Madeira is nicknamed the "Hawaii of Europe," and for good reason: Similar to the Aloha State, these islands have volcanic origins that reveal Earth's dynamic geological processes. Roughly 5 million years ago, volcanic eruptions expelled rocks, ash, and lava from deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean, leading to the formation of the four islands: Madeira, Porto Santo, Selvagens, and Desertas. But like Hawaii, the islands of Madeira aren't made of just black lava rock; instead, peaks are carpeted in lush greenery and endemic flora such as exotic orchids and proteas. The island of Madeira also boasts the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest, the largest surviving laurel forest in the world. The forest is home to a unique network of trails called levadas that traverse tunnels, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls.
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