Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras) Tours and Activities

The Valley of the Nuns (Curral da Freiras) might be one of the coolest places you can visit in all of Portugal—and this tour makes it easy to explore the area. Not only is it a village built on the crater of an extinct volcano, but it was once a place where nuns would hide when pirates attacked the city of Funchal. Plus, during this tour, you’ll stop by the fishing village, Câmara de Lobos, and try a traditional Madeira drink.

This is a trip to the center of Madeira Island, where extraordinary mountains with cloud-covered ridges descend to the verdant valleys in the most spectacular way. Our excursion begins with a visit to the Mirador do Pico dos Barcelos (from this place it is possible to contemplate a panoramic view of the bay and the city of Funchal). We then proceed to Eira do Serrado, a viewpoint located at 1094 meters above the parish of Curral das Freiras. Then we went to the small village of Curral das Freiras. The enormous cauldron in which the Curral das Freiras is situated was formed by erosion, which is the latest theory, or, as many still believe, by volcanic activity. The village is very isolated and the inhabitants live mainly from what they cultivate. The local chestnuts are delicious and are used in daily cooking. Every year, the inhabitants celebrate the 'Chestnut Festival', for which the village is famous.

On this scenic, private half-day trip, you’ll travel from Pico dos Barcelos to picturesque Nun's Valley in a comfortable, WIFI-equipped car. See where the nuns of the Monastery of Santa Clara once sought refuge from French privateers. Other highlights include postcard-perfect views from Pico dos Barcelos, a stop at popular Eira do Serrado lookout point, and a peek at the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest.

Experience a famous Madeira beauty spot on a small-group Nuns Valley (Curral da Freiras) trip from Funchal, Canico, and Machico. Traveling by air-conditioned minivan, make the scenic journey to Nuns Valley, a village tucked into an ancient crater-like bowl between vertiginous peaks. Stop at Pico dos Barcelos to gaze over Funchal, enjoy bird’s-eye views over Nuns Valley from Eira do Serrado, and visit the history-steeped village. Hotel pickup and drop-off, and choice of departure times included.

Once known as the Pearl of the Atlantic, there will always be reasons to maintain its designation. Amid belvederes, gardens and various high altitude peaks, Madeira is the ideal destination for a family holiday or a short trip for two.

Seeing Portugal’s Madeira region can be difficult on your own because of its hard-to-get-to highlights. This Jeep tour to Madeira’s cliffs and valleys charges through the area’s rough landscape, so you can stop by Boca dos Namorados, Jardim da Serra, Cabo Girão, and Câmara de Lobo all in one day. Plus, round-trip transport from Funchal is included for a seamless adventure.

Famed for its splintering mountains and rugged coastlines, Madeira is a mecca for outdoor adventurers. See some of the island’s most spectacular scenery on a 4-hour jeep tour from Funchal, including convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. Absorb panoramic views of Funchal from Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint, visit the famous Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras), and Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak.

Experience the spectacular natural scenery, delicious cuisine, and traditional villages of Madeira’s east coast on this full-day tour. Traveling by 4WD, venture off-road and escape the crowds as you drive the Pico do Areiro mountain roads, stop in villages such as Ribeiro Frio and Faial, and visit a traditional A-frame house in Santana. Along the way, enjoy lunch (own expense) at a local restaurant, optional tastings of Madeira wine or Porto Da Cruz rum, and a visit to a poncho bar.

With dense forests, sweeping beaches, and spectacular natural scenery, Madeira is widely considered the jewel in Portugal’s crown—but the rugged terrain can make exploring a challenge. On this flexible private tour, step off the tourist trail and explore Madeira’s wilderness at your own pace. With your guide at the wheel of your powerful 4x4 vehicle, reach corners of Madeira many visitors miss.

Madeira off-road tours, it’s all about our private and personalized service. As a traveler, you want to be less of a tourist and have more of an adventure, that’s why we’re staffed with only the most knowledgeable local guides, born and raised in the islands to provide you a truly memorable day here in Madeira!

Customize your own sightseeing itinerary on a private 5-hour jeep tour of Madeira. Depending on your preferences, you’ll explore the east or west side of the island in a 4x4 vehicle while receiving undivided attention from a private guide. Opt to discover Pico do Areiro and the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras) in the east, or ascend to Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff, and Câmara de Lobos, home to a colony of monk seals, during a tour of the west. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.       

Discover the vertiginous roads and secluded villages of the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras) on a 4x4 tour from Funchal. In an open-top 4x4, you’ll follow rugged routes and enjoy stunning views of Madeira’s mountainous terrain. Plus, you’ll stop to taste Portuguese liqueurs and pastries, and visit a wicker factory. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

This is a fantastic choice for those who’d like to experience the natural beauty of Madeira. Take the stress out of organizing transport, by having round-trip transport included. You’ll travel in an open roof 4WD, so you’ll get great views of the island, and stop off at lots of scenic viewpoints such as Nun’s Valley, and Pico do Arieiro. Drive past many of the island’s highlights such as Ribeiro Frio, and have a chance to stop off for refreshments at a Madeiran restaurant.

Explore the natural beauty of Madeira aboard a buggy during this private excursion. Discover several touristic points including the Arieiro and Ruivo peaks, the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, and the Porto Moniz natural swimming pools. Get out of your vehicle for a chance to walk around a few areas and enjoy a delicious Madeiran lunch during your tour.

This private guided tour of Madeira will help you discover many of the island’s dispersed attractions in one day. You’ll hear invaluable historical insights from your guide, and it’ll be a hassle-free day hotel pickup, drop-off, and private transport included. You’ll visit multiple highlights such as Pico dos Barcelos, Nun’s Valley, and Cabo Giro, in this action-packed and informative tour of the island.

It is a route mainly on the sidewalk with a great historical importance for the parish of Curral das Freiras, since it constituted for several centuries one of its main accesses. Only in 1959, with the arrival of the first road access to the center of the locality, this route loses importance. In Eira do Serrado, a visit to the belvedere, at a height of 1095 meters, offers a superb view over the village, the mountainous massif and the Ribeira dos Socorridos valley. It is a privileged place to have the perception of the erosive capacity of the natural elements that shaped the island.

This guided tour of Madeira is a great way to save time, and see multiple sites in one day. After a hotel pickup, travel by jeep to the heights of Nun’s Valley. Get access to beautiful panoramic views at Pico do Arieiro, which would be difficult to reach without a jeep. Make the most of your trip by seeing Madeira from the water, and going on a dolphin and whale watching tour too.

Take a full day off-road tour of Madeira Island. You won't be crowded into a bus or 4x4. You will only be alone or with two on your Access 300cc quad, you are on the handlebars We are doing everything necessary to eliminate this virus Far from the beaten track and tourist trap circuits, Cocorico Extrem Road makes you discover off-road hiking in the magnificent landscapes of Madeira. There is something for everyone, whether you are with family or friends, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or an extreme hike. With our excursion mode, stops can be made when you want, we can take more or less time in the places we visit, according to your desires of the moment.

Isolated from the rest of the island, lies the Nuns Valley, a caldron surrounded by lava rock a perfect contrast. Leaving Hotel drive through Funchal to Pico dos Barcelos one of Madeiras unique viewpoints. We then make our way up to Eira do Serrado At 1094m above sea level, (if weather permits) you will be able to see the view to the Nuns Valley. Stop at the private family bakery with cake, biscuit and liquor tasting, last stop is at Monte one of Madeira´s old touristic stops with a visit to the church, and a little adventure, you can try the toboggan rides which is included in this tour for those who pay 35€, The price of 20€ is without sleigh ride included. PLEASE NOTE THE SLEIGH RIDE FOR ONLY A SINGULAR PERSON HAS AN ADDITIONAL COST OF 10€. Seeing the sleigh ride is 25€ and not 15€.

Our Service quality, is professional and friendly giving all the information and heritage of the island.

Beautiful landscapes! Visit to Vale do Curral das Freiras on foot is the best option to really get to know people closely!

This canyon lies in the middle of the island, in the valley that the nun's from Santa Clara convent fled to when Funchal was attacked by pirates in 1566. Therefore nowadays known as the Nun's Valley. After a walk of approximately 20 minutes on a dirt road and along a levada, our canyoning adventure starts. Along the way we conquer 6 rappels, the highest being 15 meters. We find some refreshing pools that we can jump and slide into and all the time we will be accompanied by beautiful mountain views. After the canyon we walk another 20 minutes back up.

We are a company focus on providing services and equipments necessary for people with reduced mobility enjoy the nature and walks without conditioning. We provide a off road chair that enable the access to walks or levadas and trails on mountain as well local touristic zones in city. We also have a ramp that enable access on stairs. We do tours All Over island and specific trails on mountains. FORGET EVERYTHING WHAT YOU SAW ... FORGET ALL WHY HAPPENED ... DARE YOURSELF WITH NATURE ... CHEIRE THE FLOWERS ... HEAR THE NATURE ... BREATHE PURE AIR ... BREATHE NATURE ... LET'S GO TO INIMAGINABLE PLACES ... PLACES TO STAY WITHOUT WORDS ... PLACES ONLY FOOTPRINT ... HEAR ... FEEL ... RELAX ... DISCOVER ... MADEIRA IS NOW ACCESSIBLE

This 2 day full east and west + 1 half day Curral das Freiras tours package gives you an overview of the island at an affordable price. This package starts at different days and different times. In advance you will be contacted to schedule the package with you. Pickups will be made at hotels located in Funchal and Caniço at no extra cost. It is possible that minor delays may occur due to traffic. During the excursions the driver gives historical and cultural information of the places to visit, making some short stops on the way for the visitor to be able to contemplate the beautiful sights and monuments taking some pictures. Meals are not included in the price, but we make a 90-minute midday stop for lunch. We're back at the hotel at 16:30 / 17:00 December 25th and January 1st we do not do excursions. We work with qualified and experienced people in tourism.