Pico do Suna, Mountain summit in Porto da Cruz, Portugal.
Pico do Suna is a mountain summit at about 1028 meters (3,373 feet) on Madeira Island that rises sharply above the coastal landscape. From the top, you can look down through breaks in the clouds at villages below and see out to sea on clear days.
The mountain was created by volcanic forces that shaped Madeira Island and carved steep slopes reaching heights of 1200 meters (3,937 feet). This volcanic origin shaped the entire landscape of the island over millions of years.
The summit sits near the Laurissilva forest, an ancient laurel woodland with rare plant species rarely seen elsewhere in Europe. Visitors notice how vegetation shifts and the forest grows denser as they climb higher.
Several hiking trails lead from the village of Porto da Cruz to the summit, and you should bring sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing. It is often windy and cold at the top, so plan your visit for early morning when the air is clearer.
Despite its mid-range height on the island, the summit shows surprising isolation from neighboring peaks as you climb. This makes it a clearly visible landmark when looking up from the coast.
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