Eira do Serrado / Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley)

If you like dramatic Madeira views without spending an entire day in the car, this tour is a smart hit of scenery. The mix of high belvederes and a tucked-away valley village gives you quick variety in just 3.5 hours, and the top shots from Pico dos Barcelos are the kind you remember.

What I like most is the contrast. You start by looking out over Funchal and the bay, then you drop into the parish of Curral das Freiras where the local food leans into regional products like sour cherry and chestnut. The one catch is pacing, one review flagged that each of the three stops can feel a bit rushed, so if you want to linger for photos and wandering, you may have to do a little extra timing yourself.

Key points at a glance

• Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint (355 m) gives fast, wide views over Funchal
• Eira do Serrado viewpoint (1094 m) looks straight over Curral das Freiras from above
• Curral das Freiras village time for the parish church and local restaurant tastes
• Small group size capped at 15 keeps the experience calm and easy to manage
• Hotel pickup and drop-off saves you from navigating on your own
• Rain or shine means you’re not stuck waiting around for perfect weather

From Funchal Bay Views To Nun’s Valley, A Half-Day Circuit

This is one of those Madeira tours that works because it’s simple. You’re not asked to do anything athletic. You just climb to two viewpoints and then head down into the valley, where the whole mood changes from open coast views to a quieter parish setting.

The best part is how the geography does the storytelling for you. From the first belvedere, you get the sweep of Funchal and its bay. Then the second viewpoint flips your perspective, showing how Curral das Freiras sits below the cliffs and slopes, shaped by the same island forces that make Madeira so visually dramatic.

Price-wise, at about $29 per person, you’re paying mainly for the logistics that can be annoying on a tight schedule: hotel pickup and drop-off, a live guide, and transport between all three stops. You’re not paying for included meals, and you shouldn’t expect entrance fees to be covered unless the program says otherwise.

One more thing: the tour is run by Flora Travel Madeira, and it’s a small group. That matters because you’ll usually get smoother movement at viewpoints, fewer bottlenecks, and less time waiting around for everyone to catch up.

Stop 1: Pico dos Barcelos (355 m) Over Funchal’s Bay And City

Your day kicks off at Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint at 355 metres. This is a great first stop because it’s high enough to feel impressive right away, but it’s still close to the “big picture” of Madeira. You’re looking out over the bay and the city of Funchal, so your brain has an easy reference point.

Why I think this works: when you start with a broad city view, the later valley views make more sense. After Pico dos Barcelos, when you head toward Eira do Serrado, you already understand the shape of the coastline and where the city sits. That makes the next viewpoint feel less like a random scenic spot and more like a geography lesson you actually want to see.

What to watch for: viewpoints are where you’ll want your camera ready and your walking shoes on, because there can be uneven surfaces and you’ll likely move from spot to spot for the best angles. Also, because the tour runs rain or shine, visibility can change fast. If weather clouds the view, keep your expectations flexible and focus on getting the best possible lines when you can.

A reviewer praised the driver/guide and called out how beautiful the views were, which matches what this stop delivers. You get a quick reward early, so even if the day stays cool or damp, the first viewpoint still does its job.

Stop 2: Eira do Serrado (1094 m) Looking Over Curral das Freiras

Next comes the star elevation: Eira do Serrado, at about 1094 metres. If Pico dos Barcelos helps you orient yourself, this viewpoint does the emotional part. Looking down over the parish of Curral das Freiras, you see how the village sits tucked into the terrain, not spread out like the city.

This is also where the tour’s “half-day arc” feels real. You move from Funchal’s city energy to a valley view that’s quieter and more contained. It’s the kind of perspective that makes you slow down for a minute, even if the overall schedule is tight.

Potential drawback, again, is time. One review noted the stops felt rather rushed, and that’s believable on a 3.5-hour schedule with three different locations. If you like taking your time with photos, aim to position yourself quickly when you arrive, and then decide early if you’ll do a longer walk or just chase the best overlook first.

Rain or fog can also change this stop dramatically. Since the tour runs in all weather, you might not get the same clarity every time. Still, even with reduced visibility, the height and the drop into the valley usually give you a strong sense of scale.

Stop 3: Curral das Freiras Village, Church, And Sour Cherry Or Chestnut

After the heights, you descend to Curral das Freiras, a small village at the bottom of the valley. This is the “pause” portion of the tour, and it’s why the itinerary feels balanced. Viewpoints are great, but they don’t tell you the human side of a place. The village time does.

Here you can visit the parish church, and you’ll have a chance to check out local restaurants for regional specialties. Based on the tour details, two of the big flavors to look for are sour cherry and chestnut. If you’re trying to taste Madeira beyond the usual basics, this is a practical way to do it without planning your own meal search.

One more reality check: food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget for whatever you pick in the village. Think of this stop as flexible time. You can keep it simple with a snack, or you can treat yourself to a proper local plate, depending on your appetite and the weather.

This is also where the small group style helps. In a village, crowds can get annoying fast. With a group limited to 15, you’re more likely to move at a comfortable pace and still have room to browse without feeling herded.

The Tour Pace, Small Group Format, And Who It Suits

This tour is designed for efficiency. It’s 3.5 hours, it includes pickup and drop-off, and it hits three key stops. That combination is ideal if you’re sightseeing with limited time, or if you want a guided route that spares you the stress of arranging transportation.

The small group size, up to 15 participants, is one of the best parts. You get a more personal feel than large coach tours, and viewpoint time tends to feel less chaotic. One highly-rated review also pointed out the guide was friendly and the tour was enjoyable and informative, which you can usually take as a sign that you’ll get more than just directions. You’ll likely get context that makes the scenery click.

Now for the consideration: the schedule can feel tight. A review specifically said it was rather rushed at each stop. So if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to linger, you may want to treat this as a “see the highlights” outing, not a slow, wander-all-day experience.

Who it suits best:

• First-time Madeira visitors who want valley views plus a village stop
• People who appreciate guided interpretation at viewpoints
• Travelers who prefer small groups and easy logistics

Who should think twice:

• People with mobility impairments. The tour is not suitable.
• Pregnant women. The tour is not suitable.
• Anyone who hates short time at each location and wants long, unstructured breaks.

Price and Value at Around $29, What You Get For Your Time

At roughly $29 per person, this tour is positioned as good value for what you’re buying. You get transport between three locations, a live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

What you are not buying:

• Food and drinks (they’re not included)
• Entrance fees, unless the program mentions them, and the details provided do not confirm any

So the real comparison is not just price. It’s convenience. If you tried to DIY three viewpoint stops plus village time on your own, you’d spend time figuring out routes, timing, and parking. This tour packages that work into a single half-day block.

Also, consider your opportunity cost. If you’re only in Funchal for a day or two, spending 3.5 hours on two height viewpoints and one valley village can be a strong use of time. You don’t need to choose between views and a cultural stop, because the itinerary includes both.

Practical Notes For A Rain Or Shine View Day

This tour runs rain or shine, so you’re not going to get the classic “weather cancelled” relief. That means you should plan for changing conditions, especially at higher points. Even when it’s not raining, Madeira weather can shift quickly around viewpoints.

Two practical ways to make this easier:

• Treat your arrival time at each viewpoint like a short window. If clouds clear, you’ll want to move fast for photos.
• Keep your priorities straight. Views at Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado are the main show. Village time is for the church and food tasting.

One logistics detail to know: pickup includes a driver waiting window of no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. If you’re staying in a hotel with a slow lobby exit or you tend to move slowly in the morning, plan to be ready a few minutes early so you don’t lose time.

Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if you want Madeira highlights with easy logistics, a small group feel, and a tour plan that strings together three meaningful scenes: Funchal from above at Pico dos Barcelos, the dramatic drop to Curral das Freiras at Eira do Serrado, and then a village pause for church and local tastes.

Skip it if you need lots of time at each stop. The 3.5-hour length and the three-location format mean you’ll likely feel some compression, and one review flagged that exact issue.

If your goal is to see the big viewpoints and still taste a bit of valley life, this is an efficient, good-value way to do it.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $29 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 3.5 hours.

What are the main stops on the tour?

You visit Pico dos Barcelos (355 m), Eira do Serrado (around 1094 m), and the village of Curral das Freiras.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes, this tour takes place rain or shine.

How big is the group?

The group is small, limited to 15 participants.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

Are free cancellations available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments or if pregnant?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and it is not suitable for pregnant women.