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Things to do in Valley of the Nuns

Our most recommended things to do in Valley of the Nuns

Madeira: Half-Day Nun's Valley and Sea Cliff Tour

1. Madeira: Half-Day Nun's Valley and Sea Cliff Tour

Explore some of the most remote places of Madeira Island. Not far from Funchal, and hidden in between high mountains and deep valleys, lie remote villages and hamlets such as Jardim da Serra with its splendid view over the Nuns Valley. You can explore another world by joining this Jeep safari tour, complete with panoramic views and interesting places. You will also enjoy sensational encounters with Madeira's fascinating natural heritage. Your route will pass though Funchal, Fajã das Galinhas, Boca da Corrida, Jardim da Serra, Quinta Grande, Cabo Girão, and Câmara de Lobos. At the conclusion of your enjoyable day out, you will return to your point of origin.

Funchal: Nuns Valley Private Half Day Tour

2. Funchal: Nuns Valley Private Half Day Tour

On this picturesque private half-day trip, you will be driven from Pico dos Barcelos to Nun's Valley. Pico dos Barcelos has an observation point on the edge of Funchal, 1165 ft above sea level. It is an excellent way to view Funchal from the sea to the mountains, and Islas Desertas directly across can be spotted on a clear day. This belvedere at Eira do Serrado has a spectacular rock ledge that overlooks “Curral das Freiras,” a horseshoe-shaped valley below. This valley has three sheer sides that cut into the serrated peaks of Madeira. Make your way down to the Village of Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras). See where the nuns of the Monastery of Santa Clara once sought refuge from French privateers. It is one of the most spectacularly situated rural settlements on the island, in a huge natural amphitheater surrounded by Madeira’s highest mountain peaks. Finally, you will be dropped back at your original pickup point.

Madeira: Nuns Valley Half-Day Tour

3. Madeira: Nuns Valley Half-Day Tour

Explore the stunning landscapes of the Curral da Freiras (Nuns Valley) on a scenic half-day tour from Funchal. Journey to the center of Madeira to find dramatic, cloud-topped mountains and verdant valleys. Board the minibus in the center of Funchal, and make your way to Eira do Serrado for one of the most beautiful views in Madeira. Continue down to Curral da Freiras, traveling past forest bushes and the quaint houses typical of the Madeiran countryside.  Arrive in Nuns Valley, and see a small village nestling between almost perpendicular mountains that is isolated by the region's stunning geography. The locals mainly survive off the cultivation of crops like delicious chestnuts.  Return to Funchal, stopping at the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, where Winston Churchill painted his beautiful landscapes. Purchase a glass of the legendary drink Poncha (alcoholic drink with honey, lemon, and juice) before you return to Funchal. 

Canyoning Adventure Level 2

4. Canyoning Adventure Level 2

Discover the beauty of Madeira's canyons and streams with this group canyoning tour from Funchal. Explore the natural wonders on the island. Keep your energy up with some delicious snacks. Start with hassle-free pickup from your accommodation in Funchal. Sit back and relax on the drive to the beginning of the canyoning trail. Suit up with quality wetsuits, Adidas boots, helmets, and harnesses. Listen as your guide gives you a briefing on the activity. Do a quick walk to ensure that your equipment is properly fitted. Head out to cross water lines, swim in crystal clear water, slide through refreshing streams, descend rocks, and perform jumps. Stop to replenish your energy with some snacks and water. Eat another snack before returning to Funchal. Get photos and videos of your tour to share with your friends and family.

From Funchal: Valley of the Nuns Viewpoints

5. From Funchal: Valley of the Nuns Viewpoints

This half day tour takes you to the center of the island to one of the deepest and also most beautiful valleys of the island. In this trip if you have the opportunity to try some of our best homemade liquors and the local specialty, the sweetchestnut cake. And magnificent views to Funchal, Câmara de Lobos and the Nun’s valley itself await you in this lovely trip. Points of Interest : Pico dos Barcelos (25 minutes) Eiro do Serado (30 minutes) Curral das Freiras (45 minutes)

Madeira Island Highlights Private Guided Tour by Tuk-Tuk

6. Madeira Island Highlights Private Guided Tour by Tuk-Tuk

Have you ever wanted to go on a tuk-tuk tour, but wanted something more personalized to your own taste? We present you Myway, a tuk-tuk tour journey in which you can pick not only the unique places you want to visit, but also for how long, and when. How amazing is that? With this service, you will be able to pick from more than 25 unique places, to design your own exclusive tour ride, with one of our storytellers/guides. Whether you wish to visit Monte’s Palace, Cabo Girão Viewpoint, or even of the Cathedral at Funchal, you name it, and we will make it happen. Not only you will be able to get to know some of the most beautiful scenery, the best places, and the most spectacular roads, but we will also provide you with some background history of the places you choose to visit. Plan the itinerary of your dreams when coming to visit Madeira island, just see on the specifications which ones you would wish to see. Bear in mind that if there might be one specific place that isn’t included on our list, describe it to us, to see if it is possible to visit it. Remember, there is no wrong place, there are only a great many possibilities to make this journey a memorable one. Also, there is no losing side to this journey because all places, even the roads to get there, are simply breathtaking. So, dream it, design it, and let us make your dream tuk-tuk tour of your dreams possible. - Funchal Old Town - Câmara de Lobos - Botanical Garden - Palheiro Gardens - Monte Tropical Garden - Monte Toboggans - Nuns Valley - Cabo Girão - Garajau - Pico Areeiro - Cable Cars - Viewpoints & More

Madeira 2 Full-Day & 1 Half-Day 4x4 jipe Special Tour Combo

7. Madeira 2 Full-Day & 1 Half-Day 4x4 jipe Special Tour Combo

Get the most out of your time in Madeira with this special combo experience, featuring 2 full-day tours of east and west Madeira and 1 central half-day trip. Explore Pico do Areeiro, Seixal, São Vicente, Porto Moniz, and more. Visit a sugar cane rum factory, taste drinks at a local bar, and join a levada walk. East Tour (Mondays and Thursdays)During the east tour, go to one of the highest mountains on the Island, Pico do Areeiro, then go to Ribeiro Frio and take a 45-minute walk along the levada to the Balcões viewpoint. Back to the jeep, travel through Roque do Faial, Cruzinhas, and Lombo Galego. Arriving at Cova da Roda through alternative roads and off-roads, pass through Pico das Pedras right in the middle of the natural park. Heading towards Santana, you’ll see typical local houses and take a break for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, drive towards Faial, heading to Porto da Cruz. Visit the local sugar-cane rum factory, then end the day with a visit to Ponta de São Lourenço, a natural reserve with rock formations and panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. West Tour (Tuesdays and Fridays)Depart from Funchal towards the village of Ribeira Brava. After a short stop for sightseeing, start climbing towards Paúl da Serra, a plateau in the center of the island with memorable views. To arrive, you’ll drive off-road and go through Ponta do Sol and Canhas, two picturesque villages. Potentially take another short levada walk (approximately 20 minutes), then, in Paúl da Serra, at 1500 meters, start the descent through Fanal, an area with laurel forest classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Arrive at a viewpoint in Ribeira da Janela with breathtaking views. At Porto Moniz, be greeted with the unique scenery built by the natural swimming pools. These pools were created by volcanic lava and have crystal-clear waters thanks to the sea. Here, you’ll stop for a lunch (not included). After recharging from lunch, carry on near the coast towards Seixal and São Vicente. Finish off the day at 1007-meters high at the Encumeada Viewpoint, next to a mountain range that allows for views over the deep valleys of Ribeira Brava (south coast) and São Vicente (north coast). End your second tour with a return to Funchal. Central Tour (Wednesdays)Leaving Funchal, venture towards Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras) to a small visit and a villa with a unique geographic location on Madeira Island, situated in a deep valley that resembles a volcano crater. The resemblance is due to strong erosion. After this stop, travel to Boca dos Namorados, a viewpoint at 1100 meters over Nuns Valley, allowing viewers to behold from above the one-of-a-kind scenery. Continue off-road through a trail to feel nature in its purest state. Then, make a short stop in a typical Madeiran bar to try the famous Poncha, a traditional drink made of sugar cane rum, orange juice, lemon juice, and fresh lemon (costs not included). 

Madeira: Nun's Valley Private Tour

8. Madeira: Nun's Valley Private Tour

Enjoy Madeira's abundant nature on a 3-hour private tour. Meet your guide and head straight to the Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint, sitting 335 meters above sea level. From here, marvel at Funchal from high up. Continue your journey upwards and make your way to one of Madeira's most famous sights, the Eira do Serrado viewpoint. Sitting 1,053 meters high, you'll enjoy magnificent, panoramic views of Nun's Valley far down below. Learn about the history of the famous valley, which was once a refuge for the nuns of the Santa Clara convent during the invasion of the French Privateers in the 1500s. Stop at more splendid viewpoints throughout your tour, see the Ribeira dos Socorrido stream, and learn about Madeira's history from your local guide along your way.

From Funchal: Madeira Nuns Valley Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour

9. From Funchal: Madeira Nuns Valley Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour

A magical and memorable tuk-tuk ride across Madeira’s mountains, expect to discover and feel the magic of the best viewpoint Madeira has to offer. Going on this tuk-tuk ride, we advise the guests should come equipped with fully charged batteries on their phones and/or cameras to take some shots of their journey to remember later. Dare to be on a viewpoint 355 meters above sea level, an exciting journey showing one of the most splendid panoramic views over the city of Funchal Bay. This viewpoint is known as Pico dos Barcelos and is located in Funchal, providing a fascinating panoramic view of the city. This place was built back in the ‘50s but it was all its upgrades that made it popular amongst travelers, and locals. On a bright sunny day, it is even possible to see the Desert Islands from this great observation point. This hot spot provides a beautiful background for amazing shots, but also to enjoy a great cup of coffee while enjoying the stunning views. The journey will continue its course towards another great perspective of the island, located at an elevation of 1,095 m above sea level. The Eira do Serrado viewpoint, is located in the mountains in the city of Câmara de Lobos. A spot that shows a fantastic panoramic view of the valley, where one can see the charming village of Curral das Freiras, and the most majestic mountains as a backdrop. Soak up all the beautiful sounds, and mesmerizing details that nature provides from up there. This viewpoint/terrace was built in 1962, having had some upgrades through the years to make it even more inviting to all its guests. Why the name Nuns Valley one might ask. Because back in 1566, some nuns from the Santa Clara Convent in Funchal sought refuge in this remote spot whilst French pirates attacked and plundered their city. Surrounded by massive mountains, bursting with green vegetation, the peace and solitude that this place offers are undeniably one of a kind. The journey back will be just as exciting, with an expert driver/storyteller providing curious details and fun history facts.

Nuns Valley Half Day Trip 4x4 Jipe Tour

10. Nuns Valley Half Day Trip 4x4 Jipe Tour

Experience the true beauty of Madeira on a private or shared day trip. Explore the Valley of Nuns, see breathtaking views from the Cabo Girao Viewpoint, and visit the fishing village of Camara de Lobos. From Funchal, travel with your guide to the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras). In this deep valley, explore the isolated parish and marvel at the stunning scenery. Get an even better view from the elevated viewpoint of Boca dos Namorados. Continue along an off-road trail to a typical Madeiran bar to try the famous Poncha. Enjoy this traditional drink of sugar cane rum, orange and lemon juice, and lemon before heading off towards Cabo Girao Viewpoint. At Cabo Girao, experience the highest sea cliff in Europe, with stunning views over Rancho and Cabo Girao Fajas, Camara de Lobos, and Funchal. On the way back to Funchal, enjoy a quick stop in the traditional fishing village of Camara de Lobos.

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What people are saying about Valley of the Nuns

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 651 reviews

Excellent driver/guide - picked up at hotel and dropped off- all on time. Gave interesting commentary between stops and had plenty of free time . Very careful driver on scary mountain roads!

The tour was amazing! Our guide was very knowledgeable and showed us some great parts of Madeira along with stories behind them. We also had a great fun while being offroad!!

The tour was a lot of fun, he explained everything very well and we felt safe at all times. A mega experience to see the island from a different side.

History buff, comedian, lover of culture - if you don’t get Ricardo as your guide, I feel sorry for you.

They was very kind and helpful and the tour was so exciting and fun !!!