Canico Trip Overview
The Nuns Valley Tour starts of from the reception area as we make our way up to Picos dos Barcelos where we make a short stop to enjoy one of the best views over Funchal. After that, we go to Eira do Serrado viewpoint, where you can see the Nun’s Valley from the very top of the mountain.
We then make our way to Nuns Valley or Curral das Freiras, which is a small village nestled at the foot of a deep basin, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the surrounding mountains. Since Madeira is a volcanic island, this is regarded as the mouth of the volcano and hence the amazing surroundings. Once only accessible by foot (or donkey!) Nuns’ Valley can now be reached by road, although the village still remains fairly isolated.
Additional Info
* Duration: 4 hours
* Starts: Canico, Portugal
* Trip Category: Shore Excursions >> Ports of Call Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Canico, Madeira Islands, Portugal
The Nuns Valley Tour starts of from the reception area as we make our way up to Picos dos Barcelos where we make a short stop to enjoy one of the best views over Funchal. After that, we go to Eira do Serrado viewpoint, where you can see the Nun’s Valley from the very top of the mountain.
We then make our way to Nuns Valley or Curral das Freiras, which is a small village nestled at the foot of a deep basin, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the surrounding mountains. Since Madeira is a volcanic island, this is regarded as the mouth of the volcano and hence the amazing surroundings. Once only accessible by foot (or donkey!) Nuns’ Valley can now be reached by road, although the village still remains fairly isolated.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos, Estrada Comandante Camacho de Freitas, Funchal, Madeira Portugal
The Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint is approximately 355 meters above sea level. From this point there is a splendid panoramic view over Funchal bay and the city area, with the Desertas Islands in the background.
This viewingpoint was recently restructured and nowdays it includes additional green and commercial areas where local crafts and restaurants can be found and also new leisurement facilities. This area underwent substantial improvements in terms of pedestrian and automobile access
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Miradouro Eira do Serrado, Estr. da Eira do Serrado, 9030 Funchal, Portugal
Located at an elevation of 1,095 m, it offers a stunning panoramic view over the parish of Curral das Freiras.The Eira do Serrado viewpoint, located in the mountainous interior of the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, in the ‘heart’ of the island, stands at an elevation of 1,095 m.
It offers a fantastic panoramic view of the valley where the picturesque parish of Curral das Freiras lies, and the majestic mountains of the central massif that surround it. Access to the viewpoint is via a footpath that starts in Estalagem Eira do Serrado
Duration: 35 minutes
Stop At: Curral das Freiras, Curral das Freiras, Camara De Lobos, Madeira, Madeira Islands
Curral das Freiras (‘Nuns Valley’) is a small parish nestling between almost perpendicular mountains in the heart of the island. Both Eira do Serrado and Paredão viewpoints are excellent locations to contemplate the magnificent views of this parish. The huge cauldron in which Curral das Freiras is sitting was either formed by erosion, which is the more recent theory, or as many still believe, by volcanic activity.
In 1566 the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here, where they also brought the convent treasure. The parish is very isolated, and locals mainly live of what they grow. The local chestnuts are delicious and are used in everyday cooking.
Curral das Freiras was the property of a couple that sold this land to the captain of Funchal, João Gonçalves da Câmara. This captain gave the lands to his daughters when they entered the Santa Clara convent (also built by him)
Duration: 1 hour
