Nuns Valley(:), Tour:Easy Walk, Unique Mountain Surround.

Nuns Valley, also known as Curral das Freiras, offers visitors a truly unique tour experience. Nestled within breathtaking mountain landscapes, this historic village has served as a refuge for nuns since 1566. The tour features an easy walk through the stunning surroundings, providing guests with panoramic views of lush valleys and steep ravines. Enjoy the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this serene destination. What secrets might this village hold? Discover them for yourself on this captivating excursion.

Key Points

• The tour offers an easy walk to the viewpoint of Eira do Serrado at 1094 meters, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Curral das Freiras village and the surrounding mountains.

• Curral das Freiras, a historic village, has served as a refuge for nuns since 1566, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich religious and cultural heritage.

• The tour includes a visit to Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint that provides a 360-degree perspective of the city of Funchal, showcasing its architecture and lush greenery.

• Travelers can explore the local cuisine influenced by sweet chestnuts, a unique aspect of the Curral das Freiras area, further enhancing the cultural experience.

• The tour combines stunning natural landscapes, such as scenic valleys and dramatic mountain surroundings, with the opportunity to learn about the region’s history and religious significance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Nuns Valley tour offers an easy walk through the unique mountain surroundings, lasting approximately 3 hours. Priced from $20.04 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to reserve in advance.

Visitors can take advantage of the "reserve now & pay later" option and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.

The tour provides a 360-degree view over Funchal city and the opportunity to explore the scenic green valleys and steep ravines, including a visit to the Curral das Freiras village surrounded by high mountains.

Experience Highlights

The Nuns Valley tour offers a 360-degree view over Funchal city, allowing visitors to take in the scenic green valleys and steep ravines.

The highlight is a visit to the picturesque village of Curral das Freiras, which has been a refuge for nuns since 1566. Guests can embark on an easy short walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Nuns Valley, providing a breathtaking panorama.

Plus, the tour presents an opportunity to explore the local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the abundant sweet chestnuts in the region.

With its stunning landscapes and cultural attractions, the Nuns Valley tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary Details

Pickup from agreed meeting points commences the Nuns Valley tour.

The first stop is at Pico dos Barcelos, offering panoramic views of Funchal.

Next, the group drives to Eira do Serrado (1094 meters altitude) for a short walk to the viewpoint.

The tour then visits Curral das Freiras, a village historically used as a refuge for nuns from pirates since 1566.

Visitors can explore the village, including its small church and local delicacies.

After approximately 45 minutes in the village, the tour returns to Funchal.

Inclusions and Restrictions

A guided tour in a mini bus is included as part of the Nuns Valley experience. The tour covers entry fees to bathroom facilities and museums.

However, there are some restrictions in place to ensure a smooth and safe tour. Guests aren’t allowed to wear high-heeled shoes, bring weapons, large bags, or be intoxicated.

Smoking, eating/drinking in the vehicle, using flash photography, littering, and having unaccompanied minors are also prohibited. These guidelines help maintain the comfort and enjoyment of all participants.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have rated the Nuns Valley tour an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 43 reviews.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and attentive guides, who provide informative commentary throughout the experience. Reviewers highlight the tour’s stunning panoramic views of Funchal city and the dramatic mountain scenery.

While occasional issues with vehicle overheating have been noted, these have been quickly resolved by moving to cooler areas.

Panoramic City Views

The Nuns Valley tour offers visitors a 360-degree panoramic vista over the picturesque city of Funchal. As the tour ascends to the viewpoint at Pico dos Barcelos, guests are rewarded with stunning views that stretch across the vibrant city and its surrounding mountains. This vantage point provides an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the charming architecture, winding streets, and lush greenery that characterize Funchal.

Viewpoint	Altitude	Notable Features
Pico dos Barcelos	–	Panoramic city views
Eira do Serrado	1094 meters	Scenic overlook of Nuns Valley
Curral das Freiras	–	Historic village nestled in high mountains

The Nuns Valley tour allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of this captivating region, while also offering breathtaking perspectives of the island’s capital city.

Scenic Green Valleys

As the tour winds its way through the lush, verdant valleys, visitors are treated to a captivating display of natural beauty.

The steep ravines and rolling hills are blanketed in vibrant greenery, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.

Highlights of this portion of the tour include:

• Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
• Opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as birds and small mammals
• Lush vegetation, including towering trees and colorful wildflowers
• Tranquil streams and cascading waterfalls that add to the natural ambiance
• Chances to take in the peaceful solitude of the untamed wilderness.

Historic Nuns’ Refuge

Curral das Freiras, the quaint village nestled deep within the Nuns Valley, has long served as a historic refuge for nuns seeking sanctuary from pirate raids.

Established in 1566, the village provided a safe haven for religious women who fled the coastal cities to escape the threat of piracy.

Today, visitors can explore the village’s small church and sample local delicacies made with sweet chestnuts, a staple crop in this isolated mountain community.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the valley’s rich history and the resilient spirit of the nuns who once called this remote location home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit Any Other Villages During the Tour?

The tour includes a visit to Curral das Freiras, a village historically used as a refuge for nuns. The itinerary doesn’t mention any other villages being visited during the tour.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour operator offers flexibility to extend the duration, but this may incur additional costs. Guests can inquire about longer tour options that visit more villages in the surrounding area during the booking process.

Do the Guides Speak Any Languages Other Than English?

The tour guides on this Nuns Valley excursion speak multiple languages, including English. They provide informative commentary in the languages required by participants to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Large Groups?

The tour provider offers discounts for larger groups, though the specific discount amount is not specified in the overview. Customers are encouraged to inquire about group pricing when booking the Nuns Valley tour.

Can We Buy Local Products at the Village?

Yes, visitors can purchase local products in Curral das Freiras village. The tour includes time to explore the village and sample traditional delicacies made with sweet chestnuts, a specialty of the region.

Recap

Nuns Valley offers a unique tour experience with an easy walk through stunning mountain surroundings. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of lush valleys and steep ravines, gaining insights into the historic village’s rich past as a refuge for nuns since 1566. This serene destination showcases the natural beauty and cultural significance of Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: