Madeira’s Nuns Valley hits fast. This Scenic Route tour strings together three big viewpoints and a village stop, all with a guide and hotel-area pickup. I love how short and focused it is, and I love the way the story of Curral das Freiras ties into what you’re seeing. One catch: if fog or rain rolls in, the views can get hazy.

For about $27.93 per person, you also get real logistics handled: pickup, drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking guide. Guides like Suzanne, Manuel, Roy, and Cristian show up in the reviews for being friendly and giving lots of on-the-road facts, which helps the whole ride feel like more than just stop-and-shoot.

Key points worth your attention

• Three timed stops with generous photo time and built-in breaks
• Curral das Freiras backstory: nuns, pirate attacks, and the valley’s shape
• Small groups (maximum 18, sometimes much smaller) for a more personal feel
• Free viewpoint admissions on the stops listed for the tour
• Practical weather reality: bring rain gear because you’re often exposed at lookouts

First Stop: Pico dos Barcelos above Funchal

You start at the Belvedere area with a quick hop to Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos. This viewpoint sits right on the edge of Funchal at about 355 meters (1165 ft), so even a short stop feels like a reset for your eyes. You’ll pause for roughly 15 minutes (the scheduled stop is listed around 20 minutes), which is just enough time to grab a few photos without rushing.

What makes Pico dos Barcelos worth it is the “you’re here, now look” effect. You get that wide view over Funchal, so later stops make more sense. The island geography stops being a blur and starts behaving like a map.

Quick tip: have your camera ready at the start of the stop. If it’s sunny, you’ll burn through the best light fast, because people naturally linger at the railing.

Eira do Serrado and the Curral das Freiras shape

Next comes Miradouro Eira do Serrado, where the big reveal happens: you look over Curral das Freiras, a horse-shoe shaped valley far below. The viewpoint is one of those Madeira locations where it feels like the mountains are doing the work for you—serrated peaks, sheer sides, and terrace patches scattered down the slopes.

This stop runs about 30 minutes (advertised around 35). That time matters because you’re not just sightseeing; you’re also learning. The guide explains how people once misunderstood the valley’s dramatic form. The highest mountain in Madeira was mistakenly believed to be a volcanic crater, but now the understanding is that the shape comes from the river’s action over time. Even if you only catch part of that story, you’ll still notice the logic: the valley isn’t random; it’s carved.

And then there’s the working landscape you can spot from above: tiny terraced fields growing wine, fruit, and vegetables, plus slopes with sweet chestnut trees. From sea level, Madeira can look like one green mass. From here, you see structure.

If you hate “traffic stops”: this is the kind of stop you want. It’s scenic, but it also gives context for what you’ll see in the valley village.

Valley of the Nuns: Curral das Freiras village time

Now you drive down into the heart of it: the village of Nuns Valley, Curral das Freiras. This is where the name and the setting finally click.

The valley sits in a huge natural amphitheater, surrounded by some of Madeira’s highest peaks. And historically, it goes back to the 16th century, when the nuns from the convent of Santa Clara in Funchal founded the village after fleeing pirate attacks in 1566. This is also one reason the area feels more than scenic. You’re standing inside a place shaped by survival and protection, not just tourism.

Your village stop is about 30 minutes (the scheduled time is around 25). Expect a short window to look around, take photos, and visit the chapel area if you want. One practical note from the tour experience style: this is not a long wander. If your dream is an hour-plus deep dive into village life, you may find the stop a little tight. Still, for a half-day tour, it hits the essentials.

Also, don’t plan on seeing nuns. The valley is named for the nuns’ role in its origin, but this tour is really about the valley atmosphere and viewpoints, not a live convent visit.

Photo tip: the best angles often come after you pause and let your eyes adjust. The valley can look “all mountains” at first. Then you start seeing the terracing, the curves, and the road lines.

The small-group ride and why the minibus matters

This tour caps at 18 travelers, and reviews repeatedly point to the sense that it doesn’t feel like a bus tour. In fact, some departures described vehicles with far fewer people (around 7 to 8), which changes the vibe immediately: fewer interruptions, easier questions, and a better chance the guide can tailor explanations on the fly.

You also get air-conditioned transport, which sounds boring until you’re climbing Madeiran roads and the sun is doing its best work. The ride itself is part of the experience: winding roads, constant turns, and viewpoints that appear when you crest a bend. It’s the kind of drive that makes you pay attention.

One consideration: if you’re tall, seat placement can matter. A review mentioned the front seats feeling cramped for two tall adults. If you have a choice, aim for a spot where your legs don’t feel like they’re being squeezed into your backpack.

And yes, air-conditioning noise can make it a touch harder to hear the guide at times. A simple fix is to watch for the moments when the vehicle stops and the guide repeats key points at the viewpoint.

Price and value: what $27.93 buys in 3 hours

At $27.93 per person, this tour is priced like a smart budget-friendly half-day. What you’re paying for isn’t just driving around. You’re paying for three structured stops, a professional guide, and transport with hotel-area pickup and drop-off. The viewpoints listed on the itinerary also show free admission tickets, so you’re not stacking additional entry costs on top of the tour price.

Why that matters: in Madeira, the difference between a pricey tour and good value is often time. Here, the timing is tight and predictable—about 15 minutes, then 30 minutes, then 30 minutes. That structure is handy if you want to see a lot in a few hours and still keep your day flexible for lunch, a beach walk, or another short excursion.

Is it the cheapest option possible? Maybe not. But it’s a clear win if you’d rather pay for guidance and transport than figure out roads and timing on your own. You also don’t have to worry about which viewpoints are worth stopping for. The stops are the point.

Weather, snacks, and small decisions that save your mood

Madeira weather can flip quickly, and this tour spends a lot of time looking outward. So do this one thing: bring a light rain layer or poncho. One review specifically mentioned being glad they had weather gear because a viewpoint was showery. When fog comes in, you might see less, but you’re not stuck if you’re prepared.

For snacks and drinks: the tour does not include food or drinks, so you’ll be relying on whatever café options are available at the stops. Here’s what to watch:

• Some café and restaurant experiences around viewpoints can run pricey.
• One review advised bringing cash because a café didn’t take card for a meal and drinks.
• Another review warned about a tourist-trap vibe, including unexpected toilet charges and high drink pricing.

My practical takeaway: if you want coffee or cake, treat it like a treat, not a guaranteed value meal. Check the menu if you can, and decide before you’re already hungry and seated.

Finally, if you’re pairing this with another plan later in the day, the short duration helps. Reviews also suggest this works well as an easy add-on.

Who should book this Nuns Valley tour?

I’d book it if you:

• want big views without committing to a full-day trip
• like history told in plain language, tied to what you’re seeing
• prefer a small group with time at each stop (not just a quick drive-by)
• are traveling with someone who wants a manageable pace (short stops, limited walking demands)

You might think twice if you:

• get frustrated by weather and hate hazy viewpoints
• need lots of village time for cafés, shopping, or long strolling
• are very sensitive to seating comfort (front seats can feel cramped for tall adults)

Also: children must be accompanied by an adult, and “most travelers can participate,” which suggests it’s meant to be accessible for a wide range of ages. Just remember you’ll be dealing with curving roads and lookout areas where footing can be uneven.

Should you book Scenic Route – Nuns Valley Tour?

Yes, if your goal is a short, well-paced Madeira introduction with a memorable viewpoint-driven route and a meaningful story behind the valley name. It’s good value for the money because transport and a guided explanation are baked into the price, and the stops are timed so you’re not wasting your day.

Book with a small expectation check:

• you’re not here for a long village exploration
• you’re here for the viewpoints, the valley setting, and the history connection

If you can, plan your day around weather and bring a rain layer. Then enjoy the ride: the route up to Curral das Freiras is part of why this tour works, and when the valley opens up from the lookouts, it’s one of Madeira’s most distinctive scenes.

FAQ

How long is the Scenic Route – Nuns Valley Tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

What stops are included?

You visit Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos, Miradouro Eira do Serrado, and the village area in Curral das Freiras.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included in Funchal and Canico, and pickup is also included from Camara de Lobos Village and Cabo Girao.

Do I need to pay for entry at the viewpoints?

The itinerary lists admission tickets free for the stops included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers.

What’s the meeting point for pickup?

You meet at your hotel reception, if possible. If you’re in a villa or apartment, you should wait outside by the main entrance. If your hotel isn’t on the list, you should specify so pickup can be organized.