Eira do Serrado

The basics

The observation deck at Eira do Serrado is a staple of tours that focus on Madeira’s interior landscapes. Itineraries typically include free time at the villages of Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns) and Machico—home to one of the island’s oldest churches—and tend to stop at the Pico de Barcelos Viewpoint. From Eira do Serrado you can follow a well-marked path down to Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns), which takes around 30 minutes.

Things to know before you go

• Ensure you wear sturdy shoes for the steep climb and bring plenty of water with you.
• A lack of ramps means that Eira do Serrado is inaccessible to travelers using wheelchairs or strollers.
• Nearby you’ll find the Eira do Serrado hotel and spa, home to a restaurant that offers modern European cuisine and panoramic views. There’s also a gift shop at the lookout point.

How to get there

Eira do Serrado is reachable by the #81 bus from Funchal along the ER107. To avoid navigating the twists and turns of the mountain roads, opt for a day trip that includes round-trip transfers.

When to get there

If visiting Eira do Serrado independently, arrive early in the morning before large groups. For weather that’s best-suited to outdoor exploration, visit Madeira between May and September.

Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras)

From Eira do Serrado you can see Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns), a village founded in the 16th century by nuns who fled from pirate attacks in Funchal. The hamlet is surrounded by chestnut trees and mountain landscapes. No visit to the valley would be complete without sampling some of the chestnut produce, which is celebrated every year during the Chestnut Festival.