Nuns Valley Tour

If you’re looking for a half-day escape into Madeira’s lush mountains and picturesque villages, the Nuns Valley Tour might just be what you need. For around $29, this approximately 4-hour guided trip takes you through some of the island’s most captivating viewpoints—Pico dos Barcelos, Eira do Serrado, and Curral das Freiras. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour provides a blend of spectacular vistas, local charm, and authentic rural scenery that makes it stand out among Madeira’s many excursions.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views—especially from Pico dos Barcelos, where the sight of Funchal’s bay framed by white clouds is unforgettable. Plus, the visit to Curral das Freiras, a remote village surrounded by towering mountains, offers a glimpse into authentic Madeiran life and delicious local chestnuts.

One possible consideration is the short duration at each stop, which means you’ll want to be ready to absorb the views quickly. Still, this is ideal for travelers short on time or those who prefer a relaxed, scenic overview rather than a full-day trek.

This tour is perfect for cruise travelers, first-time visitors who want a quick but rich introduction to Madeira’s natural beauty, or anyone who loves spectacular viewpoints and charming villages. If you appreciate authentic scenery without hefty walking or complicated logistics, this trip will suit you well.

Key Points

• Stunning Panoramic Views: From Pico dos Barcelos, enjoy sweeping vistas of Funchal and the surrounding islands.
• Authentic Village Experience: Curral das Freiras offers a slice of local life, surrounded by mountains, with delicious chestnuts.
• Affordable Price: At around $29, this tour provides a great value for its scenic highlights.
• Short and Focused: Perfect for a quick overview, especially if you’re pressed for time.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with interesting facts and local insights.
• Flexibility: No entrance fees at the stops, making it a straightforward, no-cost addition to your day.

A Detailed Look at the Nuns Valley Tour

The Itinerary: What’s on the Agenda

The Nuns Valley Tour is designed to give travelers a taste of Madeira’s impressive natural landscapes with three key stops. The journey begins at Pico dos Barcelos, a built-in-1950 viewpoint at 355 meters altitude. From here, you’ll gaze out over the Funchal Bay, with the Desertas islands in the background—a view that probably belongs on every Madeira postcard.

What makes this stop exceptional is the clarity of the landscape and the chance to see the city from above. We loved the “deslumbrante” (stunning) panoramic view, as one reviewer, Liz_H, pointed out: “Excellent knowledge of Madeira and entertaining personality of guide, thoroughly enjoyable trip to the Valley of the Nuns.” The 45-minute visit includes admission, so you can comfortably soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.

Next, the tour heads to Eira do Serrado, a less-crowded viewpoint that offers sweeping views into the Curral das Freiras, or Nun’s Valley. This stop is brief—about 20 minutes—but provides a spectacular outlook into this hidden village. The free entry makes it a perfect quick photo and sightseeing stop, giving you a real sense of how isolated and peaceful this mountain village is.

Finally, the highlight is Curral das Freiras itself, a small village surrounded by towering peaks. Here, you’ll see traditional houses, terraced fields, and local lifestyle. The village is mainly sustained by agriculture, especially the delicious local chestnuts, which locals use daily in their cooking. The 45-minute visit here allows you to breathe in the mountain air, admire the forest scenery, and perhaps pick up some chestnuts or local treats.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Pico dos Barcelos provides a breathtaking view of Funchal’s bay—perfect for photos and just soaking in the scale of the landscape. The viewpoint is accessible and well-maintained, making it suitable for most travelers.

Eira do Serrado offers a more intimate perspective of the valley below, with a less touristy atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for a quick break and to marvel at the green hills and rugged terrain.

Curral das Freiras is where you’ll get a taste of real Madeira—tiny streets, traditional houses, and a community that survives mainly from agriculture and chestnut harvesting. For many, this spot is a highlight, providing authentic scenery and a chance to visualize local life.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour includes transportation, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation or driving. Keeping the group small (max 16 travelers) makes for a more personalized experience, allowing guides to focus on your questions and interests.

The Guide and Reviews

Guides seem to have a wealth of local knowledge, which enhances the experience. Liz_H’s review describes the guide as “entertaining” and “knowledgeable”, adding to the enjoyment. With only three reviews, the average rating of 4.3 out of 5 indicates a positive overall impression, especially for those seeking scenic beauty and local flavor.

Price and Value

At $28.97 per person, this tour offers excellent value. You’re paying mainly for transportation and the chance to see some of Madeira’s most iconic viewpoints—it’s a straightforward, no-hidden-fees experience. Since no entrance fees are included (except for the viewpoint at Pico dos Barcelos), it’s a cost-effective way to explore the island’s natural beauty.

Practical Tips

• Bring comfortable shoes—the stops involve walking, but none are overly strenuous.
• Prepare for variable weather—bring a jacket or raincoat, especially since the mountain air can be cooler or misty.
• Don’t forget your camera—the views are picturesque.
• The tour begins at 9:00 am, so plan accordingly if you’re on a tight schedule.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers free cancellation if you change your mind up to 24 hours in advance, making it easy to adapt if your plans shift. It operates rain or shine, but poor weather might mean rescheduling, as the guide has the right to alter the route.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This scenic overview is ideal for travelers seeking stunning vistas and authentic villages without long hikes or complex logistics. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, cruise travelers, or those short on time but eager to see Madeira’s natural beauty. It’s also a good choice for families or older travelers who want manageable, scenic stops with plenty of photo opportunities.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Are there any entrance fees?
No, there are no entrance fees included, except for the viewpoint at Pico dos Barcelos, which already has admission included.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be affected by poor weather; the company has the right to alter the route or cancel. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, including those with mobility limitations, as stops involve minimal walking. Service animals are allowed.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 16 travelers, which helps keep the experience more personal.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Does the tour include a guide?
Yes, guides are knowledgeable and engaging, often contributing interesting insights and local stories.

Final Thoughts

The Nuns Valley Tour offers a balanced mix of breathtaking views, authentic village life, and easy accessibility. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic overview of Madeira’s central highlands with memorable photo opportunities. For just under $30, you get a well-organized experience that highlights the island’s natural beauty and genuine charm.

While it’s not a comprehensive cultural or hiking tour, it’s a great introduction for those wanting a taste of Madeira’s lush landscapes and mountain villages without committing to a full-day adventure. Expect to leave with beautiful memories, plenty of photos, and a better understanding of why Madeira’s mountains are so loved.

To sum it up, if your goal is to see some of Madeira’s most iconic viewpoints with a friendly guide and at a reasonable price, the Nuns Valley Tour is a solid choice. It offers enough time to enjoy the scenery and learn about local life, making it a worthwhile addition to any Madeira itinerary—especially if you’re short on time but craving authentic, scenic experiences.