Nuns Valley - Madeira island.
The intriguing Nuns Valley is the only half day tour which is available twice per day with Madeira Happy Tours.
There is a departure in the morning at 09:00 with the return at approximately 12:00 and the second time during the day has the departure at 14:00 with the return at roughly 17:00.
It is a short half day excursion that makes the first break in the viewpoint so called Pico dos Barcelos at 355 meters above the sea level. The panorama overlooking Funchal’s capital is marvellous for photographers. You are able to have a glance from the mountains surrounding the amphitheatre of Funchal with its impressive outskirts forming a cascade of houses and buildings that descend into the cosmopolitan city of Funchal. One is able to see at a distance the Desertas islands in the horizon and on your right hand-side at a far distance the mighty Cabo Girão. There is so much to admire from this spot that one could spend hours and hours looking into the details of the general picture.
However, our island tour must continue to the next highlight, which shall show you the majestic scenery overlooking the Nuns Valley.
In order to reach the edge of the viewpoint so called Eira do Serrado, which stands at 1095 meters of altitude, there is a smooth footpath that one shall follow to be presented with breathtaking views over what seems to be the crater of a volcano in Madeira island. It is the sort of landscape that makes us feel tiny human beings among the power of the nature.
From the top of Eira do Serrado, it will be the time to drive you to the bottom of the most isolated village in the island. – Curral das Freiras.
The old twisted road to the Nuns Valley is now permanently closed to the traffic, therefore, the only way to descend into the village is to drive through the tunnel built recently which connects the village to the outside world.
Once one arrives to the center of the little village, you may visit the church and its surroundings. Afterwards, if you are willing, seek a coffee break and try the delicious specialities of chestnuts available in the snak-bars around the center. Relax and admire the marvellous landscape embracing the valley before we return to the civilization of Funchal city.
I really hope that you enjoy it as much as i did to write it.
Marco Ferreira