The fairytale primeval Fanal Forest, sometimes called Laurisilva, is one of the last laurel forests in the world and is therefore a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tens of millions of years ago, much of southern Europe was covered with this type of forest but the ice age and forest clearing have caused almost all laurel forests to disappear. The ancient laurel trees often have very crazy shapes and are overgrown with up to 20 different species of mosses. The thick fog that often hangs in Fanal creates a mystical atmosphere and makes this place even more impressive.