Curral das Freiras e Monte

Funchal mountain views start with a viewpoint that grabs you fast. This private outing links two classic miradouros with the calm village feel of Curral das Freiras and then finishes in Monte by the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. I like that the route feels paced, not rushed, and that you get a small-group experience in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi.

Here’s the one tradeoff to consider: this is about 3 to 4 hours, and you will spend part of that time walking to reach the viewpoints. If you prefer zero-footpath days, you may want a different plan.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Two high viewpoints, 1053 meters in the mix: You get a serious view over Curral das Freiras from Eira do Serrado.
• Easy village rhythm: Curral das Freiras and Monte are visited at a relaxed pace, about 30 minutes each.
• Private group format: It is just your group, so you can ask questions and move at a comfortable speed.
• Free admission at each stop: The viewpoints and visits are listed with free admission tickets.
• Pickup offered in Funchal: You start at 9:00 am without having to coordinate a bunch of local transport.

The route that turns Funchal into a mountain story

This outing works because it tells you where you are in Madeira. You start with a wide look over Funchal Bay, then climb again for the view over Curral das Freiras, then drop into the valley for the village atmosphere, and finally head to Monte, known for its gardens and church.

For your time budget, it is a smart combo. You get multiple viewpoints without the stress of driving yourself, and the total duration stays in the sweet spot for a half-day. The private setup also helps if your group has different walking comfort levels, since you are not sharing the day with a large crowd.

Pico dos Barcelos, the 30-minute view that sets the scene

The first stop is Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint overlooking the bay of Funchal and the surrounding mountains. Expect a quick, high payoff moment. You are essentially getting a big aerial-style sense of the area, which makes everything that follows easier to understand.

Even though the stop is about 30 minutes, you can still do the basics well:

• Take a few photos early, when the light is often easiest to work with.
• Pause long enough to spot how the bay and city sit against the mountain ridgelines.
• Use the viewpoint to orient yourself before you go lower and into the valley.

Admission is listed as free here, which is a nice bonus. This is the kind of start that makes the rest of the tour feel more connected.

Eira do Serrado at 1053 meters, where Curral das Freiras shows up clearly

Next comes Miradouro da Eira do Serrado. This is the highest viewpoint on the route, at 1053 meters, and it is focused on one thing: the parish of Curral das Freiras.

One important detail is access. The viewpoint is reached via a footpath that leaves from Estalagem Eira do Serrado. That means this stop is not just a park-and-stand experience. You should wear comfortable shoes, and you should plan on a bit of walking as part of the payoff.

Why this stop matters: the view helps you understand why Curral das Freiras feels so protected. From above, the valley walls make the village’s cozy setting make sense. You get the geography, not just the scenery.

The time here is also about 30 minutes. I’d use that time for two things: photos, and a slow look to learn the valley shape. If you rush, you miss the best part, which is how the whole parish sits under the ridges.

Valley of the Nuns, Curral das Freiras at a human scale

After the height, you go down to the village of Curral das Freiras, often described as cozy and surrounded by mountains. This is where the tour shifts from views to place.

The stop is about 30 minutes. That’s long enough to:

• Walk at an easy pace and get a feel for the village setting.
• Take photos that include the mountain walls, not just street scenes.
• Enjoy a slower rhythm before heading to Monte.

You do not have lunch included, so think of this as a sightseeing block, not a full meal stop. If you know you will get hungry, plan to grab food either before the tour or after you return to Funchal.

If you like your travel days to include more than viewpoints, Curral das Freiras is the counterbalance. The mountains are present everywhere, but the village gives you a more grounded sense of Madeira life.

Monte and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, gardens and a classic stop

The final stop is in Monte, at the Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte. This area is known for its gardens and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, plus the surrounding parish sights.

This is the right ending because Monte has a different vibe than the valley. After looking down from heights and moving through the quieter Curral das Freiras area, you finish with a place designed for visitors to slow down and wander. The visit time is about 30 minutes, so keep your expectations realistic. You are not doing a long garden day. You are doing a well-placed taste.

What you should do with your 30 minutes:

• Prioritize the church area first, so you do not lose time if something draws your attention.
• Then take a short walk around the surroundings to enjoy the garden setting.
• If you are a repeat visitor to Monte, ask your guide if there is room to adjust the plan. One guide approach seen in similar situations is swapping in a different viewpoint back toward Funchal when the group already knows Monte well.

Price and logistics, what you get for $119.35 per group

The price is $119.35 per group, up to 4 people. For a private outing, that is the key number to look at. You are not paying per person for a half-day of driving and guiding. Instead, the cost scales by group size, which is often where private tours start to make sense.

Duration is listed as 3 to 4 hours, and the start time is 9:00 am. That early start is practical. You beat the day’s later crowds and you are more likely to enjoy clear views at the viewpoints.

You also get real comfort perks included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• WiFi on board
• Private transportation
• All fees and taxes included

Then there is what is not included: lunch. That is normal for a half-day, but it matters for planning. If you want a smooth day, decide where you will eat before the tour starts or after you return.

Pickup is offered, and you get a mobile ticket. If you like simple days, those details help. You are not spending your time figuring out where to meet and who has what paper.

One more timing note: it is commonly booked about 8 days in advance. That suggests this route has steady demand. If your dates are fixed, booking early can help you get your preferred pickup time and day.

Why the pacing works, and who will love it most

The tour design is simple, and that is a good thing. You spend about 30 minutes at each of four stops. That structure keeps the day from turning into an all-day bus ride with random stops. It also makes it easier to match to a broader Madeira schedule.

I think this tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a quick introduction to the Funchal mountain area
• Like viewpoints but do not want to drive yourself
• Prefer a private group setup, especially with kids or mixed walking comfort
• Want to see both Curral das Freiras and Monte without juggling two separate outings

You might choose differently if:

• You hate any footpath walking at all. The route to Eira do Serrado involves a footpath from Estalagem Eira do Serrado.
• You are looking for a long garden wander. The Monte portion is about 30 minutes.

What to bring, based on how this day actually feels

The data here points to one clear physical variable: the footpath to reach Eira do Serrado. So pack for that, and pack for viewpoints in general.

I recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip
• A light layer, since viewpoints can feel cooler or windier than the city
• Sun protection (even in the morning, the higher areas can feel bright)
• Water, since lunch is not included

If you are the type who loves photos, bring a small camera strap or a secure pocket for your phone. Viewpoints are the kind of places where you end up taking a lot more pictures than you planned.

Dates to watch out for

There are two days when excursions do not run: January 1st and December 25th. If your trip falls around those dates, double-check availability and have a backup plan for a different Madeira day.

Should you book this Curral das Freiras and Monte tour?

If you want a focused half-day that combines Funchal Bay orientation, a major valley viewpoint at 1053 meters, and a final finish in Monte by the church and gardens, this is a strong choice. The private group format plus included WiFi and air-conditioned transport makes the price feel more rational, especially if you can fill up to four seats.

Book it if your goals are simple: great views, easy navigation, and a change of scenery from the city. Skip it or consider another option if walking a footpath sounds like a dealbreaker for you, or if you plan to rely on lunch during the tour.

If you do book, go in with the right mindset. This is not a long hiking adventure. It is a well-timed route for getting the big mountain picture, then seeing two charming areas up close.

FAQ

How long is the Curral das Freiras and Monte tour?

It lasts about 3 to 4 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

What does the tour cost?

It is $119.35 per group, for up to 4 people.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Do I need a paper ticket?

No, a mobile ticket is provided.

What stops are included?

The tour includes Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos, Miradouro da Eira do Serrado, Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras), and Paroquia de Nossa Senhora do Monte.

How long is each stop?

Each stop is listed as about 30 minutes.

Are admission tickets required for the viewpoints and visits?

Admission tickets are listed as free for the stops.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Are there days when the excursion does not run?

Yes, there are no excursions on January 1st and December 25th.