Editorial WOLF / WATER / WOODS

Mystical Fog Forest on Tenerife

Tenerife is famous for its year-round sunshine and golden beaches in the south. But in the north of the island, away from the waterparks and hotel complexes, you will find an unexpected, almost mystical place: the Anaga laurel forest.

Share

The spectacular landscape of Anaga formed about 6.5 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity. Many geological formations like needles, cliffs, steep ravines, former volcanic pipes canyons were formed by erosion.

Trade winds constantly blow cool clouds from the Atlantic, which gather around the northern slopes and then crawl over the mountain tops, even in summer.

This phenomenon causes an evergreen ecosystem, the subtropical laurel forest (Latin laurisilva), whose trees comb the moisture from the clouds.

Entering the Anaga forest feels like stepping into a fairytale. The flora consists of laurels, willows, and ferns growing on steep rocks.

The thin trees are seemingly twisting all into the same direction and are covered in moss and lichens.

More often than not, a dense fog lingers in the forest, causing moisture to drop from the branches, making this place seem enchanted.

The forest is a haven for butterflies and birds like the central Canarian Island chaffinch.

Twenty million years ago these laurel forests were spread over large parts of north Africa and southern Europe but the ice ages have caused them to almost disappear.

Today, they are found only on Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Madeira and the Azores.

These articles could also interest you

From North to South

Ecosia – The Search Engine for the Planet

El Hierro – Evolution in Real Time

Take me to the start page
Take me to the start page