Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 56 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour worth booking?
Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour is a 3-hour experience in Funchal, Portugal, from $28 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 56 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (56)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $28 per person
Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour from Funchal, exploring gorgeous scenery and historical sites. Visit Nuns Valley, stop at Pico dos Barcelos to take in the breath-taking views and venture into Eira do Serrado, where you can se
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour from Funchal, exploring gorgeous scenery and historical sites. Visit Nuns Valley, stop at Pico dos Barcelos to take in the breath-taking views and venture into Eira do Serrado, where you can see the Nuns Valley below. This tour includes transport by an air-conditioned minibus and hotel pickup and drop-off.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, Canico
Not included
- Pickup from Funchal cruise port (depending on selected option)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos
You will start your tour at Belvedere. Pico dos Barcelos has an observation point on the edge of Funchal, it is 355m (1165 ft). There’s a magnificent view across Funchal from the top of the viewpoint, at which you will stop for about 15 minutes.
20 minutes here
Miradouro Eira do Serrado
You will then head to Eira do Serrado, overlooking “Curral das Freiras” a horse shoe shaped valley far below. The Views have three sheer sides that cut into the serrated peaks of Madeira. Here, Madeira’s highest mountain was mistakenly believed to have been a volcanic crater. It is now known that its dramatic geographical shape was created by the river itself. From there, you can admire the tiny terraced fields which grow wine, fruit and vegetables and the slopes far below with sweet chestnut trees. You will stop there for around 30 minutes.
35 minutes here
Valley of the Nuns
Next, you will venture forth to the Village of Nuns Valley - Curral das Freiras. The valley is situated in a huge natural amphitheater, surrounded by some of Madeira’s highest peaks. The village was founded in the 16th century by the nuns of the convent of “Santa Clara” in Funchal, from where the nuns fled from pirate attacks in 1566. The center of the village is situated on a small rise in the middle of the valley. You will stop there for about 30 minutes
25 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
English
English Nuns Valley Dramatic Scenery: 3 Hour tour - with hotel pickup from funchal Canico Pickup included
Portuguese
Portuguese Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Madeira Island Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 56 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
8 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
56 verified traveler reviews for Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great views unpleasant driver
The viewpoint over nuns valley is stunning as is the village itself. I was disappointed with the driver and guide who was rude on 3 occasions. Most notably on 1 occasion for simply asking if he could turn up the AC as it was very warm where I was berated in front of other travellers for not saying please and not having manners…. But I actually did say please which was the thing that cheeses me off. Anyway views were great but if you book with this company and have a driver roll up by the name of Albino then be warned and clearly speak when saying please and thank you!
Response from the operator: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are deeply saddened to read about your interactions with Albino, as providing a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere is our highest priority. No guest should ever be made to feel uncomfortable or disrespected for asking for basic comfort like air conditioning. We are reviewing this incident internally to ensure our standards of service are strictly upheld. We sincerely apologize for the stress this caused during your day on the island
via Viator
Half day discovering inland treasures.
Great little excursion to Nuns' Valley with a small group of seven people. Our guide was fantastic - knowledgeable, entertaining, funny and - thankfully - a careful and considerate driver. We stopped at three viewpoints and had time to wander around and take photos. This excursion lasts three hours so it's not a long, taxing day out but a lovely introduction to the charms of these inland treasures.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the fantastic review. We're so glad our half-day Nuns' Valley tour offered the perfect, bite-sized introduction to Madeira's stunning interior. Small group sizes and safe, entertaining guides are what we strive for, and we'll be sure to pass your kind words along to your driver. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
Interesting and good value.
Really friendly, very informative and not at all rushed. Plenty of time at stopping points and we had the choice of either visiting Camara de Lobos or the Skywalk. We had visited Camara de Lobos before so chose the Skywalk. Pick up from the hotel was on time and the driver kindly dropped us in town for lunch on the return. Private use for two of us in a well presented and fairly new Mercedes. Cost was 75€ for the half day tour (not including the Skywalk which was 5€ each), and I think that was pretty reasonable.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such a detailed review! It is great to hear that you had a comfortable, unrushed experience and that the flexibility allowed you to tailor the day to the Skywalk since you had already seen Câmara de Lobos. We always want our private tours to feel seamless, so it is wonderful that the hotel pickup was on time and that your driver was happy to drop you off in town for lunch.
via Tripadvisor
Hair raising turns...
Hair raising turns through the mountain to reach the view point for Nun's Valley. Glad I had taken my gravol. The view is spectacular once you reach the top. Unbelievable that a village can be found in such a deep valley. The tunnel to reach the village is just over 2 kilometers long. Quaint village.
Response from the operator: thank you for the review
via Viator
Outstanding
Really enjoyable half day trip. Manuel the courier was very good giving all sorts of information via commentary. The views from the nuns valley are spectacular.
Response from the operator: It is wonderful to hear that your trip to the Nuns Valley was so enjoyable. We are thrilled that Manuel’s commentary provided such great insight and that you were able to take in those truly spectacular views. It really is a special corner of the island to explore.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Funchal.
How much does Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $28 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Funchal usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour take?
+
Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Funchal is not rushed.
Is Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 56 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Funchal, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour?
+
Around 20 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Funchal can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Funchal and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Funchal within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Funchal?
+
On Outty we rank every Funchal experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Jeep Tour Amazing West to Natural Pools -Full-Day, Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cliff Skywalk in Open Roof 4X4, West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Funchal?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Funchal?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour.
Pick your date
