Los Tilos Forest (Bosque de Los Tilos — UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (declared 1983, extended to the entire island in 2002) containing one of the most important and best-preserved laurel forests (laurisilva) in Macaronesia. These ancient forests date back 7–9 million years to the Tertiary period and are a rare relic of the subtropical forests that once covered much of southern Europe and North Africa before the Ice Ages. The forest is perpetually misty and damp due to the trade winds hitting the north-east slopes of the island — horizontal rain (lluvia horizontal) captured by tree canopies is a crucial water source for the entire island. The reserve protects giant laurel trees (Laurus novocanariensis), til (Ocotea foetens), viñátigo (Persea indica), and faya (Myrica faya) — some specimens are over 500 years old with trunks exceeding 2 metres in diameter. The forest floor is covered with moss, lichen, and giant ferns (Woodwardia radicans) reaching heights of 2–3 metres. A network of well-maintained trails includes the Barranco del Agua (Water Ravine) trail following an old water channel through the heart of the forest to a waterfall — a relatively easy walk of about 2 hours return. The visitor centre provides maps and information. The Los Tilos forest receives the highest rainfall on La Palma, and waterproof clothing plus sturdy boots are essential. Access via the LP-1 and LP-104 roads with parking at the visitor centre near Los Sauces. Combined with Cubo de la Galga, it forms part of the island's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve core zone.