Why book this tour: This is the only botanical tour on the Island. This programme is fully dedicated to the Island’s unique plant communities, including exclusive and rare plants. The observation spots are on the most well conserved areas of each type of native plant communities and nature reserves. The tour is led by a biologist or naturalist guide and focuses on the colonization history of the Madeira archipelago by several groups of plants and their origins. An amazing story that started over 100 million years ago, when dinosaurs still ruled the planet.
Areas and Localities: The programme starts on the warmer and dryer southern side of the Island and continues up mountain to the lush green northern slopes of S. Vicente valley and all the way to the a special spot at the Plateau.
Target Species: Madeiran Olive tree, Madeiran Asparagus, Madeira Bindweed, Anemone leaved stork’s bill, Wollaston’s Muschia, Madeira Willow, Giant Buttercup, Sow thistles among others
Observation Spots: The tour includes 4 spots, each with short and accessible walks or observation spot
Sighseeing: Beautiful views of the Plateau highlands, high southern slopes, southern coast, Ribeira Brava Valley, cultivated terraces on Serra de Água valley, the central mountains, the lush green northern laurel forest valleys and S. Vicente Valley.