From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

Madeira’s toboggan ride is the whole point. I like the way this tour stacks the toboggan ride early, so you’re more likely to enjoy it before the big rush, then heads to Nuns Valley viewpoints with wide-open views from high above Funchal. One possible drawback: the roads are steep and twisty, so if you’re sensitive to motion, plan to take it easy.

You’ll mix classic Madeira stops with real texture, not just scenery. Monte is more than a postcard town here—you visit the church tied to Emperor Charles I of Austria, then ride the old route down to Livramento, where the sledge action ends and the sleds get hauled back up. It’s a compact 4-hour format, so you’ll see a lot, but there’s less time to wander on your own.

If you want a half-day that feels like Madeira in one shot—adventure, viewpoints, and a local food-and-drink moment—this is a strong choice.

Key highlights at a glance

• Early toboggan timing: the itinerary is built to help you reach the ride before the worst of the queues.
• A 2-kilometer downhill on the old road: expect a proper, seated toboggan-style ride with drivers in charge.
• 360-degree viewpoint time: Eira do Serrado gives you big island views and a natural setting with chestnut and eucalyptus.
• Curral das Freiras: lava rock and the nuns’ story: the valley’s isolation is part of the appeal.
• Liquor tasting included: you get to try local liqueurs with your village stop.
• Two major outlooks: plus a final viewpoint at Pico dos Barcelos on the way back.

Monte, Toboggans, and the Best Views: How the Day Flows

This tour has a simple winning idea: start with the most fun, then let the rest of the morning build momentum. You leave Funchal for Monte, one of Madeira’s older tourist bases, and you’ll quickly feel how the island changes as altitude climbs. Roads tighten, the air seems fresher, and the views start popping up before you’ve even had your first stop.

My favorite part is the flow between places that feel connected. Monte is not just a place to pose; you visit the church where the remains of Emperor Charles I of Austria are found. Then you’re out on Madeira’s famous downhill tradition: the toboggan ride that’s been running for years along the old route of Livramento. By the time you’re back on a vehicle, you’re ready for the high viewpoint at Eira do Serrado and the valley stop that follows.

The one thing to prepare for

You’ll be on the go. Even though it’s only around 4 hours, you’re moving between viewpoints and villages with short photo stops and built-in timing. Bring water and a jacket, because you can feel the temperature shift as you go higher, and you’ll want something comfortable for the open-air moments.

Getting to the Toboggan Ride First (and Why It Matters)

The toboggan ride is the headline here, and the tour structure reflects that. The plan is designed to get you to Monte early enough that queues are smaller. In real-world touring, that single detail can make a huge difference: you spend more time actually riding, and less time standing around watching other people go first.

The ride itself is on one of Madeira’s oldest transportation traditions. You’ll head to the starting area, take a toboggan-style ride down the old road of Livramento—about 2 kilometers—and then the bus picks you up at the bottom. That’s a key detail: the experience doesn’t end with you walking back uphill. You’ll finish at the loading zone where the men (carreiros) handle the sleds, returning them by truck so the next group can go.

Safety and the pace

Downhill fun can make people nervous. The good news is that the ride is driven by the carreiros who control the baskets on the slope. In practice, it tends to feel like controlled adventure rather than chaos—especially because the tour timing reduces crowding at the start.

If you’re planning around weather, note this: on rainy days, baskets of three may not go down. If your group is a third person sharing one basket, there may be an additional cost for that extra seat option. It’s rare to be comfortable with “rain backup plans,” but it’s worth knowing ahead of time so you don’t feel blindsided.

Monte’s Church Visit and the Emperor Charles I Connection

Before you go downhill, you’ll spend time in Monte. The standout cultural stop is the church where the remains of Emperor Charles I of Austria are found. This is one of those Madeira moments where the island’s story connects to Europe’s old empires.

Even if you’re not a museum person, this stop gives the day depth. Monte isn’t only about views; it’s about layers—religion, European history, and the way Madeira became a stop for travelers over time. It’s also the kind of visit that works well in a short tour, because it’s meaningful without asking you to lose an entire morning reading plaques.

What to watch for

You’ll likely have minimal time here, so go in with a simple plan: take a quick look, absorb the setting, and then shift your attention back to the adventure ahead. This day moves fast on purpose.

Eira do Serrado: Chestnut Trees, Eucalyptus, and Big Island Views

After Monte and the ride, the tour shifts upward again. You’ll go to Eira do Serrado, a viewpoint at 1,094 meters above sea level. This isn’t just a single photo spot; it’s a natural viewpoint with surrounding chestnut trees and eucalyptus plants, and it feels like the landscape is holding the island in a wide-angle frame.

The viewpoint is especially valuable because it connects you to what comes next. From here, you can look across toward the Nuns Valley. You can also see the shape of Madeira’s terrain—how the island rises quickly and how valleys can feel tucked away behind rock and ridges.

There’s another detail I like: you can still spot ancient footpaths that locals and visitors use, and you may notice evidence of the narrow roads and tunnels that connect mountain areas. That’s the difference between a viewpoint that’s just a platform and one that actually explains the island’s geography.

Practical note for photos

Bring your phone/camera habits with you. The best shots tend to be in the open areas where the air is clearer, and the tour schedule gives you free time at the viewpoint. Use that window for the 360-style perspective moments rather than trying to squeeze photos during bus stops.

Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley): Lava Rock, Pirate Fears, and Liquor Tasting

Next comes the most unique stop on the day: Curral das Freiras, often called Nuns Valley. It’s isolated by lava rock, and the geography is part of the story. The name comes from nuns who once lived in the valley after they fled pirate attacks during the 16th century.

One important clarification: there isn’t a convent here now. You’ll hear about the “nuns” in the valley, but the village has a nun house rather than a convent. That keeps the place grounded and specific, not like a staged tourist attraction.

This is also your culture-and-flavor moment. You’ll stop in the village and enjoy a tasting of local liquors included with the tour. You can also try traditional chestnut cake and pastries found only in the region—but those treats are not included in the price. The tasting is the built-in “yes, try it” moment; desserts are the “if you want it, buy it” option.

The 200-year-old nun house entrance (small but optional)

If you want to go a step deeper, there’s an entrance fee to the 200-year-old nun’s house—€1.00. It’s inexpensive, but it still counts as an add-on. If you love small historical details and you don’t mind spending a little time inside, it’s worth it.

Timing and how to use it

Your village time is best used like this: take a slow look first (lava rock + valley views), then do the included tasting, and then—if you want—browse for sweets. Since snacks like coffee or tea aren’t included, decide early whether you’ll be satisfied with liquor tasting only, or if you want to budget a little extra for a pastry or drink.

Pico dos Barcelos Lookout: A Final View on the Way Back

On the return to Funchal, you’ll stop at Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint at 355 meters. This is a “last look” stop, not a long outing. Still, it’s a helpful piece of the puzzle, because it adds another angle on Madeira and the coastline feeling that builds as you descend.

The tour’s return sequence works well because you’re not just driving back tired—you’re still collecting meaningful viewpoints. It also helps if you plan dinner after. You’ll arrive back in Funchal with energy left for food plans, instead of feeling like the day ended with a stressful slog.

Price and Value: What $47 Really Buys You

This is priced around $47 per person for a roughly 4-hour experience. For that money, you’re getting more than a bus ride.

What you’re paying for:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (including a set of pickup locations across the Funchal area)
• A guided tour
• The toboggan ride
• Free liquor tasting in the Nuns Valley village

What you’ll likely pay extra for:

• Traditional chestnut cake and pastries (not included)
• Coffee/tea and other snacks (not included)
• The optional €1.00 entrance to the 200-year-old nun’s house
• Any request to start from the cruise terminal instead of the designated cruise meeting point (there can be an additional fee in that scenario)

So the value logic is simple: the big paid activity here (the downhill ride) is already in the price, and you also get a cultural stop plus an included tasting. That’s a lot to pack into one morning without turning it into a long day.

Solo travelers and rainy-day seat issues

If you’re traveling as a single person, there’s a special note: there may be an additional €10.00 for the toboggan ride, because a single person can occupy two places when pairing isn’t possible. Also, rainy-day seating rules can change for baskets of three, which may involve an extra cost. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they are the kind of details that matter when you’re deciding whether to book.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Rethink It)

I think this tour is perfect if you want a half-day that hits three targets:

1) Something fun you can’t do anywhere else (the toboggan downhill),

2) Viewpoints that explain Madeira’s terrain (Eira do Serrado, plus final outlooks),

3) A local flavor moment (liquor tasting and the chance to try chestnut pastries).

You might rethink it if you:

• Prefer unhurried sightseeing and long time to linger at each stop.
• Get motion sensitive on curvy mountain roads.
• Are traveling during rain and you’re counting on a specific shared basket arrangement.

It’s also a smart fit for families who can handle the ride and the walking between stops. If you’re bringing kids, there’s a note that children under 3 can ride on a parent’s lap, but there are no discounts for children at the attraction.

Should You Book This Monte and Nuns Valley Experience?

If you’re short on time in Madeira and you want your morning to feel like Madeira—adventure plus viewpoints plus a local drink—book it. The early-to-toboggan design is a practical advantage, and the included liquor tasting helps you get a taste of the valley that goes beyond photos.

I’d only hesitate if you hate twisty drives, want maximum free time at one location, or you’re traveling in conditions where rain could affect shared seating. If none of those apply, this is a strong value way to spend a half-day on the island.

FAQ

How long is the tour from start to finish?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What is included in the price?

You get a guided tour, the toboggan (sledge) ride, hotel pickup and drop-off, and free liquor tasting in the Nuns Valley village.

Is food included?

Snacks, cakes, and drinks like coffee or tea are not included. You can try traditional chestnut cake and pastries in the village, but you’ll pay for those separately.

Do I have to pay extra to visit the 200-year-old nun’s house?

Yes. Entrance to the 200-year-old nun’s house costs €1.00.

Are pickup and drop-off included for my hotel?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with pickup and drop-off options across the Funchal area.

Where do cruise ship passengers meet?

Cruiseliner guests are picked up from the meeting point at the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum. The company does not pick up in front of the cruise terminal for shared tours.

Is there an extra cost if I’m traveling alone?

Yes. Bookings for one person can have an additional €10.00 for the toboggan ride due to seating/space rules.

What should I bring?

Bring water and a jacket.