Imagine a landscape cradled between sheer cliffs and crowned by mist-topped peaks, where each breath brings the fresh scent of eucalyptus and chestnut trees. This is the Nuns Valley, or Curral das Freiras, a hidden gem at the heart of Madeira that we invite you to explore. Our guided tour combines awe-inspiring panoramas, centuries-old traditions and captivating legends to create an experience you’ll treasure forever.
Perched at 575 metres above sea level, Pico dos Barcelos offers one of Madeira’s most celebrated viewpoints. From here you can gaze over a sweeping 180° vista that stretches from the verdant Nuns Valley to the bustling city of Funchal, all framed by the island’s central ridges. According to local lore, villagers once released homing pigeons from this very spot to announce festive celebrations and important news—echoes of their wings still seem to linger in the breeze. As you stand at the edge of the precipice, take time to admire the patchwork of ochre-coloured terraces below, once tilled by generations of farmers, set against the deep green of the mountainous backdrop.
Here, every sunrise and sunset transforms the sky into a canvas of golds and pinks, perfect for photography enthusiasts or anyone seeking a moment of tranquillity. Our guide will share fascinating tales of the place-names that dot the horizon and explain how ancient pathways linked these highlands to Madeira’s coastal settlements. It’s a fitting prologue to a day of discovery.
A short drive through winding mountain roads brings us to Eira do Serrado, standing at 1,093 metres. The name “Eira” refers to the traditional threshing floor once used to process rye and maize, harnessing the strong winds that sweep down the slopes. Today, you can still spot the stone-paved circles where villagers laboured, a tangible link to the rural life of 19th-century Madeira.
From this lofty vantage point, the Nuns Valley unfolds before you in all its splendour: the cluster of blue-roofed houses of Curral de Baixo nestled at the valley’s base, hemmed in by towering cliffs. On clear days, wisps of mist drift through the gorge, lending an almost mystical quality to the scene. Your guide will invite you to sample local treats—crunchy corn biscuits (broas de milho) and the island’s famous honey cake (bolo de mel)—each bite imbued with centuries of culinary tradition.
Eira do Serrado is more than a viewpoint; it is a living museum where every stone tells a story. As you listen, you will learn how families survived in isolation, forging a unique culture defined by resourcefulness and a deep respect for the land.
The climax of our tour is the descent into Curral das Freiras itself, a secluded valley sheathed by peaks soaring to nearly 1,900 metres. In the 16th century, a group of Benedictine nuns fled to this remote enclave to escape pirate raids along Madeira’s shores. The valley’s sheer walls formed a natural fortress—a “curral” or pen—offering them refuge from danger.
Follow narrow, hairpin-turn roads as they wind down to the valley floor, where neat terraces bloom with cabbage, potatoes and broad beans. You’ll visit the humble chapel built in 1650, still standing as a testament to the nuns’ faith and fortitude. Our guide will relay the legend of the beacons the nuns lit atop the surrounding summits to guide passing fishing boats—a poignant reminder of their yearning for home.
Wander through the village lanes to meet warm-hearted locals, many of whom are descendants of those original settlers. Listen as they recount tales of woodland foraging, chestnut harvests and the festive “fogas” (fires) that once illuminated the valley on St John’s Eve. Every corner of Curral das Freiras resonates with stories of survival and solidarity, making this more than a sightseeing trip—it is a journey into the soul of Madeira.
Embark on our Nuns Valley tour for a day of spellbinding vistas, rich history and heartwarming legends. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a history buff or simply in search of Madeira’s hidden corners, this excursion promises memories to last a lifetime. Book your adventure today and uncover the timeless magic of Curral das Freiras!
