Cradled in a dramatic granite amphitheatre, Curral das Freiras (the “Valley of the Nuns”) is Madeira’s most secluded treasure. Surrounded by 700‑metre peaks, this village earned its name in the 16th century when nuns from Funchal’s Santa Clara convent retreated here to escape pirate raids—its remote position made it invisible from the sea.
With just 2,000 residents in a steep, sheltered valley, Curral das Freiras remained isolated until the 1959 road tunnel. Today it’s famous for sweet chestnuts, misty landscapes, and an authentic Madeiran atmosphere. The parish church Nossa Senhora do Livramento (19th century) sits at the heart, offering quiet reflection and local history.
| Curral das Freiras
Surrounded by Madeira’s highest peaks, Curral das Freiras is the perfect base for scenic mountain hikes and cultural discovery. Visitors can wander narrow cobbled lanes lined with traditional stone homes before stopping at the Nossa Senhora do Livramento Church to admire its baroque interior and hear about the island’s pirate‑escape history. A short taxi or drive up to Eira do Serrado Viewpoint (1,095 m) rewards you with panoramic views of the village cradled within a volcanic‑like crater. For walkers, the Nuns’ Path takes you down hairpin bends from the viewpoint into the valley—a dramatic descent. Nearby hikes like the Levada do Curral e Castelejo and the climb to Pico Grande offer immersive encounters with lush laurel forests, endemic wildlife, and sweeping vistas toward Pico Ruivo and beyond.
After a day on the trails, sample local chestnut‑based cuisine at a café in the plaza or a rustic restaurant, or join the festivity at the annual Chestnut Festival where chestnut liqueur, bolo de mel and local wine create a flavour‑packed experience. While Curral is tucked away inland, Madeira’s main seaside towns—Funchal, Câmara de Lobos and Machico—are accessible by a scenic drive down mountain roads. Curral das Freiras offers both isolation and accessibility, all within a day’s drive of Madeira’s bustling harbour and ocean coast.
The Eira do Serrado viewpoint stands at 1,095 m above sea level and is a popular destination for walkers/hikers. The stunning panoramic views are a major draw, where you can gaze upon the central massif of Madeira and the picturesque town of Curral das Freiras below. It's an excellent location to witness the effects of erosion that have shaped the island's landscape over the aeons. Hikers can get there via the 2.6 km Caminho das Voltas path that starts next to the Estalagem da Eira do Serrado. The bus #81 from Funchal will also get you here. There's ample parking at Eira do Serrado along with a hotel, a shop and a café.
Estr. da Eira do Serrado, Funchal, Portugal.
32° 42' 36.6" N | 16° 57' 56.7" W
| Eira do Serrado viewpoint
What a day! We kick things off at Pico dos Barcelos with stunning views over Funchal Bay, then climb to Eira do Serrado—over 1,000 metres high! After soaking in epic views of Curral das Freiras, we hike down to the cosy mountain village itself. Next stop: Monte, home to beautiful gardens and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. Transfers from Funchal hotels make it easy. Just let them know where you’re staying—they’ll sort the pickup time with you!.
(1) | 3-4 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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This Valley of the Nuns tour in Madeira is a must-do! Curral das Freiras is tucked inside an extinct volcano and packed with wild history—nuns once hid here from pirates! The views are jaw-dropping, and the village is pure charm. We also stopped by the colourful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos and sipped a traditional Poncha. Hotel pickup from Funchal made everything super easy. Choose morning or afternoon and get ready for one unforgettable Madeira adventure!.
(339) | 3.5 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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What a wild ride! This 4x4 tour of the Valley of the Nuns from Funchal is pure adventure. Bounce along vertiginous roads, soak up jaw-dropping views of Madeira’s mountains, and cruise past cherry orchards and terraced vineyards—all in an open-top 4x4! Stop to taste local pastries and liqueurs (yum!) and checked out a traditional wicker factory. Hotel pickup and drop-off make everything super easy. A perfect half-day tour for outdoor lovers and curious explorers!
(33) | 4 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Eira do Serrado Hotel & SPA ★ ★ ★ ★8.8/10 Excellent (180 verified customer reviews) Perched high above the breathtaking Valley of the Nuns, the Eira do Serrado Hotel & SPA is quite the cinematic escape. Think misty mountains, dramatic cliffside views, and the sort of silence that soothes your soul. The rooms are immaculately clean, with a balcony that frames Curral das Freiras like a postcard. The spa—blissfully restorative. Breakfast? A smorgasbord of Portuguese delights. If you’re exploring Madeira’s mountains, this hotel is your perfect base. It's serene, scenic, and deliciously remote—utterly fantastic!. |
BIO Hotel - Hotel Quinta da Serra ★ ★ ★ ★ ★9.4/10 Exceptional (122 verified customer reviews) Snuggled in the lush hills of Madeira, the BIO Hotel Quinta da Serra is an eco-luxe haven that whispers serenity and sings sustainability. At 820 metres above sea level, the air is pure, the gardens are Edenic, and the views over the Atlantic are nothing short of cinematic. Rooms are elegant and spacious, with a bed so comfy you will contemplate a permanent check-in. The organic restaurant serves sublime, locally sourced dishes. If you're seeking a green getaway near Funchal, with a focus on wellness, nature, and a touch of grandeur, this is it. The indoor pool, the spa, the birdsong! All divine. A truly enchanting escape for nature lovers, foodies, and anyone craving calm in the heart of Madeira’s mountains. |
Sabores do CurralPerched dramatically over a volcanic valley that looks like something out of Tolkien, Sabores do Curral doesn’t so much serve food as it delivers comfort on a plate. The speciality? Castanha stew, made with the village’s iconic chestnuts—earthy, rich, and simmered into velvety submission. Pair it with their house-made chestnut liqueur, which is sweet enough to cancel out your sins. Inside, it’s rustic charm meets panoramic theatre: wooden beams, white tablecloths, and windows that frame the valley like an oil painting. Service is slow—but gloriously so. You’re not here to rush. You’re here to chew, sip, and watch the clouds tumble lazily across Madeira’s rugged interior. Come hungry. Leave blissful and maybe slightly tipsy. 
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Restaurante Vale das FreirasIgnore the unassuming façade—Restaurante Vale das Freiras is where your taste buds will write postcards home. Tucked off the main drag of Curral das Freiras, it’s the kind of place locals haunt and lucky tourists discover. Their showstopper? Espetada on a laurel stick, grilled to smoky perfection, served with milho frito and garlicky salad. The interior? Functional yet spotless, with just enough Madeiran embroidery to remind you of your surroundings. The service is brisk, not brusque. Prices are more than fair, considering the view out back—towering cliffs and whispering chestnut trees. They’ll even tempt you with their homemade chestnut pudding, which manages to be both dense and cloud-like. If you’re seeking honest food in a setting that screams “Madeira”, this is it.
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30.5km (18.9 miles) west of Madeira Airport Website 
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From Funchal, Get on ER101 in Funchal from VE6 and ER107. Latitude - 32° 43' 13.1" | Longitude - 16° 57' 52.8" W
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| Bus Operators: Horários do Funchal (HF) and Rodoeste run bus services in Madeira - HF Bus #81 from Funchal bus terminal: Website |
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