Madeira: Valley of the Nuns Day Trip & Câmara de Lobos Stop

Summary

Chestnuts, winding roads and Poncha in Madeira’s wild valleys

You’ll wind through Madeira’s wildest mountains to reach Eira do Serrado for sweeping valley views, taste fresh chestnut cakes in Curral das Freiras village, and end your day sipping Poncha by the sea at Câmara de Lobos—all with hotel pickup and a local guide who knows every twist in the road.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the road up to Eira do Serrado to feel quite so dramatic—one minute we were weaving past tiled houses and hydrangeas, then suddenly it was just cliffs and clouds. Our guide, Ana, pointed out a hawk circling over the valley (“He’s always here,” she said, like he was part of the crew). The air smelled sharp, almost cold even though it was June. Standing at the viewpoint, I tried to take a photo but honestly? The way Curral das Freiras sits tucked between those mountains… my phone just couldn’t get it right. You have to see it with your own eyes.

The drive down into Nuns Valley took about twenty minutes—felt longer with all those switchbacks (I might’ve gripped my seat once or twice). In the village itself, everything slowed down. Old men chatted outside a café; someone waved from a garden patch full of beans and what looked like chestnut trees. Ana handed us little cakes made from local chestnuts—warm, kind of earthy-sweet. I’m not usually big on desserts but I still think about that flavor sometimes. It’s funny how something simple can stick with you.

On the way back we stopped in Câmara de Lobos. The harbor was noisy with fishermen mending nets and kids chasing each other along the quay. Ana ordered Poncha for us—she showed me how to say “saúde” before we drank (I mangled it; she laughed). The drink burned a bit going down but tasted like honey and lemons at the same time. Churchill apparently painted here but honestly I was too busy watching boats bobbing in the sun to think about art history. That salty air mixed with citrus is still stuck in my jacket.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit viewpoints and local villages

• Go to Eira do Serrado viewpoint
• Explore Curral das Freiras valley
• Visit Câmara de Lobos fishing village
• Try local drink Poncha

Top questions

How long does it take to reach Nuns Valley from Funchal?

The drive from Funchal to Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) takes about 20 minutes after reaching Eira do Serrado.

Is hotel pickup included for this Madeira day trip?

Yes, free hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Funchal.

What food is special in Curral das Freiras?

The village is known for its local chestnuts, used in cakes and everyday cooking.

Will we visit Câmara de Lobos on this tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Câmara de Lobos where you can try Poncha and see the fishing harbor.

Are guides multilingual on this Valley of the Nuns tour?

The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide depending on group needs.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal, all taxes and entry fees covered, plus time with a professional local guide who’ll share stories along every curve—from mountain viewpoints to chestnut treats and Poncha tasting before heading back home.