A village hidden at the base of a vast volcanic crater, once a refuge for nuns fleeing pirate raids, reached by a dramatic hairpin descent.
Curral das Freiras sits at the bottom of a huge volcanic crater ringed by jagged peaks in Madeira's interior, so enclosed that nuns from a Funchal convent are said to have sheltered here from pirate raids, giving the village its name, "Nuns' Refuge." The approach from Funchal climbs first to the Eira do Serrado viewpoint, where a short walk leads to a platform overlooking the entire crater and the village far below, before a hairpin road switchbacks down into the crater itself. The small village has a handful of cafes and chestnut-based specialities in autumn, along with quiet lanes worth a short wander away from the main road. A visit combining the viewpoint and a walk through the village takes about an hour and a half to two hours. Cloud frequently fills the crater by mid-morning, especially in warmer months, so the clearest views come earliest in the day, before the valley floor is shrouded even when the coast above remains clear.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours; the Eira do Serrado viewpoint car park is unrestricted |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2 hours including the Eira do Serrado viewpoint and a village walk |
| Best time | Early morning (8AM–10AM), before cloud typically fills the crater |
| Getting there | Horários do Funchal bus 81 from Funchal (Avenida do Mar) to Curral das Freiras, about 45 min, €3.35 (~$3.90) each way; or rental car via the ER107 |
| Address | Estrada do Curral das Freiras, 9030 Curral das Freiras, Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal |
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Estrada do Curral das Freiras, 9030 Curral das Freiras, Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal
32.7186, -16.9631 View on map
Highlights
- Village hidden at the base of a vast volcanic crater
- Eira do Serrado viewpoint overlooking the crater and village
- Hairpin descent road with close-up views of the crater walls
- Local chestnut specialities, especially in autumn
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning before cloud typically fills the crater
- Stop at the Eira do Serrado viewpoint before descending, since the full crater is only visible from above
- Try chestnut soup or liqueur during the autumn harvest season
- Drive carefully on the descent, as the road has tight hairpin turns with limited passing space
When to visit
Morning offers the clearest views of the crater, before cloud typically builds and fills the valley by mid-morning.
Accessibility
The Eira do Serrado viewpoint is reached via a short paved path from the car park, but the village itself has steep, narrow lanes that are difficult for wheelchairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Curral das Freiras take?
A visit combining the Eira do Serrado viewpoint and a walk through the village typically takes about an hour and a half to two hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the viewpoint and village are easy, low-effort stops that most children enjoy, particularly the dramatic crater views.
Is photography allowed at the viewpoint?
Yes, photography is unrestricted, and the Eira do Serrado viewpoint is one of the most photographed spots on Madeira.