A climb in tiny vehicle, big views. This Funchal to Nun’s Valley by tuk tuk route turns Madeira’s interior into a short, doable outing, with a high viewpoint first and a remote valley stop second. I love the chance to stand over the clouds when conditions cooperate, and I especially like the way the guide connects the scenery to the story of Curral das Freiras. One thing to keep in mind: it’s a 3-hour ride with limited time in the valley, so if you want long hikes or slow wandering, you may feel a bit rushed.

The viewpoints are the real payoff. At about 1,094 metres, Eira do Serrado gives you a clear look down over the parish of Curral das Freiras, and you’ll also notice how the island’s vegetation changes as you move from town altitude into mountain air. The valley itself is remote for a reason—surrounded by steep peaks—and that isolation helps the place feel like a different world, not just another stop on a loop.

The main drawback is practical. You’re riding in a tuk tuk, so comfort and space depend on your group and your body comfort for the ride. Also, drinks and cakes aren’t included, so if you want refreshments or the chestnut treats, plan on paying extra.

Why Eira do Serrado and Curral das Freiras Works So Well

This tour is built around two things most people come to Madeira for: height and contrast. You start above Funchal’s bustle, then go down into a valley shaped by cliffs and peaks. That swap—from exposed mountain viewpoint to protected interior valley—makes the whole experience feel fuller in just 3 hours.

It’s also a smart way to see Curral das Freiras without doing the whole logistics puzzle yourself. With hotel or cruise ship pickup, plus photo stops and an English-speaking guide, you spend your energy on looking up, not navigating.

And the human part matters too. Guides here aren’t just reciting facts. When Andrea or Carla is at the wheel, the storytelling style is what you’ll remember—lots of anecdotes, good English, and helpful local tips (including what to eat once you’re back in Funchal).

What Happens on Tour (Step by Step)

Depart Funchal and head to the first viewpoint (around 1,094 m)

You’ll start in Funchal, then climb to the Eira do Serrado viewpoint at roughly 1,094 metres. From here, the view over Curral das Freiras is the centerpiece—when the clouds are low enough, you can literally look down and feel like you’re up in the sky.

Why this works: that viewpoint gives you instant orientation. Even if you don’t know Madeira geography, you can understand the valley immediately: steep mountains rise fast, and the parish sits in a pocket below.

What to watch for: cloud height is everything. If the day is clear, you’ll get the clean view. If clouds are thick, the scenery may be more misty than panoramic. Either way, the atmosphere still makes the valley feel isolated and special.

Down into Curral das Freiras valley, with a 30-minute explore stop

After the viewpoint, the tour drops you down to the Nun’s Valley, the remote parish of Curral das Freiras. This is where the story turns from scenery to survival.

You’ll have about 30 minutes to explore. In that time, you can take in:

• A 19th century church, tied to the valley’s later history
• The chance to try famous chestnut bread (you’ll be paying for this separately, since drinks and cakes aren’t included)

Why 30 minutes is the right amount for many people: it’s enough time to walk a bit, photograph the valley, and sample something local, without forcing you to commit to a long hike. If your day in Madeira is already packed, this is a good way to add depth.

A note for your expectations: 30 minutes means you should move with purpose. Decide early where you want photos, then use the rest of your time for the church area and chestnut bread.

Return to Funchal and finish the tour

Once you’ve wrapped up the valley stop, the tour heads back toward Funchal, where it ends. The pacing here is designed for people who want a mountain hit without spending the entire day on transport.

The Nun’s Valley Story You’ll Hear While You Look

Curral das Freiras isn’t a valley you stumble on by accident. It’s geographically isolated, boxed in by cliffs and peaks. That isolation is part of why the history matters.

In 1566, nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled pirates attacking Funchal. They came to this remote place to find seclusion, and they also brought the convent treasure. Hearing that while you’re looking at a valley surrounded by towering terrain makes the whole thing click. This isn’t just a pretty view. It’s a survival setting that shaped the community.

In practical terms, this kind of context turns “another viewpoint” into “a place with a reason to exist.” And that’s the difference between a quick drive and a memorable tour.

Vegetation Changes Are Part of the Show

One of the tour highlights is the variety of vegetation you’ll see across a small island. That matters more than it sounds. As you climb and descend, you’re not just changing altitude—you’re seeing different growing zones and a different feel to the air.

Even if you don’t know plant names, you can usually spot the shift: mountain greenery looks and behaves differently than what you see near the city. For photographers, it gives you variety in a short time window. For everyone else, it prevents the tour from feeling like one long, identical scenery segment.

Pickup, Meeting Points, and How to Avoid Hassle

This is set up to be easy.

Hotel pickup and drop-off

You can get pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. Plan to wait outside the hotel reception for the driver.

Cruise ship pickup: terminal port charge applies

If you’re on a cruise and need pickup from the cruise ship terminal, there’s a €5 per tuk tuk port charge paid directly to the local supplier. You’ll also meet at the terminal, not at some random spot downtown.

Why this matters: cruise days can get tight. The simpler your meet-up plan, the less time you’ll burn searching.

Where you might need to think ahead

Free pick-ups outside the city centre aren’t included. If your accommodation is farther out, double-check what “pickup included” means for your exact location.

Price: Is $70 Worth It for a 3-Hour Tuk-Tuk Tour?

At $70 per person for a 3-hour outing, you’re mostly paying for four things:

• Transport between Funchal, the viewpoint, and the valley
• Guided stops (including photo breaks)
• Vehicle convenience (tuk tuk style, not DIY navigation)
• Time efficiency—you get the key sights without committing to a half-day driving plan

Where you might feel the pinch: drinks and cakes aren’t included. If you want chestnut bread and a drink, budget a little extra. Also, this is not a long, slow nature day—it’s a focused route.

But for many visitors, that’s exactly the point. You get the best “wow” moments in a tight timeframe, with an English-speaking guide who can explain what you’re seeing and point out the stories hiding behind the views.

The Guide Makes a Big Difference

The tour’s reviews consistently praise the guides’ warmth and storytelling. Names that stand out are Andrea and Carla. Both come across as attentive and confident with English, and they don’t just stick to generic facts.

What I’d watch for (and choose based on): if your guide is the type who shares anecdotes and practical food or restaurant tips, you’ll get extra value beyond the driving and viewpoints. That added guidance is often what turns a short tour from “nice” into “I’ll remember this.”

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want mountain views and valley history without a big hiking commitment
• Prefer a guided plan with photo stops built in
• Like short trips that still feel meaningful (3 hours is the sweet spot for many day plans)
• Are traveling with someone who would rather ride than work for elevation

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want extended time in Curral das Freiras (you only get around 30 minutes)
• Are looking for a full-day adventure rather than a concentrated route
• Don’t do well with the tightness typical of small vehicles

A Few Practical Tips Before You Go

You’ll be climbing and descending, and you’ll also spend time looking out over a big valley. To make the most of it:

• Bring something you’re comfortable in for mountain temperatures. Even when the day starts warm, altitude can feel different.
• Have your camera ready early. The best moments at viewpoint height can be quick, especially with clouds rolling in.
• If you plan to buy chestnut bread, decide in advance so you don’t spend your whole 30 minutes hovering.

Also, note the tour has a weight cap: the maximum combined weight of passengers must not exceed 210 kg. If you’re traveling in a larger group, that’s worth keeping in mind.

Should You Book the Tuk Tuk Nun’s Valley Tour?

If you want a high-impact Madeira experience in limited time, I’d say this is worth booking. The combination of Eira do Serrado’s viewpoint (with a chance to see above the clouds), the remote valley setting, and the guided story of the nuns from the Santa Clara convent is a very strong package for $70.

Book it especially if you value convenience—pickup and drop-off, guided photo stops, and an English-speaking guide who can turn scenery into context.

Skip it if your idea of a great day is long walks, lots of free time to explore at your own pace, or if you’re sensitive to the feel of small vehicles. For everyone else: this is one of those Madeira tours that gives you exactly what you came for, without dragging the day out.

FAQ

How long is the Funchal: Valley of the Nun’s tour by tuk tuk?

It lasts 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts in Funchal and finishes back in Funchal after the valley stop.

What is the first major stop on the tour?

The first viewpoint stop is Eira do Serrado, at about 1,094 metres.

What will I see at Eira do Serrado?

You’ll get an unobstructed view over Curral das Freiras, and if clouds are low you may be able to stand above the clouds.

How much time do I have in the Nun’s Valley?

You get about 30 minutes to explore the valley area.

What can I do during the valley stop?

You can visit a 19th century church and try the famous chestnut bread.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or cruise ship are included.

Do I have to pay anything for cruise ship pickup?

Yes. If you need pickup from the cruise ship terminal, there is a €5 per tuk tuk port charge, paid directly to the local supplier.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The live tour guide provides English.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

It is not suitable for children under 3 years.

You Might Also Enjoy

Private Guided Walk Levada Caldeirao VerdePrivate Jeep Tour: Amazing West Full-Day Tour incl Natural PoolsShore Excursion – Santana & Peaks 4×4 tourFanal / Assobiadores – Levada Walk