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The Fanal Forest on Madeira, a Laurisilva laurel forest, is located on a high plateau in the northwest of the island. This tree species, a relict vegetation from the Tertiary period, grows here at an altitude of approximately 1150 meters. The gnarled trunks, often covered with moss and lichens, form a peculiar landscape that has adapted to the wind-swept, humid conditions through its robustness.

The geographical location of the Fanal Forest predisposes it to fog formation; the moist Atlantic air masses rise on the northern slopes and condense at this altitude. The terrain slopes gently, which gives the forest an open structure where individual trees stand as solitaires. This constellation allows for wide lines of sight and a clear staggering of the giant trees in space.