Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) half-day tour, 3.5 hours
A compact outing for visitors who want to see the Nuns Valley without committing a full day. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours.
- 3.5 h
from €25 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Curral das Freiras, the Nuns' Valley
Hidden in a deep valley surrounded by mountains, Curral das Freiras owes its name to the nuns of Funchal's Santa Clara convent, who took refuge here from pirate attacks in the 16th century. The view from above is one of the most spectacular on the island.
What to see
The Eira do Serrado viewpoint, about 1,000 m high, looks straight down onto the village and the surrounding peaks. From there, an old path descends to the village, a good short hike if someone can collect you below.
In the village, try chestnut cakes, chestnut liqueur and ginja (cherry liqueur). In autumn, the Chestnut Festival celebrates the harvest.
How to get there
A road with tunnels reaches the valley from Funchal in about half an hour, and local buses run from the city. Many half-day tours combine the Nuns' Valley with Monte or Pico do Arieiro.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Nuns' Valley?
Because nuns from the Santa Clara convent in Funchal fled here during pirate raids in the 16th century, and the convent later owned the land.
Tours that go here
Nuns' Valley and Madeira's Hidden Viewpoints
Suits travellers who want many island viewpoints in a comfortable half day: Garajau, Monte, Eira do Serrado and Cabo Girão. It ends with a freshly made poncha in Câmara de Lobos.
- Easy
from €45 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Funchal tour: Curral das Freiras, Monte and toboggan ride
Suits travellers who want a valley, the Monte area and a toboggan ride combined in one outing. The tour takes about 4 hours.
- 4 h
from €44 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Nun's Valley & Sea Cliff – Half-Day Shared Tour
A shared half-day trip close to Funchal: terraced farming around Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, the Boca dos Namorados viewpoint, the Cabo Girão glass platform and Câmara de Lobos.
- Easy
from €47 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Short walk in the Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras), 3 hours
A short stroll among mountains, suited to anyone who wants a gentle outing rather than a long hike. It takes about 3 hours.
- 3 h
- Easy
from €30 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Nuns' Valley Viewpoint Tuk-Tuk Tour by MadTuk
A comfortable tuk-tuk ride up to the Curral das Freiras viewpoint, with a photo stop at Pico dos Barcelos. Guides explain the island's history, culture and landscapes on the way.
- Easy
from €55 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Curral das Freiras and Monte
A route from the Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint to Eira do Serrado, the mountain village of Curral das Freiras and the gardens of Monte. Not operated on 1 January and 25 December.
from €102.57 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Real Life, Mountains and Sea Cliffs (Nuns' Valley): Half-Day 4x4 Tour
A private off-road half day, morning or afternoon, in a classic former army UMM jeep. Suits those who want local villages and food tastings away from the crowds; seats up to 7 guests.
- Easy
- Private
from €310 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
Keep planning
-
Porto Moniz Natural lava pools on the north-west tip. -
Seixal Black-sand beach, natural rock pools and terraced vineyards on the north coast. -
Fanal forest Ancient laurel trees in the fog on the Paul da Serra plateau. -
Cabo Girão A glass skywalk on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs. -
Ponta do Pargo The lighthouse at Madeira's westernmost point, famous for sunsets. -
Ponta do Sol One of the sunniest villages, with a pebble beach and the Anjos waterfall.