How high do we go on this tour?

The highest point is Eira do Serrado at 1,094 metres elevation, offering expansive views over Curral das Freiras valley. You'll also stop at Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint at 355m.

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers?

Yes—it's listed as a shore excursion and fits within a typical 4-hour port timeframe from Funchal. Confirm your ship's all-aboard time when booking.

What's the village of Curral das Freiras known for?

This historic parish is famous for its production of chestnuts and honey, and for its isolation—it's nestled in a volcanic crater surrounded by towering mountains, making it one of Madeira's most geographically dramatic settlements.

Will there be time to explore Curral das Freiras village?

The itinerary includes a visit to the parish, though exact exploration time depends on the operator's specific schedule. It's typically enough to walk around, visit local shops, and absorb the atmosphere, rather than extensive hiking.

What's the road condition like?

Expect winding mountain roads typical of Madeira's interior. The drive is scenic but can be steep and narrow in places—not ideal for those uncomfortable with mountain passes.

Is entry to the Church of Santo António included?

The tour passes by the Church of Santo António as part of the route. Full entry details are usually confirmed by your tour operator; it may be an exterior viewing or brief stop.

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Nun's Valley Tour in Madeira

(5)

Caniço, Madeira, Portugal

Shore ExcursionsLuxuryCultural ToursAdventure ToursBus & Minivan Tours

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About this activity

Discover Curral das Freiras, a hidden mountain village cradled in a dramatic volcanic amphitheatre in Madeira's interior. This 4-hour tour combines two spectacular high-altitude viewpoints with a visit to the remote parish, revealing the geological and cultural heart of the island away from coastal crowds.

Curral das Freiras is a small village surrounded by huge mountains in the heart of the island.

The cauldron on which this town sits was formed by erosion, as many believe, or by volcanic activity.

After passing the church of Santo António, we stop at the 355m Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint where you'll be dazzled by a magnificent view over Funchal.

We then cross the mountains to Eira do Serrado where there is a viewpoint over the Curral das Freiras valley at 1094m.

We visit the famous parish of Curral das Freiras and return to Funchal.

Highlights

✓Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint (355m) overlooking Funchal and the coast
✓Eira do Serrado mountain overlook (1,094m) with panoramic valley vistas
✓Visit to the isolated village of Curral das Freiras and its historic parish
✓Pass by the 16th-century Church of Santo António en route
✓Traverse dramatic mountain passes and volcanic crater formations

Insider tips

★Arrive early in the day—morning light illuminates the valleys best and visibility at high viewpoints is clearest before afternoon clouds roll in
★The road to Eira do Serrado can be narrow and winding; sit on the left side of the minivan for better views of the valley descent
★Curral das Freiras is famous for chestnut production—buy roasted chestnuts or local honey from village vendors if available

Good to know

•Wear layers: temperatures drop significantly at 1,094m elevation, even in summer
•Bring sturdy walking shoes for potentially uneven terrain at viewpoints
•The tour involves substantial driving on mountain roads; not suitable for those prone to motion sickness
•Meeting point and exact pickup times typically confirmed upon booking confirmation

Who it's for

Nature and landscape photographersCultural travellers interested in remote Portuguese villagesCruise ship passengers seeking efficient shore excursionsAdventure seekers comfortable with winding mountain roads

Best time to visit

Visit in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) for mild weather and clear skies. Early morning departures maximize visibility at mountain viewpoints; avoid midday when cloud cover obscures valleys.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Hugo S.

Jun 2026

Is okay only. a stop the guide added on the fly was nice but feel rush, and Amani the guide hard to hear sometimes. The tour in Lisbon was more better.

Pete R.

May 2026

our guide Beatriz really knew their stuff and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight. Last day of the trip so it wasnt too busy. Used it for our summer trip, and 6 stops in about 3 hours. Would book again no question.

Ruth P.

Oct 2025

our guide Wei really knew their stuff and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight. Used it for our summer trip so it wasnt too busy. Worked great for a solo traveller like me, and 6 stops in about 3 hours, and spot on for a couples day out, and ran the full 4 hours promised. Would book again no question, no joke

Will A.

Sep 2025

our guide Priya sorted everything for us and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight ... Did it on our first morning so it wasnt too busy. Honestly better than the tour we did in hanoi last year, and spot on for a couples day out, and came away with 200+ photos. Would book again no question, no joke

Mark K.

Jan 2025

Noa our guide was class, did it on our first morning

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