Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour from Funchal, exploring gorgeous scenery and historical sites. Visit Nuns Valley, stop at Pico dos Barcelos to take in the breath-taking views and venture into Eira do Serrado, where you can see the Nuns Valley below. This tour includes transport by an air-conditioned minibus and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Tour Options
Portuguese
Portuguese
Pickup included
English
English
Nuns Valley Dramatic Scenery: 3 Hour tour - with hotel pickup from funchal Canico
Pickup included
Itinerary
20 min
You will start your tour at Belvedere. Pico dos Barcelos has an observation point on the edge of Funchal, it is 355m (1165 ft). There’s a magnificent view across Funchal from the top of the viewpoint, at which you will stop for about 15 minutes.
35 min
You will then head to Eira do Serrado, overlooking “Curral das Freiras” a horse shoe shaped valley far below. The Views have three sheer sides that cut into the serrated peaks of Madeira. Here, Madeira’s highest mountain was mistakenly believed to have been a volcanic crater. It is now known that its dramatic geographical shape was created by the river itself. From there, you can admire the tiny terraced fields which grow wine, fruit and vegetables and the slopes far below with sweet chestnut trees. You will stop there for around 30 minutes.
25 min
Next, you will venture forth to the Village of Nuns Valley - Curral das Freiras. The valley is situated in a huge natural amphitheater, surrounded by some of Madeira’s highest peaks. The village was founded in the 16th century by the nuns of the convent of “Santa Clara” in Funchal, from where the nuns fled from pirate attacks in 1566. The center of the village is situated on a small rise in the middle of the valley. You will stop there for about 30 minutes
Highlights
Professional guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
All taxes, fees, and handling charges
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, Canico
What's included
Included
Professional guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
All taxes, fees, and handling charges
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, Canico
Not included
Pickup from Funchal cruise port (depending on selected option)
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
We will meet you directly at the hotel reception, WHERE POSSILBLE.
If your accommodation is not a hotel—such as a villa or apartment , please wait outside by the main entrance.
If your hotel is not on the list, please specify so pickup can be organized.
Please note: Please check your email / whatsapp the day before for more precise pickup times, and locations.
Pickup from All accommodation in Funchal, Camara de Lobos Village, Cabo Girao & Canico areas are included in the price.
Drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.
Please Note we do NOT PICKUP from Machico or Santa Cruz or Cruise port or any other location outside the above ones.
Traveller Ratings
4.6
56 reviews
5
45
4
5
3
2
2
3
1
1
Important Information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Frequently asked questions
How long does Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour take?
Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour lasts about 3 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour cost?
Prices start at $27 per person for this Funchal experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We will meet you directly at the hotel reception, WHERE POSSILBLE.
If your accommodation is not a hotel—such as a villa or apartment , please wait outside by the main entrance.
If your hotel is not on the list, please specify so pickup can be organized.
Please note: Please check your email / whatsapp the day before for more precise pickup times, and locations.
Pickup from All accommodation in Funchal, Camara de Lobos Village, Cabo Girao & Canico areas are included in the price.
Drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.
Please Note we do NOT PICKUP from Machico or Santa Cruz or Cruise port or any other location outside the above ones.
Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyGgtEMkTatKi01mltu61w8w=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyB1SrZS6y2kCiLklk6hyVQg=.
What languages is Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour offered in?
The experience is available in PT, EN, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 18 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available Children must be accompanied by an adult
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(56)
D
David_W
August 26, 2026
Great views unpleasant driver
The viewpoint over nuns valley is stunning as is the village itself.
I was disappointed with the driver and guide who was rude on 3 occasions. Most notably on 1 occasion for simply asking if he could turn up the AC as it was very warm where I was berated in front of other travellers for not saying please and not having manners…. But I actually did say please which was the thing that cheeses me off.
Anyway views were great but if you book with this company and have a driver roll up by the name of Albino then be warned and clearly speak when saying please and thank you!
Operator response
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are deeply saddened to read about your interactions with Albino, as providing a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere is our highest priority. No guest should ever be made to feel uncomfortable or disrespected for asking for basic comfort like air conditioning. We are reviewing this incident internally to ensure our standards of service are strictly upheld. We sincerely apologize for the stress this caused during your day on the island
S
Sian W
July 20, 2026
Half day discovering inland treasures.
Great little excursion to Nuns' Valley with a small group of seven people. Our guide was fantastic - knowledgeable, entertaining, funny and - thankfully - a careful and considerate driver.
We stopped at three viewpoints and had time to wander around and take photos.
This excursion lasts three hours so it's not a long, taxing day out but a lovely introduction to the charms of these inland treasures.
Operator response
Thank you for the fantastic review. We're so glad our half-day Nuns' Valley tour offered the perfect, bite-sized introduction to Madeira's stunning interior. Small group sizes and safe, entertaining guides are what we strive for, and we'll be sure to pass your kind words along to your driver. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon.
S
SG1bbons
July 14, 2026
Interesting and good value.
Really friendly, very informative and not at all rushed. Plenty of time at stopping points and we had the choice of either visiting Camara de Lobos or the Skywalk. We had visited Camara de Lobos before so chose the Skywalk.
Pick up from the hotel was on time and the driver kindly dropped us in town for lunch on the return.
Private use for two of us in a well presented and fairly new Mercedes. Cost was 75€ for the half day tour (not including the Skywalk which was 5€ each), and I think that was pretty reasonable.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing such a detailed review! It is great to hear that you had a comfortable, unrushed experience and that the flexibility allowed you to tailor the day to the Skywalk since you had already seen Câmara de Lobos.
We always want our private tours to feel seamless, so it is wonderful that the hotel pickup was on time and that your driver was happy to drop you off in town for lunch.
S
Silvia_H
June 13, 2026
Hair raising turns...
Hair raising turns through the mountain to reach the view point for Nun's Valley. Glad I had taken my gravol. The view is spectacular once you reach the top. Unbelievable that a village can be found in such a deep valley. The tunnel to reach the village is just over 2 kilometers long. Quaint village.
Operator response
thank you for the review
P
Paul_M
May 12, 2026
Outstanding
Really enjoyable half day trip. Manuel the courier was very good giving all sorts of information via commentary. The views from the nuns valley are spectacular.
Operator response
It is wonderful to hear that your trip to the Nuns Valley was so enjoyable. We are thrilled that Manuel’s commentary provided such great insight and that you were able to take in those truly spectacular views. It really is a special corner of the island to explore.
E
Ewelina_L
May 12, 2026
Highly recommend the...
Highly recommend the trip. Manuel is a very good driver. Views were stunning. The weather was great. Thank you very much.
Operator response
It is wonderful to hear that you had such a fantastic experience. We are thrilled that the weather cooperated and that Manuel’s expert driving allowed you to relax and soak in those stunning views. Thank you for your kind words and for choosing to explore the island with us.
R
ruthbP6623BT
April 24, 2026
Great Tour!
My husband was up for doing a half day tour and this was one of the only options so we went for it. Manuel, our tour guide was incredible, very knowledgeable and a very safe driver. I was concerned for my husband who gets car sick and is not a fan of driving at high heights but Manuel took his time and knew the roads well. The best part was Eira do Serrado; stunning views even though we had quite a cloudy afternoon. We got given enough time at each of the stops and overall, thoroughly enjoyed our experience! Would highly recommend if you’re looking for something to do that doesn’t take up your whole day.
Operator response
It is great to hear that Manuel made the half day tour so comfortable for you both. We are pleased his careful driving helped your husband feel safe on the mountain roads. Eira do Serrado offers beautiful views even on cloudy days and we are glad you had enough time to enjoy each stop. Thank you for the recommendation and for choosing us for your island exploration. We hope to see you again.
G
Guylaine_V
March 18, 2026
Edouardo is very...
Edouardo is very dynamic. Relevant and interesting information.
Good sense of humor!
Excellent driver!
Operator response
Merci beaucoup pour ce retour enthousiaste sur votre expérience avec Edouardo. Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié son dynamisme, son humour et la pertinence de ses explications. La sécurité étant notre priorité, nous sommes fiers de lire vos compliments sur sa conduite. Nous ne manquerons pas de lui transmettre vos gentils mots et espérons vous revoir très bientôt pour une nouvelle découverte de l'île
A
andreawolff
February 26, 2026
Worthwhile half-day tour
Punctual pickup by the driver, who was also an excellent guide. He knew a lot about Madeira and the destination, drew our attention to several plants along the way, each of which he seemed to know. All in all, a highly recommended tour.
Operator response
Es freut uns sehr, dass Sie einen informativen Tag hatten und die botanischen Kenntnisse Ihres Guides sowie unsere Pünktlichkeit schätzen konnten. Madeira hat eine so reiche Pflanzenwelt – schön, dass wir Ihnen diese näherbringen durften! Wir geben Ihr Lob gerne an das Team weiter und hoffen, Sie bald wieder bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen
N
Natalia_P
January 5, 2026
For nature lovers
Exquisite nature and views (if only I would be able to see them well without rain and fog). It’s a short tour, so can be combined with something else.
Operator response
Thank you. We agree that Madeira’s nature is exquisite, even when the fog adds a bit of mystery.As you noted, our shorter tours are designed to be flexible and easy to combine with other plans. We hope on your next visit the sun stays out so you can see those views in all their glory.
