are steep narrow and twisty. coach trips and taxis are relatively cheap, and you dont have to worry about parking (according to one couple on a walk parking in towns was a problem).On both walks we varied from 3 layers (because of cold mist) to sweating in one (climbing in sunshine), so like the title prepare for the hot cold contrast.