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Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour

Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Funchal, Portugal
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Experience a famous Madeira beauty spot on a small-group Nuns Valley (Curral da Freiras) trip from Funchal, Canico, and Machico. Traveling by air-conditioned minivan that keeps you cool, make the scenic journey to the village tucked into an ancient crater-like bowl between vertiginous peaks. Stop at Pico dos Barcelos to gaze over Funchal, enjoy bird’s-eye views over Nuns Valley from Eira do Serrado, and visit the history-steeped village. Hotel pickup and drop-off, and choice of departure times included.
  • Don't miss a moment as someone else transports you through the scenic countryside
  • Visit the village and learn about its history and origins of its name
  • Go beyond the guidebooks with facts and insight from your guide
  • A small group promises personalized attention

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, Canico
  • Professional guide
  • All taxes, fees, and handling charges
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Pickup from Funchal cruise port (depending on selected option)
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We will meet you directly at the hotel reception, WHERE POSSILBLE. If your accommodation is not a hotel—such as a villa or apartment , please wait outside by the main entrance. If your hotel is not on the list, please specify so pickup can be organized. Please note: Please check your email / whatsapp the day before for more precise pickup times, and locations. Pickup from All accommodation in Funchal, Camara de Lobos Village, Cabo Girao & Canico areas are included in the price. Drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Please Note we do NOT PICKUP from Machico or Santa Cruz or Cruise port or any other location outside the above ones.

Itinerary

1

Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

Miradouro Eira do Serrado

35 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Valley of the Nuns

25 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infant seats available
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.6
based on 49 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

For nature lovers

Natalia_P, Jan 2026
Exquisite nature and views (if only I would be able to see them well without rain and fog). It’s a short tour, so can be combined with something else.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Thank you. We agree that Madeira’s nature is exquisite, even when the fog adds a bit of mystery.As you noted, our shorter tours are designed to be flexible and easy to combine with other plans. We hope on your next visit the sun stays out so you can see those views in all their glory.

Simpson’s visit to Nuns vslley

Margaret_S, Nov 2025
Pick up was on time but we were the last on the bus and we sat in the front seats which were very cramped for two tall adults. The mini bus was small but well driven. The stops were good with plenty of opportunities for shopping.

Response from Host, Nov 2025

We are glad to hear that the pick-up was on time and that the minibus was well driven, which is essential for comfort on the island's roads. However, we sincerely apologize that the seating arrangement resulted in a cramped experience, particularly the front seats being very cramped for two tall adults.We will take your feedback into consideration regarding seat allocation for taller passengers when possible.

Nuns Valley

Richard_S, Sep 2025
Good Scenic trip our driver told us lots of interesting facts and historical stuff to do with the area

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Thanks for your review.We're happy to hear you enjoyed the scenic views and the interesting insights shared by your driver. Your kind words encourage us to keep delivering memorable tours.

Just the ticket if you’re looking for a shorter tour

Jeremy_N, Jul 2025
A fantastic tour with our superb guide Suzanne - loved every second and Nuns Valley is stunning. If you’re looking for a shorter tour this is the one for you. Easy to book, excellent communication, timely pick up, first class and knowledgeable guide, amazing sights and scenery - highly recommended!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

That's absolutely fantastic to hear. We're thrilled you had such a fantastic tour and that your guide, Suzanne, was superb. It's wonderful that you loved every second of it and found Nun's Valley stunning. We're so glad this tour was the perfect fit for you, offering a comprehensive experience in a shorter timeframe. Your kind words about the easy booking, excellent communication, timely pick-up, first-class and knowledgeable guide, and amazing sights and scenery are truly appreciated. Thank you for your high recommendation!

Very interesting and...

Paul_S, Mar 2025
Very interesting and entertaining tak wet weather gear as the viewpoint was showery... great few hours though

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira tour in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira island wine Tours with " Travel With Us",

Go for it! Good value and informative. Interesting to learn from your guide about the area and its history.

David_M, Jun 2024
George our guide and all the viewing points. Highly recommended. Good to learn the history which makes the tour very interesting.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Tours in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira island Tours with " Travel With Us",

Amazing Valley of the Nuns tour.

Frances_S, Apr 2024
This tour was amazing. We were picked up at our hotel and the tour guide was lovely. She explained about a lot of things on the way up and back down the mountain. At the second stop with the cafe she sat with my elderly father on the cafe balcony while I walked up to the view point. She told us interesting facts about banana trees. The views we saw were amazing and we enjoyed visiting the Valley of the Nuns village chapel. This is a great tour to do and just right for someone elderly.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Island Tours in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira island Tours with " Travel With Us",

A nice tour with a wonderful guide .

Abdulrahman_K, Apr 2024
The unbelievable sights all along the way. The tour guide Suzana was the best tour guide I have ever seen, she was very knowledgeable, pleasant and helpful.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Tours in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira island Tours with " Travel With Us",

Half day worth doing.

Monica_D, Mar 2024
Nuns Valley half day tour's guide Manuel was straight in with information on Maderia after picking up the last clients. Perfect 3.hours / 3 short stops. Amazing scenery, beautiful beautiful Nuns valley despite the weather.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Island Tours in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira Tours with " Travel With Us", Best regards,

As described, friendly, beautiful

Kenneth_H, Mar 2024
Very friendly. On time. In fact it started early as I was the last pick up and I was ready to go when they arrived. Suited me perfectly as I had an afternoon excursion booked. Minibus was comfortable and the guide friendly and answered any questions. Views are stunning as the pictures show. Perfect if you want to see multiple places in a few hours. 40 min stops along the way. Good enough for me. Can't complain.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Island Tours in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira Tours with " Travel With Us", Best regards,

Nice trip for the entire family

Dana_M, Oct 2023
Our guide was very nice gentleman, he was very patient. The tour was wonderful. We will go again, once we visit Madeira.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Island Tour in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira Island walks with " Travel With Us", Best regards, Susana

Excellent

Alicia_L, Oct 2023
Stunning! (Also noteworthy of a visit to experience the narrow and winding Madeiran roads up to Nuns Valley.)

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Tours in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira island Tours with " Travel With Us",

Beautiful views, but less than beautiful tour operator and guide

Gary_L, Oct 2023
The views and stops were nice, but we didn’t realize 3 hours included pickup and drop off times for other guests. We were the first pickup and had to wait in a hot van for a half hour or more with no communication from the driver to pick up the second guests. Then even though we were directly behind the driver his commentary wasn’t always understood and not worth asking him to constantly repeat himself. As mentioned, the stops and views were beautiful, but it could have been closer to 3 hours without including the time to make 4 or more pickup stops as advertised. Please note that I contacted the tour operator before leaving my review and they blamed Viator for the 3 hour tour time (which makes no sense) and they only made poor excuses about our half hour or more wait in the van with no air conditioning or communication from the driver. I was going to rate this three stars, but the tour operator’s response unfortunately made me lower it to two stars.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Hi We always aim to deliver a great experience, and we are gutted when we don’t meet expectations. Thanks for taking the time to bring this to our attention. We will use the feedback to make us better . Best Regards

Hidden sights

James_B, Jul 2023
Curral das Freiras is a beautiful location and this relaxing half day trip allows you to explore the area and soak in the stunning vistas. A thoroughly enjoyable excursion.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Island Tour in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira Island walks with " Travel With Us", Best regards, Susana

A great half day

carl_s, Jun 2023
I had a really nice time, the guide was friendly and spoke English and German he was very knowledgeable and guided us through Madeira. He was explaining about the local flora and fauna and we stopped at our first point, he gave clear instructions on where to go and clear on timings. Our vehicle only had 8 people so it was very personal. Our stops were long enough and the free shots of chestnut and cherry was a lovely touch. We stopped at the nuns valley had 2 slices of cake a coffee and a soft drink costing 12 euros so take some money with you they do not take card. We were not forced to buy anything and took lots of pictures. My only 1 negative was I couldn’t always hear the driver over the noise of the aircon in the minibus, but I would say it was needed and he was polite enough to repeat it once we stopped at the viewpoints. Well worth the money and would rebook again.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Island Tour in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira Island tours with " Travel With Us", Best regards, Susana

The nuns tour.

Keith_A, Apr 2023
Wonderful tour and the driver Roy was excellent with lots of information about trip, definite recommend it.

Response from Host, May 2023

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Island Tour in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira Island walks with " Travel With Us", Best regards, Susana

Great experience and VFM

Heidi_B, Nov 2021
Great value for money, interesting tour with just a few timely stops to have the freedom to explore. The guide was informative but not overbearing, and the tour was punctual

Response from Host, Nov 2021

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our Madeira Island tours So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira Tour with " Travel With Us", Best regards, Susana

Good tour

Luca_D, Jan 2019
Good tour - guide was a nice guyBeware of tourist trap restaurant/cafes (rip off drink prices, paying for toilet use etc.)

Response from Host, Oct 2021

Thank you so much for such a nice review about our Madeira Island tours So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira Tour with " Travel With Us", Best regards, Susana

This was a delightful half day into...

Glen, Nov 2017
This was a delightful half day into the hills and the beautiful Valley of the Nuns. Our guide, whose name eludes me right now, was knowledgeable and very amusing, and he enjoyed his job. That has a ripple effect. My only slight regret is that, as with many tours, there is just not quite enough time at places. You can do a lot in an extra 15 minutes especially when you are trying to get a coffee and wish to sit down to drink it. I highly recommend this trip. And locals were happy to talk to you especially over a glass of poncha!

excellent half-day trip, but note...

richard_p, Sep 2017
excellent half-day trip, but note that the final stop at a village at the bottom of the Valley Curral das Frieras is quite limited for attractions except the amazing views but nice cafe . But still a really nice trip, just dont expect too much at the village, and dont expect to see any nuns!

Edouardo is very...

Guylaine_V, Mar 2026
Edouardo is very dynamic. Relevant and interesting information. Good sense of humor! Excellent driver!
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Response from Host, Mar 2026

Merci beaucoup pour ce retour enthousiaste sur votre expérience avec Edouardo. Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié son dynamisme, son humour et la pertinence de ses explications. La sécurité étant notre priorité, nous sommes fiers de lire vos compliments sur sa conduite. Nous ne manquerons pas de lui transmettre vos gentils mots et espérons vous revoir très bientôt pour une nouvelle découverte de l'île

Worthwhile half-day tour

andreawolff, Feb 2026
Punctual pickup by the driver, who was also an excellent guide. He knew a lot about Madeira and the destination, drew our attention to several plants along the way, each of which he seemed to know. All in all, a highly recommended tour.
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Response from Host, Feb 2026

Es freut uns sehr, dass Sie einen informativen Tag hatten und die botanischen Kenntnisse Ihres Guides sowie unsere Pünktlichkeit schätzen konnten. Madeira hat eine so reiche Pflanzenwelt – schön, dass wir Ihnen diese näherbringen durften! Wir geben Ihr Lob gerne an das Team weiter und hoffen, Sie bald wieder bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen

Nice luck!

Marianne_K, Dec 2025
Everything worked perfectly. Good driver and guide and everything at a perfect pace. Plenty of time at each location.
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Response from Host, Dec 2025

Tusen tack för den fina recensionen. Vi är jätteglada att du uppskattade tempot på turen och att du fick gott om tid att utforska varje plats. Vi ska hälsa chauffören/guiden att du var nöjd. Hoppas vi ses igen på Madeira

Magic

Helene_G, Jun 2025
Cristian is a very friendly and attentive guide. The landscape is breathtaking. We are delighted with this excursion.
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Response from Host, Jul 2025

Merci beaucoup pour votre retour. Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié l’excursion et que Cristian ait contribué à rendre cette journée encore plus agréable. À bientôt pour une nouvelle découverte à Madère

Safari

Marianne_H, Sep 2023
Ich habe mir beim Buchen der Safari bestimmt nicht richtig die Beschreibung durchgelesen. Ich habe nicht erwartet, dass wir nur von Aussichtspunkt zu Aussichtspunkt fahren und dort Zrit zum Schauen haben. Im Auto wurde viel erläutert.

Super schöne Tour mit sehr guten Reiseleiter

Eckard_S, Apr 2023
Landschaft und Tour und sehr guter Reiseleiter und super Blumen . Kann ich nur empfehlen, genau wie den Wein

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our madeira Island Tour in Madeira So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira Island walks with " Travel With Us", Best regards, Susana

Guter Ausflug, alles bestens gelaufen.

Renate_R, Feb 2020
Fahrt wie beschrieben im Minivan mit ein paar anderen Gästen (insgesamt 7 Personen), pünktlich abgeholt und zurückgebracht. Sicherer und umsichtiger Fahrer. Kann man nur weiter empfehlen.

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Hi Thank you so much for such a nice review about our Madeira Island tours So good to know that you enjoyed your madeira Tour with " Travel With Us", Best regards, Susana
Likely to Sell Out

From $27.69

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up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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On average, this is booked 27 days in advance.

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