From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

This is one of those Madeira tours that feels like a greatest hits reel, but it works because the stops connect. You start in Monte, swing through dramatic viewpoints, then drop into the isolated Curral das Freiras, also known as Nuns Valley, with a famous toboggan ride in the middle.

I love the mix of big views and active fun, especially the early-arrival plan that helps you get on the toboggans before the worst lines. I also love the Curral das Freiras stop, because you get a free liquor tasting there, and guides like Tony or Lucy tend to keep the day clear, organized, and full of local color. One consideration: on rainy days, the ride can get stricter, and it may affect basket combinations and extra charges for a third rider.

Key tour highlights worth planning for

• The 2 km Monte toboggan ride down the old road of Livramento, with the bus waiting at the bottom
• Eira do Serrado at 1,094 m for wide island views and mountain flora like chestnut and eucalyptus
• Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), isolated by lava rock, named from 16th-century nuns fleeing pirate attacks
• Free liquor tasting plus traditional chestnut sweets and pastries you can buy on-site (not included)
• Pico dos Barcelos lookout on the way back to Funchal

Why Monte, Toboggans, and Curral das Freiras Work So Well Together

Madeira is all about steep terrain and changing scenery, so a “loop” tour makes sense. This one strings together three mood shifts in a few hours: heritage in Monte, motion and adrenaline on the toboggans, then quiet, unusual countryside in Curral das Freiras.

The big reason this tour feels complete is that it keeps you at altitude long enough to really see what the island is doing. At Eira do Serrado you’re high over the island, then later you look down again from different angles, so it’s not just sightseeing, it’s understanding Madeira’s geography.

Price and Value: What You Get for Around $47

At about $47 per person for a roughly 4-hour outing, the value comes from how much is bundled. You’re getting guided touring plus hotel pickup and drop-off, and the headline activity, the Monte toboggan ride, is included.

Where this tour often scores for me is the “small” extras that would normally cost extra on other trips. Here, the liquor tasting in Curral das Freiras is included in the price. Snacks and coffee are not, and you may want to grab chestnut cake and pastries at the village, but the tasting helps you avoid paying full price for drinks during the most memorable stop.

Getting There: Pickup Timing, Cruise Logic, and Where the Bus Meets You

You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off, with a long list of pickup points in and around Funchal. If you’re staying in Santa Cruz, Caniço, or Câmara de Lobos, the pickup can be earlier than for central Funchal hotels, so plan to be ready when the driver asks.

If you’re arriving via cruise, there’s a meeting point option near the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum area, with notes that the ship’s terminal pickup for shared tours is not the standard plan. If your party is larger or you need a terminal meetup, there can be an extra cost, so check details when you book.

For drivers with a rental car, the meeting point is at the Madeira Panoramico bus stop on the main road, and parking is free. That matters because Madeira’s roads can be confusing if you’re trying to self-navigate while also keeping an eye on timing.

Monte: The Church Stop and Why It’s More Than a Photo Stop

Monte is one of those Madeira places that has a postcard image, but it’s also genuinely old-school. You’ll make a guided pass through Monte and visit the church where the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria is located.

This stop adds perspective. Instead of only looking at scenery, you’re reminded that Madeira has been shaped by travelers, power, and history. Even if you only spend a short time here, the tomb visit gives a grounded reason for why Monte became such a long-standing visitor stop.

The 2 km Monte Toboggan Ride Down Livramento: What to Expect and How It Feels

The main event is a 2 km toboggan ride down the old road of Livramento. You ride in the traditional basket-sleigh style, and the ride is known as thrilling and fun rather than tame.

A key detail: the tour is designed so the bus picks you up at the bottom. There’s no long, uphill walk to “earn” your photos. The traditional process is part of the show, too, because the men who run the sleds handle the loading once the ride ends.

Safety and control

The ride feels exciting, but it’s not chaotic. The carreiros, the sled drivers, are in control of the sleds. In practice, that means you can focus on the fun and the views without worrying about the mechanics.

The queue strategy

A lot of people care about one thing, getting down before lines get ugly. This tour tries to solve that by making the toboggan ride one of the first stops. That means you want an early start, and the payoff is that you’re more likely to get on without lots of waiting.

Rain day note

If weather turns rainy, it can affect how many baskets run. The rules mention that on rainy days baskets of three do not go down, and for a third person there can be an additional €10 cost. If you’re traveling in wet season, you might want a flexible mindset for how the sled portion plays out.

Eira do Serrado: The 1,094 m Viewpoint and the Mountain Feel

After Monte, you climb to Eira do Serrado, where you’re at 1,094 meters above sea level. This is the kind of viewpoint where Madeira makes sense. From here, the island’s dramatic drops and ridges are hard to forget, and you get a clearer sense of how the valleys and settlements relate to each other.

This stop is also about the atmosphere. You’ll see chestnut trees and eucalyptus plants, and the area sits in a kind of natural wonder zone where narrow roads and tunnels still show up, along with footpaths that locals and visitors continue to use.

There’s usually time for photos and a bit of breathing room. If you’re the kind of person who likes to stand back and take it in for a few minutes, this is your moment.

Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley): Lava Rock Isolation and Liquor Tasting

Curral das Freiras, commonly called Nuns Valley, is where the tour shifts into something more unusual. This village is isolated, surrounded by lava rock, and it takes its name from nuns who fled pirate attacks in the 16th century.

One clarification that matters: there is no convent in the village. The stop references a nun house, not a convent. You’ll see where the tradition lives, and there’s an option to visit the 200-year-old nun house, but that entrance is €1 extra.

What’s included here

You get a free liquor tasting in Curral das Freiras. This is a real value add because it’s included, and it’s tied to the place rather than being a random stop. You can also expect traditional sweets. Chestnut cake and pastries are mentioned as available at the village, but those are not included in the tour price.

Why this stop is worth your time

From a practical standpoint, Curral das Freiras feels different from most Madeira viewpoints because it’s not just “look at the view.” It’s a small, story-driven stop with a specific reason it exists. The combination of the lava rock setting and the nuns fleeing pirates during the 16th century gives the valley context that you simply wouldn’t get from a drive-through.

Pico dos Barcelos: A Lower Altitude Viewpoint Before Returning to Funchal

On the way back, you’ll stop at Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint at 355 meters. This one is easier to reach than Eira do Serrado, but it still gives that Madeira effect, layered ridges, sharp angles, and a coastline that keeps pulling your eyes.

It’s a good final photo moment because you’re not rushed out of a high-altitude scene. You get to reset, take a breath, and then head back down toward Funchal for the return.

What to Bring, and the Small Costs That Can Pop Up

For comfort, bring water and a jacket. Altitude and cloud changes happen quickly in Madeira, so dressing in layers is a smart move even if mornings feel mild.

Here are the extra-cost items you should understand in advance:

• Traditional sweets like chestnut cake and pastries are not included.
• The entrance to the 200-year-old nun house costs €1.
• If you book a single spot, there can be an additional €10 for the toboggan ride because a single person may occupy two places when pairing is not possible.
• If it rains, basket combinations may change. A third person in certain setups may be required to pay an additional €10 because baskets of three may not go down.

Also, keep your expectations realistic for a 4-hour tour. You’ll do a lot, and the best way to enjoy it is to move with the group and not try to turn each stop into an all-day hike.

Guides, Group Pace, and Why Timing Matters

One reason this tour works well is the emphasis on timing. People often go for the views, but the toboggan part is where poor timing turns a great day into a frustrating one. The tour is designed to get you early enough to avoid the worst queue.

If you’re lucky with your guide, the day can feel both organized and entertaining. Names like Tony, Daniel, and Carlos show up with a pattern of helpful commentary, bilingual or multilingual delivery, and a calm handling of tricky roads.

In practice, the ride and stops feel paced for a half-day. You’ll get photo time at viewpoints and guided touring where it counts, without spending the whole morning waiting in line.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A classic Madeira experience that mixes action with views
• A structured route without worrying about buses, parking, or roads
• To visit Monte, Eira do Serrado, and Curral das Freiras in one go
• A guided stop that adds context beyond just taking pictures

It may not fit you if:

• You want long, slow time in just one place. This is a “see a lot” format.
• You’re very sensitive to weather changes. Rain can affect toboggan basket combinations.
• You want to spend most of your budget on meals rather than activities. Food and extra tasting items beyond the included liquor need extra cash.

Should You Book This Monte Toboggan and Nuns Valley Tour?

If you’re choosing between a viewpoint-heavy day and an activity-heavy day, this is the sweet spot. You get the famous Monte toboggan ride, strong viewpoints at Eira do Serrado and Pico dos Barcelos, and a genuinely distinctive village stop at Curral das Freiras with an included liquor tasting.

I’d book it if you’re in the Funchal area with a short window and you want your time to feel efficient, not rushed. Just pack a jacket, be ready for an early start, and treat the rainy-day rules as a heads-up rather than a surprise.

FAQ

How long is the Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour?

The tour duration is about 4 hours.

What is included in the price?

You get a guided tour, the toboggan (sledge) ride, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a free liquor tasting in Curral das Freiras.

What are the main things not included?

Snacks and drinks like coffee and tea are not included. The entrance to the 200-year-old nun house has a cost of €1 and is not included.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring water and a jacket.

Can children ride on the toboggans?

Children under 3 years old can ride on a parent’s lap. The information also notes there are no discounts for children at this attraction.

Is there an extra charge for single travelers on the toboggan?

Yes. Bookings for one person have an additional €10 charge for the toboggan ride, because of seating and pairing rules.

What happens if it rains?

On a rainy day, baskets of three do not go down. If there is a third person in that setup, the additional €10 cost may apply.

Where do rental car guests meet the tour?

Rental car guests meet at the Madeira Panoramico bus stop main road. Parking is free.