Funchal: Valley of the Nuns tour by tuk tuk

Exploring Madeira doesn’t have to mean pounding the pavement or navigating crowded buses. This Valley of the Nuns tuk tuk tour offers a unique way to see some of the island’s most scenic highlights in a small, private group. With a knowledgeable guide driving you through the mountains and valleys, you’ll get an intimate look at Madeira’s dramatic landscapes, plus a taste of local history and nature.

What we really like about this experience is how flexible and personal it feels. The tuk tuk allows you to access narrow, winding roads that bigger vehicles often can’t, and the short stops for photographs make it easy to capture those unforgettable views. However, if you’re sensitive to tight spaces or prefer a more leisurely pace, this might not be ideal. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, light walking, and storytelling, especially those interested in authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: From Eira do Serrado’s 1094-meter viewpoint, you’ll look over the interior of Madeira, often above the clouds.
• Authentic Experience: The tour offers insights into local history, with a visit to the historic Nuns Valley, tied to 16th-century legend.
• Flexible & Personal: As a private group, the tour can adapt to your interests, with stops for photos and exploration.
• Vegetation & Nature: Expect to see a variety of lush plants, plus a 19th-century church and local specialties like chestnut bread.
• Value for Money: At $68 per person, the tour provides a memorable experience with hotel or cruise port pickup.
• Guided Insight: The guide, such as Carla, is praised for being engaging, knowledgeable, and making visitors feel comfortable.

An In-Depth Look at the Valley of the Nuns Tuk Tuk Tour

Starting Point: Funchal and the Ascent to Eira do Serrado

The journey begins in central Funchal, where your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel or cruise ship. This convenience is a big plus—no complicated transfers, just hop on and start exploring. The first major stop is the Eira do Serrado viewpoint at 1094 meters altitude. Here, you’ll get sweeping views over Curral das Freiras, a tiny parish that’s almost hidden among towering cliffs.

Many travelers highlight the spectacular vistas, with one reviewer noting, “We really enjoyed the activity. We were thrilled with our guide Carla, she was very open, told us a lot and we felt comfortable at all times.” On a clear day, it’s the kind of photo stop where you’ll want to linger, but if the clouds roll in low, you might find yourself above the mist, creating an almost surreal experience of being above the clouds.

The drive up is scenic, winding through mountain roads that showcase Madeira’s rugged beauty. The tuk tuk’s small size offers the advantage of navigating narrow paths and steep inclines, giving you access to views that larger buses might miss.

Descending into Nuns Valley: A Historic and Natural Gem

After soaking in the panoramic views, the tour descends into the Nuns Valley, a remote area once inhabited by Santa Clara nuns who fled pirates in the 16th century. This little enclave is quite isolated, surrounded by mountains reaching over a thousand meters. The legend is that the nuns brought their convent treasure here for safety—a story that adds a layer of intrigue to the visit.

Once in the valley, you’ll have about 30 minutes to explore. The visit includes a stop at a 19th-century church, which adds a touch of local history to the scenery. But the real highlight is just wandering the peaceful surroundings, taking in the lush vegetation that covers the area. Expect to see various types of plants and trees native to Madeira, contributing to the emerald-green landscape all around.

You’ll also have the chance to sample famous chestnut bread, a local specialty often enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. This culinary touch brings a flavor of Madeira’s rural traditions into your experience, making the outing both scenic and sensory.

Returning to Funchal: Wrapping Up the Tour

After your exploration of the valley, the tuk tuk will take you back to Funchal. The entire trip lasts about 3 hours, which is perfect for a relaxed yet rundown of this part of the island. The tour concludes at your hotel or cruise ship, making logistics straightforward and saving you from long transfers.

What’s Included & What’s Not

This tour’s inclusions make it a good value: hotel or cruise port pickup, a private guide driving you through the mountain scenery, and stops for photographs and exploration. The guide’s role is key—many reviews praise guides like Carla for their storytelling, openness, and ability to make travelers feel at ease.

However, extras such as drinks and cakes are not included, so you might want to bring a bottle of water or a snack. Also, free pickup outside the city center isn’t included, and there’s a small port charge of €5 if you’re coming from a cruise ship terminal, payable directly to the tour provider.

The Practicalities: Timing, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour runs for about 3 hours and is available at various times—check the schedule before booking. Since it’s a private group, the experience feels personalized, and you won’t be part of a large crowd. The maximum combined weight of passengers is 210 kg, so if you’re traveling with heavier companions, it’s worth noting.

Children under 3 years old aren’t suitable for this tour, mainly due to the seating arrangements and the nature of the ride. The tour is conducted in English, and the small tuk tuk vehicles make for a fun, intimate way to see the island — but they can be a bit tight, so those with mobility issues might want to consider this.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Valley of the Nuns tuk tuk tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience Madeira’s natural beauty with a personal touch. The combination of stunning vistas, a slice of local history, and lush vegetation makes it a well-rounded outing that’s both scenic and educational. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience and don’t mind the intimacy of a small vehicle.

If you’re after a relaxing, photogenic adventure with knowledgeable guides and a touch of local charm, this tour offers good value for a memorable half-day outing. Just remember that the small vehicles and narrow mountain roads mean it’s not suited for travelers seeking a leisurely or very spacious experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including stops for views, exploration, and photos.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at your hotel or cruise ship in Funchal and finishes back there, offering convenience and flexibility.

Is it suitable for children?
Children under 3 years old are not recommended, mainly due to the vehicle size and tour structure.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel or cruise port pickup, a private guide, and stops at key sights like Eira do Serrado and Nuns Valley.

Are drinks or snacks included?
No, drinks and cakes are not included, so consider bringing your own if desired.

Is the tour private or group?
It’s a private experience, providing a more personalized and flexible outing.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to plan without stress.

Do I need to pay extra for the port pickup?
Yes, if you’re coming from a cruise ship terminal outside the city center, there’s a €5 port charge payable directly to the provider.

How steep or challenging is the drive?
The mountainous roads are winding and steep in parts, but the tuk tuk’s size allows access to scenic spots that larger buses may not reach.

What do travelers say about their guides?
Guides like Carla are highly praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and openness, making the tour both fun and informative.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for an authentic way to see Madeira’s mountainous interior, this Valley of the Nuns tuk tuk tour offers a charming, scenic, and educational experience. The small-group, private format makes it ideal for those who enjoy personalized service, while the stunning views and historical tidbits add depth to the trip. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a balance of nature, history, and local flavor without the hassle of large tours or crowded buses.

For a half-day adventure that’s both visually stunning and comfortably intimate, this tour hits all the right notes. Just be prepared for the close quarters of the tuk tuk and the mountain roads—they’re part of what makes this experience so special.

Enjoy your Madeira adventure, and don’t forget your camera!