From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes, historic spots, and unique traditions—all in just four hours. Designed for those who want to experience the island’s highlights without feeling rushed, it combines scenic viewpoints, cultural stops, and a fun toboggan ride that’s truly memorable.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see Madeira’s lush mountains and valleys, the opportunity to learn about its history with touches of local flavor, and the thrill of the traditional toboggan ride. Plus, the guide’s knowledge adds a layer of authenticity that makes each stop more meaningful.

A possible consideration is the tour’s timing, as it can get busy, especially at the popular toboggan ride. Arriving early, as many reviews suggest, helps avoid long queues.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and fun, especially those who want a snapshot of Madeira’s most iconic sights with a friendly, small-group atmosphere.

Good To Know

• Stunning Views: The tour offers some of Madeira’s most breathtaking lookout points, including Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit the Monte church and see where Emperor Charles I is buried, adding historical weight to your trip.
• Authentic Flavors: Taste regional specialties like chestnut cake and traditional liquors only found locally.
• Unique Experiences: The toboggan ride delivers an adrenaline rush and a peek into Madeira’s historic transportation methods.
• Guided Insight: Knowledgeable guides, often multilingual, make the experience engaging and informative.
• Good Value: At $41 per person, you get a comprehensive, fun-filled half-day with transport, entry fees, and tastings included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point & Pickup Options

The tour begins with pick-up from over 48 hotels and locations in Funchal, offering flexibility and ease, especially if you’re staying centrally or in popular areas like the Madeira Gardens or Hotel Porto Mare. The inclusion of pickup for cruise liner guests from the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum is a thoughtful touch, simplifying logistics if you’re docked in Funchal.

Many reviews highlight how smooth the pickup process is. One guest noted that the driver arrived on time, ensuring the day starts on a positive note. For those with rental cars, the meeting point is at the Madeira Panoramico bus stop, with free parking available—the perfect option if you prefer to explore independently later.

Scenic Drive to Pico dos Barcelos

The journey kicks off with a drive to Pico dos Barcelos, one of the island’s most loved viewpoints. From here, you’ll get a panoramic sweep of Madeira’s rugged coastline, terraced fields, and lush greenery. Many reviewers appreciated the early start to beat the crowds, with one commenting, “we arrived at the toboggan ride before the queue started,” thanks to the guide’s early timing.

This stop sets the tone for the day—expect vivid vistas that make for fantastic photos and a great introduction to Madeira’s landscape. The views at this height are a reminder of the island’s volcanic origins, showcasing layers of lush mountains and deep valleys.

Eira do Serrado & Nuns Valley

Next, the tour heads up to Eira do Serrado, perched at 1,094 meters. This viewpoint is often called the “balcony of Madeira” and offers a dramatic look down into the Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras). Here, you’ll be surrounded by chestnut trees and eucalyptus, with an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a postcard.

The Nuns Valley itself is a fascinating story—once inhabited by nuns fleeing pirates, it’s now a tranquil, isolated spot surrounded by lava rock. The name reflects its history, and many visitors find the scenery both calming and awe-inspiring. One reviewer shared, “the stops were breathtaking, especially the view over the Theatre of Funchal,” highlighting how the landscape leaves a lasting impression.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Local Flavors & Museum Visits

Beyond the scenery, you’ll get a chance to sample regional delicacies like chestnut cake and regional pastries, which are exclusive to Madeira. Many reviews rave about the food tastings, describing the treats as “delicious” and “a highlight of the trip.” The tour also includes free entrance to the Chestnut Museum and the Nuns House, offering an authentic taste of local heritage.

Monte & the Emperor’s Tomb

The next stop is Monte, famous for its historic church and royal connections. Here, you’ll see the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria, a rare glimpse into European history embedded in Madeira’s landscape. Visitors often find these stops enriching, adding depth beyond the natural scenery.

The Thrilling Toboggan Ride

The tour’s fun factor skyrockets with the 2-kilometer toboggan ride down Livramento. Historically a transportation method used by locals, this tradition continues today as a fun tourist attraction. Many reviewers have called it a “must-do,” with one noting, “the drivers made us laugh, and the ride was so jolly.” Arriving early ensures you beat the queues, which can get long later in the day, especially with an influx of visitors.

The ride is supervised and feels surprisingly safe, and many describe it as a “unique, adrenaline-filled experience” that perfectly caps off a day of sightseeing.

Return & Additional Stops

After the toboggan ride, the group heads back to Funchal, with a scenic drive that offers additional photo opportunities and sightseeing. The tour includes multiple scenic stops, making it easy to absorb Madeira’s diverse landscapes.

Practical Aspects of the Tour

Duration & Group Size

This four-hour tour strikes a good balance—it’s long enough to see multiple highlights without feeling rushed. The small-group format makes the experience intimate, enabling personalized commentary and easier movement between stops. Many reviews mention the size of the group, often praising the guide’s attention and friendliness.

Transportation & Comfort

The transportation is comfortable, often with air conditioning, which is appreciated during Madeira’s warmer months. The pickup and drop-off services are efficient, and the bus driver’s skills—many describe the driver as “careful” and “knowledgeable”—help ensure a smooth ride on Madeira’s winding roads.

Price & Value

At $41 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. It includes guided narration, entrance fees, tastings, and the toboggan ride, which are often paid separately if done independently. Reviewers frequently note that the experience is “very good value for money,” especially considering how much is packed into just four hours.

Accessibility & Children

Children under 3 can ride on a parent’s lap, and the tour is generally suitable for families with kids, especially those who enjoy scenic drives and gentle adventures. The toboggan ride might be the highlight for many children, though it’s worth noting there are no discounts for children specifically.

Authentic Experiences & Tips

From the reviews, it’s clear that guides like Tony or Gama make a difference. They bring enthusiasm, local knowledge, and humor, making the day more engaging. Many guests appreciated early access to popular spots, which let them avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery at a more relaxed pace.

Travelers should consider dressing in layers, as temperatures can vary with altitude. Also, bringing some snacks or water is a good idea, as the stops are brief and don’t include meals.

Overall Impression

This tour from Funchal provides a genuinely enjoyable way to see Madeira’s most iconic sights in a short time. It balances scenic beauty, cultural insight, and fun activities—especially the famous toboggan ride—at a very reasonable price. The knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and local tastings make it clear that this isn’t just a quick sightseeing trip; it’s an authentic slice of Madeira life.

It’s perfect for travelers who want a manageable, well-organized experience that hits the highlights without being overwhelming. If you’re interested in stunning viewpoints, a touch of history, and a fun ride, this tour checks all the boxes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Anyone wanting to see Madeira’s scenic valleys and viewpoints in a small-group setting will find this tour ideal. It’s especially great for those who enjoy a mix of natural beauty, cultural stories, and a bit of adventure. Families, first-time visitors, and those with limited time will appreciate how much this experience packs into four hours.

Travelers who love local food and unique traditions — like chestnut cakes and toboggan rides — will also find it rewarding. It’s a balanced, fun, and value-packed way to explore Madeira’s highlights.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal. For guests staying in Caniço or Garajau, there’s no extra charge.

Can I join if I’m coming from a cruise ship?
Absolutely, cruise liner guests are picked up from the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum meeting point, making it easy to join the tour without hassle.

How long is the toboggan ride?
The toboggan ride covers approximately 2 kilometers down Livramento, offering a fun and adrenaline-filled perspective on Madeira’s historic transport.

Are there options to skip certain stops?
The itinerary is fixed, but early arrivals help avoid queues and long waits, especially for the toboggan ride.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Spanish, Dutch, English, French, German, and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication for diverse groups.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 3 can ride on a parent’s lap, and the overall experience is family-friendly, especially with the fun toboggan ride.

What should I bring?
Comfortable layers, a camera, some water, and perhaps a small snack. The tour provides tastings, but additional snacks are up to you.

How much does the tour cost?
It is priced at $41 per person, which includes guided narration, tastings, entry to the Chestnut Museum, and the toboggan ride.

Are there any extra costs?
Additional costs may apply for pickups from Santa Cruz hotels or if you’re a large group requiring special arrangements, such as an additional fee for cruise ship transfers.

This Madeira tour offers a well-crafted blend of scenic views, cultural insights, and local fun. Whether you’re after memorable vistas, a taste of island history, or the thrill of a traditional toboggan ride, it delivers on all fronts—making it a smart choice for a half-day adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: