Drive into Madeira’s upland amphitheater to stand at Eira do Serrado, peer into Curral das Freiras’ steep-walled valley and sample famed chestnuts. This four-hour tour balances dramatic viewpoints with easy, on-foot exploration.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A morning drive peels away the ocean’s blue and climbs into a world of stone and cloud. The road to Curral das Freiras threads narrow hairpins, and at Eira do Serrado the valley opens like a well — steep walls dropping to a compact village where chimneys send up thin smoke and terraced plots cling to slopes.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short easy walks and vehicle transfers
Wildlife
History
Curral das Freiras’ isolation sheltered it historically from coastal raids and shaped a subsistence culture centered on chestnuts and terraced gardening.
Conservation
The valley’s steep slopes are fragile; stick to paths, avoid trampling chestnut groves and support local producers to keep traditional land uses viable.
Reserve your spot on the Nuns Valley Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Be ready for narrow, winding roads
Choose a front-seat spot if you’re prone to motion sickness and expect tight hairpin turns on the way down to the valley.
Layer for quick weather changes
Bring a windproof layer and a light waterproof — visibility and temperature can shift rapidly at 1,094 m.
Cash for local treats
Small cafes and stalls in Curral das Freiras often prefer cash for chestnuts, pastries, and souvenirs.
Short walks on uneven ground
Wear sturdy walking shoes for cobbled streets and village paths; stops are brief but surfaces are irregular.
Windproof layer
Protects against gusts and sudden temperature drops at viewpoints.
fall
Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for cobbled village streets and uneven lookout areas.
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during vehicle transfers and short walks.
summer
Camera or binoculars
Captures panoramas of Funchal, the valley and close-up views of terraces and chestnut groves.