Laurissilva Forest Resilient as Agriculture Halves, Scrubland Grows
Madeira’s ancient Laurissilva forest remains stable over seventeen years, even as agricultural land use drops by half and wild scrubland expands rapidly.
Madeira’s ancient Laurissilva forest remains stable over seventeen years, even as agricultural land use drops by half and wild scrubland expands rapidly.
At the base of a 250-meter cliff, Fajã dos Padres remained isolated for centuries. Its transition from Jesuit ownership to private estates reveals a hidden place defined by history, rare wines, and Madeira’s raw landscape.
Watch footage of Paul da Serra submerged under water at the start of 2026, after heavy rainfall flooded the plateau.
Levadas and veredas follow different histories, landscapes, and risks, shaping how people experience Madeira. But what exactly sets these two apart?
Alberto João Jardim strongly condemns Madeira’s new trail access rules, calling mandatory time slots an attack on residents’ freedom of movement and warning they create conditions for legitimate civil resistance.
In response to Storm Francis and the orange weather warning forecasting strong winds and heavy rainfall in Madeira, the Civil Protection Service has ordered the closure of all hiking trails on January 1.
The government is reviewing whether farmers affected by Storm Emília qualify for emergency financial support after widespread damage.
Madeira’s fajãs are striking cliffside formations, shaped by unique geological forces, that have presented both opportunities and challenges to the island’s people for centuries.
Madeira Airport resumed regular flights after two days of severe winds that caused about 200 cancellations, affecting more than 40,000 travelers.
Storm Emilia tears through Madeira and Porto Santo, causing red alerts, property damage, and over 100 flight cancellations.
Storm Emília has led authorities to restrict or close access to 40 locations across Madeira as unsafe weather conditions continue islandwide.