From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

Monte’s wicker toboggan ride is the headline act: you sit in a traditional basket sled as two carreiros steer it down the old road for about 2 kilometers. I like that the route gets underway early to help you beat the queue, and that the outing pairs this lively ride with the high mountain views over Nuns Valley.

I also like the stop in Curral das Freiras for a taste of local liqueurs, included in the price. One consideration: this is a packed four-hour tour, so the stops are brief, and cakes, pastries and the optional visit to the old nun’s house cost extra.

Key points

• The toboggan ride covers about 2 kilometers down the old Livramento road, with a pickup at the bottom.
• An early start can mean a shorter wait for the baskets, though traffic and crowds can still affect timing.
• Eira do Serrado sits at 1,094 meters, with a high view across the volcanic walls and rooftops of Nuns Valley.
• Local liqueur tasting is included in Curral das Freiras; chestnut cake and pastries are not.
• Monte has a historical stop too: the church there holds the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria.
• The tour lasts four hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off in many areas, with some location-specific charges.

Start in Monte, where the baskets go downhill

The tour heads first to Monte, an old stop on Madeira’s tourist route, and visits the church where the tomb of Charles I of Austria lies. The last Austro-Hungarian emperor spent his final years in exile on Madeira. For a short stop, this adds a striking piece of European history to a morning best known for scenery and speed.

Then comes the ride. The wicker baskets travel downhill on runners, guided by carreiros, the men who steer and brake with their feet and use their weight to direct the sled. The route follows the old road of Livramento for roughly 2 kilometers. At the bottom, the bus picks you up, while the carreiros and baskets are loaded for transport back uphill.

That early visit is a practical choice, not just a scheduling quirk. The ride is popular, and getting there before the larger queues form can leave more of your morning for the rest of the route. The plan cannot control traffic or sudden crowding, so the wait may vary, but several departures have reached the baskets before the rush.

The ride is thrilling without being a long excursion in itself. Think of it as a memorable, distinctly Madeiran way to get down the hill, rather than a long stretch of sightseeing on the sled. If you book alone, check the extra charge: a single person may pay €10 more because the basket is built for two, and pairing solo riders is possible only when the operator can arrange it.

Eira do Serrado opens the view into Nuns Valley

From Monte, the route climbs into the island’s central mountains. At Eira do Serrado, you stand 1,094 meters above sea level and look down toward Curral das Freiras, or Nuns Valley. The settlement lies in a deep volcanic basin ringed by steep rock. From above, the valley’s isolation is easy to understand: the mountains form a barrier that separates it from much of the rest of Madeira.

This is the tour’s grand scenic pause, and a good reason to bring a camera. The view takes in the valley and its surrounding slopes, with chestnut trees and eucalyptus among the greenery along the route. The dramatic scale comes from the contrast between the high viewpoint and the small community below. It is a different kind of Madeira from Funchal’s seafront and streets.

You get time for photos and a look around, but this is a short group tour, not a long mountain walk. The old footpaths and narrow road tell another part of the story: people have long crossed this terrain on foot, and tunnels still mark the challenging routes through the mountains. The tour gives you a glimpse of that geography without asking you to tackle the paths yourself.

Take the jacket listed among the recommended items. The route climbs high into the mountains, and a layer is useful when you stop at a viewpoint. If clouds or weather affect the view, the stop still gives you a sense of the valley’s steep setting, but the panorama is naturally the main draw.

Curral das Freiras adds local flavors and a bit of history

The tour continues down to Curral das Freiras, the village at the heart of Nuns Valley. Its name is linked to the nuns who fled there during 16th-century pirate attacks. Despite the name, there is no convent in the village. An old nun’s house is open to visitors for a €1 entry fee, if you want to add that small historical stop.

The included liqueur tasting offers a pleasant taste of local tradition. These homemade liqueurs are associated with the village, and the tasting is part of the tour price. It is a modest but useful extra: you get to try something tied to the place rather than simply looking at it from above.

Chestnut cake and regional pastries are also available, but you pay for those separately, as well as for drinks such as coffee or tea. If you want to sample them, bring some spending money. Chestnuts are a familiar local ingredient, and trying a pastry can turn a quick stop into a more leisurely break, though time on this itinerary is limited.

This is also where the tour’s tight schedule becomes noticeable. You see the valley from above and then visit the village itself, which makes for a satisfying overview in four hours. If you want a long meal, a slow wander or a more extensive visit to the nun’s house, you may prefer to come back on your own.

Pico dos Barcelos gives you one last look at Funchal

On the return toward Funchal, the bus stops at Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint at 355 meters above sea level. It offers a final chance to take in the city and its setting before the tour ends. After the high, enclosed view into Nuns Valley, this stop shifts the focus back to Funchal.

The stop is brief, but it rounds out the morning well. You have seen mountain roads, a remote valley, Monte’s church and the city from above, all without needing to rent a car or plan a route through unfamiliar roads. That matters on Madeira, where steep terrain and winding roads can make a short distance take longer than it looks on a map.

The tour returns to Funchal and offers drop-offs at many hotels and other listed points. If you are driving yourself from outside the pickup area, the stated meeting point is the main road by the Madeira Panoramico bus stop, where parking is free.

Guides and transport make the compact route work

The guide-driver is central to the experience. Names that have led this tour include Tony, Daniel and Lucy, but the person on your departure can vary. The best guides combine local history and plant life with clear instructions about timing and stops. Some also make the drive fun with stories and humor, which helps on a route with plenty of time in the vehicle.

The route includes narrow mountain roads and tunnels. A careful driver and clear guidance make those stretches feel more manageable, while a guide’s commentary gives the scenery context. You may hear about the island’s history and the places along the way, rather than simply being driven from one photo stop to the next.

Pickup and drop-off are included at many Funchal hotels. The tour also has a wide set of listed pickup points, but do check your exact location before booking. Pickups in Santa Cruz hotels have an additional €10 charge per person; the information provided says there is no extra pickup cost for hotels in Caniço or Garajau. Those areas may have earlier pickup times than Funchal.

Cruise passengers meet at the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, about eight minutes from the ship. Shared tours do not pick up at the cruise terminal entrance. The tour information also lists an additional €4.50 per person for terminal pickup when the group is larger than eight, so confirm the arrangement and cost if you need that service.

Is $47 good value for four hours?

At $47 per person, the price is reasonable for an outing that includes a guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in many areas, the toboggan ride and a liqueur tasting. You cover several distinct parts of Madeira in one morning, and you avoid having to organize transport between Monte, Eira do Serrado, Curral das Freiras and Pico dos Barcelos yourself.

The biggest value is the combination. The toboggan ride is a separate-feeling activity built into a guided scenic route, while the viewpoints and village stop make the trip more than a quick sled run. The early departure can also help you get onto the baskets sooner, which may preserve more time for the rest of the tour.

Budget a little extra if you want chestnut cake, pastries, coffee or tea, or entry to the 200-year-old nun’s house. A solo booking may also come with a €10 toboggan surcharge if the operator cannot pair you with another rider. There are no child discounts for the attraction, and children under three can ride on a parent’s lap.

The best fit is someone who wants a lively half-day with a mix of scenery, local context and a one-of-a-kind ride. It also suits a first visit to Madeira when you want to see beyond Funchal without driving. If you prefer long stops, independent exploration or a full day in the mountains, this brisk route may feel too compressed.

Should you book the Nuns Valley and Monte tour?

I would book this tour if you want the toboggan ride and a quick introduction to Madeira’s central mountains in the same outing. The combination of Monte’s church, the downhill basket ride, Eira do Serrado’s view and a taste of local liqueur gives the four hours real variety. Plan for an early pickup and short stops, and treat the ride as the star rather than expecting a slow-paced day.

Choose another plan if you want to spend a long time in Curral das Freiras, walk the old paths or linger over food. For a compact, guided visit with a fun finish to the Monte descent, though, the price covers a lot of ground.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts four hours, including its stops and guided travel between Funchal, Monte, Nuns Valley and Pico dos Barcelos.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a guide, the toboggan ride, hotel pickup and drop-off where available, and a free liqueur tasting in Nuns Valley village.

Are snacks and pastries included?

No. Snacks, chestnut cake, pastries and drinks such as coffee or tea are not included.

How long is the toboggan ride?

The ride is about 2 kilometers down the old road of Livramento. The bus picks you up at the bottom.

Does the tour visit a convent?

No. There is no convent in the village. You can visit a 200-year-old nun’s house for €1.

What languages can the guide speak?

Guides are available in Spanish, English, French, German and Portuguese.

Where do cruise passengers meet?

Cruise passengers meet at the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, about eight minutes from the ship. Shared tours do not pick up at the cruise terminal entrance.

Is there an extra charge for solo riders?

A booking for one person may have an additional €10 charge for the toboggan ride. Solo riders can be paired only when it is possible to arrange.

What should I bring?

Bring water and a jacket.