A half-day drive into Madeira’s heart: panoramic lookouts at Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado, followed by a close-up visit to Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley) to explore its history, chestnut culture and dramatic basalt walls.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the coach into wind that carries the Atlantic salt and the dry pine smell of Madeira’s interior. From Pico dos Barcelos the island opens beneath you — terraced slopes, ribboned roads and the blue horizon — then the route tightens, climbing into jagged ridgelines before spilling into Curral das Freiras, the Nuns Valley, a tight basin hemmed by basalt cliffs.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; ability to walk short distances (10–30 minutes) on uneven ground is helpful.
Wildlife
History
Curral das Freiras earned its name after 16th-century nuns sought refuge from pirate raids; the valley’s isolation shaped a unique mountain farming culture.
Conservation
Madeira balances visitor access with protecting fragile slopes and levada systems; stick to marked paths and avoid disturbing cultivated terraces.
Reserve your spot on the Tour to Nun's Valley, Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prepare for winding roads
Bring motion-sickness remedies if you’re sensitive — the mountain roads have tight hairpins and prolonged climbs.
Layer for rapid changes
Temperatures drop quickly at viewpoints; pack a light windproof layer even on warm days.
Cash for local treats
Small cafes in Curral das Freiras may prefer cash for chestnut-based snacks and souvenirs.
Footwear for cobbles
Wear sturdy shoes with grip for uneven village streets and short viewpoint paths.
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip and ankle support for cobbled village streets and short viewpoint walks.
Light windproof jacket
Wind and quick temperature drops at high viewpoints make a shell useful year-round.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during transfers and short walks; refill in Funchal before departure.
summer
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Exposed viewpoints mean strong sun, even when air feels cool.
summer