New Discoveries: Exploring Curral das Freiras in Madeira

Curral das Freiras in Madeira (also known as Nuns Valley) is a remote village hidden in the heart of the island, and encompassed by steep mountains. Famously, in the 1500s, a group of nuns from Funchal chose this as their home, relying on the imposing peaks for protection from pirate attacks.

While the village itself is small, we were surprised by how much there was to do, from hiking and museums to sampling local chestnuts. We even enjoyed a virtual reality experience! If you’re wondering what to do in Curral das Freiras, read on for our top recommendations.

What to do in Curral das Freiras

We woke up bright and early to make the most of our day in Curral das Freiras, a tiny village with heaps of charm. We were staying in Funchal, and from here it was the most jaw-dropping 30-minute drive on mountain roads and corkscrew bends. There were a few heart-pumping moments, but wow, was this journey worth it!

Eira do Serrado Viewpoint

Before you enter the village, take a turn on the road and snake your way down to the incredible Miradouro da Eira do Serrado, the most famous viewpoint overlooking the valley. The panoramic view here is breathtaking; you can see the entire village peeking out from between the towering peaks. We arrived around 8:30 AM, and had the viewpoint almost all to ourselves; we soaked up the peaceful atmosphere before heading to the neighboring café, where we had our morning coffee.

The viewpoint is also the starting point for the famous Nun’s Valley Trail, which takes you down the mountain to Curral das Freiras. The hike was super relaxing; it only took us about 1 to 1.5 hours at a slower pace, snapping lots of photos along the way. Once you reach the end of the trail, you have the option to take the local bus back up to the viewpoint parking, which is convenient if you don’t want to make the return journey on foot.

If you’re not a hiker, don’t worry! You can also just drive directly into Curral das Freiras, Madeira. You’ll find plenty of parking spots near the church and restaurants in the village center.

Chestnuts: Where to eat in Curral das Freiras

Did you know that Curral das Freiras in Madeira is famous for its chestnuts? Neither did we! They grow on the trees sprawled across the valley, and are used for both sweet and savoury dishes like soups or sugary desserts. They’re even used to make a strong, local liquor.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Curral das Freiras, we recommend Sabores do Curral, which is the most famous chestnut restaurant. The views from here are also spectacular! We tried the grilled chestnuts with sugarcane syrup, a sweet local speciality that was delicious.

Just around the corner is the Chestnut Museum Madeira, which is inside a charming traditional house. Entry was just €1 (cash only), and we really enjoyed learning a bit more about the village’s chestnut history, particularly about the tools required for chestnut harvesting. The simple nut is an integral part of Curral das Freiras’ culture, so we recommend a quick visit here.

Tip: Along the same street, you’ll find a charming little church and a small square where locals hang out. We think this church might have the greatest view ever!

Madeira Experiências Imersivas (Virtual Reality)

One of the unexpected highlights of our day was the Madeira Experiências Imersivas, something we never thought we would find in such a remote village! It’s located close to the and you can take part in two different VR experiences (although the staff told us they’re adding even more in the future).

1. Paragliding Simulation. We put on our VR goggles and sat in a motion chair for this incredible flying experience over Madeira’s waterfalls and forests.

2. Full VR Journey. This immersive experience blew us away. Wearing a backpack and headset, you walk through the center, following a story through the virtual world. We discovered Madeira during the Ice Age, flew in a hot air balloon over glaciers, and interacted with the natural world around us. We honestly could’ve spent hours in there!

Poço dos Chefes: Our Favorite Hidden Swimming Spot in Madeira

After filling our bellies with chestnuts and our morning hike, we were ready for a dip! We cooled off at Poço dos Chefes, a stunning natural basin that’s surrounded by big boulders and sheer mountains.

Depending on the season, the pool may be full or dry; however, we were lucky that when we visited, there was plenty of water for a refreshing swim! It’s also super close to the village’s bus stop (where you take the bus back to the viewpoint parking), so it’s a great stop off before leaving Curral das Freiras, Madeira.

Final Stop of our Curral das Freiras Itinerary: Miradouro do Paredão

Our final stop of the day in Curral das Freiras was Miradouro do Paredão, which is just after the tunnel as you’re leaving the village. This viewpoint offers a stunning view of the other side of the valley, so it’s worth the short detour. We recommend visiting in the afternoon, as in the morning, there’s often fog at this high altitude.

Should You Visit Curral das Freiras, Madeira?

Definitely! You’ll find so much more than just pretty village views; you can go hiking across the valley, dip in refreshing natural pools, taste local chestnut dishes, or even float through the skies of Madeira in an immersive VR world. For such a small and remote village, we were astounded by how much nature, culture, and gastronomy there is on offer.teste

We left feeling like we’d seen a more traditional side of the island that’s often skipped in favor of the more popular highlights. Add Curral das Freiras to your itinerary; it’s one of the most unique places we visited in Madeira!