Scenic Route – Nuns Valley Tour

Nuns Valley in just 3 hours sounds impossible, but it works. This short Scenic Route tour strings together three viewpoints plus Curral das Freiras, with a guide who puts names and scenery into context. I especially like the small-group feel and the quick stops that make it easy to pack in one more activity after.

My other favorite part is the guided storytelling along the way, including why this valley got its name and how people have shaped life here since the 1500s. The one drawback to watch: pickup can take a bit if your hotel is one of the later stops, and the vehicle can feel cramped for tall passengers seated near the front.

Key Highlights You Should Actually Care About

• Three timed stops that keep you from wasting a half day driving around
• Pico dos Barcelos for a first sweep view over Funchal (about 15 minutes)
• Eira do Serrado for the Curral das Freiras amphitheater views and the valley origin story
• Curral das Freiras village time on a small rise, plus the 16th-century nuns connection
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in most central south-coast areas around Funchal

Fast Funchal-to-Curral das Freiras Views in About 3 Hours

This is a short, scenic outing built around quick perspective changes. You spend most of your time looking, not sitting at a desk or getting rushed through a checklist. For Madeira, that balance matters, because the best moments often happen at specific viewpoints, and weather can flip fast.

The timing is also realistic. You get a first viewpoint stop, a second stop with deeper valley context, then time in Curral das Freiras. Even if you do not stay out long, you still get a real sense of how dramatic the terrain is on this side of the island.

The tour is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. It caps at 18 travelers, which keeps the whole thing from turning into a coach circus. If you want value, this length is a big part of it. At $27.93 per person, you are not paying for a long, slow day, you are paying to see the key viewpoints efficiently.

Pico dos Barcelos: Your First 15 Minutes Over Funchal

You start at Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint right on the edge of Funchal. It sits at 355 m (about 1,165 ft), which is enough height for your first big “oh wow” moment over the city. You stop for roughly 15 minutes, which sounds short until you realize how much time people lose when they wait for the perfect photo and the cloud cover changes.

What I like about this stop is how it sets your bearings. Once you have a wide view of Funchal below, the rest of the tour makes more sense. You start seeing the island as an upside-down bowl, with ridges and valleys funneling you toward Curral das Freiras later.

Practical tip: this is an outdoor viewpoint. If the day is cool or breezy, grab a light layer before you get out. One of the most common issues on Madeira is fog or mist rolling in right when you step outside, so having a plan for quick photos helps.

Eira do Serrado: The Curral das Freiras Amphitheater Story

Next comes Miradouro Eira do Serrado, and this is the stop where you really understand what you are looking at. The views frame “Curral das Freiras,” a horseshoe-shaped valley far below, cut into steep peaks. The sheer-sided amphitheater shape is the main event here.

There is also a neat geographic point your guide explains. Madeira’s highest mountain was once mistakenly believed to be a volcanic crater, but it is now understood that the dramatic shape comes from the river carving the terrain. That kind of detail might sound like trivia, but it changes how you interpret the slopes and ridges when you look down.

You also get a close look at terraced fields growing wine, fruit, and vegetables, plus the slopes with sweet chestnut trees. This is where Madeira stops being just postcard scenery and becomes lived-in agriculture. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, long enough to walk to a couple viewpoints and compare angles without feeling like you are stuck.

Weather note: one person described that their viewpoint visit felt showery. That is normal here, and it is exactly why you want good shoes and a waterproof layer. You do not need to be miserable to enjoy the views, just prepared.

Valley of the Nuns, Curral das Freiras: Why This Place Has Its Name

Then you head to the village itself: Valley of the Nuns, also known as Curral das Freiras. The valley sits inside a huge natural amphitheater surrounded by some of Madeira’s highest peaks. This is the part of the tour where you shift from looking out to looking around.

Here is the story behind the name. The village was founded in the 16th century by nuns from the convent of Santa Clara in Funchal. When pirate attacks hit in 1566, the nuns fled inland for safety. The village center sits on a small rise in the middle of the valley, so even at ground level you get a sense of being held by the surrounding cliffs.

You usually get about 25 to 30 minutes here. That is enough to explore the village center, visit the chapel area if it is part of the walking route that day, and take plenty of photos. It is also enough to realize something important: this is a small village stop, not a long sightseeing town.

One review point that matches the general reality: do not expect it to feel like a big attraction. The main draw is the setting and the views. If you want museums and big indoor activities, you may find the time at the bottom of the valley feels limited.

How Pickup, Group Size, and Roads Affect Your Experience

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal and nearby areas like Canico (and other areas listed in the pickup zone). The idea is simple: you do not navigate winding roads at the start of your day. You meet the driver directly at the hotel reception when possible, or outside the main entrance if you are not in a hotel.

Two things matter for your comfort here:

First, the timing. Drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. So if you are early, great. If you are late, you might get left behind.

Second, the vehicle. This is a small-group tour, so you may be on a minibus. Some riders reported that front seating can be cramped for tall adults. Another point people raised: air conditioning and road noise can make it harder to hear commentary while you are in motion. The fix is easy, listen during stops, and ask questions when you are parked.

Also, note the pickup limits. The tour does not pick up from Machico, Santa Cruz, the cruise port, or other locations outside the stated zones. If you are staying outside the included area, you may need to arrange your own way to the pickup zone.

Stops Are Short, So Use Them Like a Local

The tour is built on timed viewpoint breaks. Your best strategy is to treat each stop like a mini mission.

At Pico dos Barcelos, you are aiming for orientation and a clean first wide shot. At Eira do Serrado, you are aiming for the valley shape and the agricultural details, plus whatever historical context your guide gives. At Curral das Freiras, you are aiming for a quick wander and photos from the village center.

Food and drink are not included. That means you might want to plan for a café stop at your own pace. One practical warning came up in the past: café and restaurant choices at viewpoint stops can be pricey. For example, some riders advised to bring cash and to expect that certain places may not take card, and that toilet use could come with a fee at some stops. None of that means you cannot grab a snack, just go in with eyes open.

If you care about comfort, bring a small layer, especially if the morning is cool or clouds roll in. And if rain threatens, pack a light waterproof layer. With short stops, you do not want weather to cut your time outdoors.

Value for $27.93: Why a Short Tour Works Here

This tour costs $27.93 per person for around 3 hours. That is strong value for Madeira if you want three major viewpoints plus the valley village, without the hassle of timing buses or renting a car for a half day.

The value is not just the price. It is the structure:

• Pickup included in many Funchal-area neighborhoods
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional guide
• Stops that are long enough to enjoy, short enough to keep momentum

Because it is only about 3 hours, it also fits how most people travel on the island. You can do this in the morning, then still have time for a beach walk, a separate east-west drive, or another half-day plan.

Booking wise, it is commonly reserved ahead (on average about 25 days). If you are traveling in peak season, booking earlier is a smart move, especially since group size is capped at 18.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a good fit if you want:

• Scenic viewpoints without a full-day commitment
• A guide to explain why the valley looks the way it does
• A group size that stays small enough for questions

It can also suit older travelers because the walking time is not designed to be intense. However, you do still spend time outdoors at viewpoints and do short transfers in a small vehicle, so bring realistic expectations.

If you are tall, or you are sensitive to noise, pick seats with comfort in mind when you can. If you have a tight afternoon schedule, this tour’s short format is an advantage, but remember pickup timing depends on where you are in the pickup route.

Should You Book the Scenic Route – Nuns Valley Tour?

I think you should book this tour if you are prioritizing views plus context over a long itinerary. It is a tidy way to see Funchal from above, then understand why Curral das Freiras looks like a bowl carved into the peaks, and finally walk briefly in the village that carries its nuns history.

You might skip it if you hate small-vehicle seating, or if you are expecting a long village visit with lots of indoor attractions. Also, if you are staying outside the pickup zones, the included pickup limits could make it less convenient.

If you do book, come prepared for mixed weather. Even with clouds, you get meaningful views, and the guide’s explanations help you make sense of what you are seeing. Done right, this is the kind of short outing that makes Madeira feel big without taking over your entire day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start, and is hotel pickup included?

You start at the Belvedere area for the Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Funchal and the Canico area, with pickup arranged at the hotel reception when possible (or outside the main entrance for non-hotel accommodations).

How long is the tour, and how long are the stops?

The tour runs about 3 hours. You have about 15 minutes at Pico dos Barcelos, about 30 minutes at Eira do Serrado, and about 25 to 30 minutes at the Valley of the Nuns village area.

What is included in the price, and what is not?

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off (in the included areas), a professional guide, all taxes and fees, and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Does the tour include tickets or admissions?

The admission tickets for the viewpoints listed are free. You still use the tour’s normal meeting and ticket process (mobile ticket).

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the paid amount is not refunded.