Madeira’s mountain views come fast on this tour. You get a private tuk tuk ride with big-sky panoramas, starting at the Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint and then dropping you into Nuns Valley scenery. I like how the route mixes quick photo stops with enough time to actually look around, not just rush past.

Two things I especially like: first, the first viewpoint high above Funchal gives you immediate orientation of the coast and city. Second, the later stop at Eira do Serrado is made for that slow pan of the valley—Curral das Freiras sits nearly 500 meters below, framed by the central mountain chain.

One possible drawback to plan around: food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to think about water and timing, especially if you’re doing the rest of the day afterwards.

Key moments that make this tour worth it

• Pico dos Barcelos (355 m) for a clear, above-the-city overview of Funchal
• Eira do Serrado (1,095 m) for the standout Nuns Valley and Curral das Freiras viewpoint
• A real change of scenery as you climb from sea-level city conditions into cooler mountain air
• Curral das Freiras village time (photo stop and sightseeing) without feeling rushed
• Private group flexibility for a calmer pace, led by a friendly guide (Martin is noted for being especially good)

A Private Tuk Tuk Route That Feels Like a Scenic Shortcut

This tour is built for people who want the best viewpoints without steering, parking, or doing math on winding roads. In about 3 hours, you’ll move from the seaside-and-city feel of Funchal into Madeira’s mountain world, with the temperature and vegetation changing as you go.

The tuk tuk format also changes how you experience the drive. You’re up a little higher, you can see more through the ride, and photo stops feel natural instead of awkward. If you like scenic drives, this is a nice way to spend part of your day without turning it into an all-day production.

Pickup in Funchal: Where You Start Sets the Tone

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Funchal, and it also works from a cruise ship (with a harbor pickup add-on). If you’re staying in the city of Funchal, pickup is free; if you’re arriving by ship, you’ll select the harbor add-on, which covers fees charged by the port authority.

It helps to know you’re not on your own once you book. Your driver/guide meets you at the scheduled time at your pickup point, and you’ll see a vehicle that matches the tour photos. This matters because viewpoint tours lose time if meeting points are confusing.

The pacing is relaxed, not frantic. You’ll get short transitions between viewpoints, and the tour gives you just enough time to pause, take photos, and look longer if the view is doing its job.

Stop 1: Pico dos Barcelos for Funchal’s Panoramas

Your first real moment comes at Pico dos Barcelos, starting around 355 meters above sea level. This is your orientation stop—Funchal and the coastline come into focus, so you understand what you’re about to climb into.

This is the kind of viewpoint where your photos will look better if you slow down for 2–3 minutes. Try looking for the patterns: where the city edges meet the sea, and where the terrain rises behind it. On Madeira, the roads cling to the mountains, so a quick skyline read at the beginning helps later stops feel more dramatic.

Time here is about 10 minutes for photo and sightseeing. If you’re traveling with someone who loves photography, tell your guide you want an extra few seconds before the next leg. The private setup makes that easier than it would be on a crowded group tour.

Stop 2: Eira do Serrado for the Nuns Valley View

Next is Eira do Serrado, which is the big altitude jump: roughly 1,095 meters. This stop is all about the view looking down toward Curral das Freiras, nearly 500 meters below.

I like this viewpoint because it reframes the island. From here, you can see how the mountain chain acts like a wall around the valley. It’s not just pretty scenery—it helps you understand why this area feels set apart, with the village tucked into a protected pocket of terrain.

The tour gives you about 30 minutes for photo and sightseeing, plus scenic driving time on the way. That longer window is important. At Eira do Serrado you’ll want at least one slow look before your phone camera starts doing all the work.

The Curral das Freiras Village Stop (And What to Do With It)

After Eira do Serrado, you head toward Curral das Freiras. The tour includes 15 minutes at the village for a photo stop, sightseeing, and shopping time.

This is the portion that balances the viewpoints. You get a chance to step into the valley’s everyday feel instead of only looking from above. Even in that short window, you can slow down for a look around the village area and grab small items if that’s your style.

One added detail you can plan around: the tour notes two ways to connect the experience back to Funchal. You may either drive through a tunnel that crosses the mountain or head down and make an extra viewpoint stop on the way back. So your day’s final photos could vary depending on which route your guide chooses.

If you’re the type who likes “one viewpoint plus one village” as the perfect combo, Curral das Freiras is a strong fit. It’s also a good match for people who don’t want a full lunch-long break but still want more than just a quick photo stop.

The Change of Scenery: From Sea-Level City to Mountain Cooler Air

What makes this tour more than a list of lookouts is the pacing of the climb. You start in the Funchal area, then you move through that transition where temperature and vegetation change as altitude increases.

That’s not just a comfort thing. That shift makes your eyes notice details you’d miss if the scenery stayed consistent. In the city-to-mountain stretch, you tend to see different shapes of terrain, different shades of green, and different ways clouds and light sit on slopes.

It’s also why the sequence works: Pico dos Barcelos gives you the broad picture, and Eira do Serrado shows you the valley in context. By the time you’re down at Curral das Freiras, your brain already has the map it needs.

Driver and Guide: Calm, Safe, and Actually Helpful

Because the tour is private, the guide matters. The experience is led in multiple languages—Portuguese, English, Spanish, and German—so you can ask for viewpoint tips without struggling.

In the feedback I’ve seen from past guests, a driver named Martin is specifically praised for being friendly and for making the tour feel enjoyable at a holiday pace. Another theme that shows up is that the driver is flexible and easy to deal with—exactly what you want when you’re doing mountainous roads and timed photo stops.

That sense of calm is the real value here. You’re not fighting traffic or worrying about directions. Your job is mostly to decide where to pause longer.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For

The price is $153 per group up to 3 for the full tour. That’s about $51 per person if you fill the group, which is typically where private tours start to feel like good value.

You’re paying for three things:

• Door-to-door pickup and drop-off (hotel in Funchal, or cruise harbor with an add-on)
• A private guided route with multiple viewpoint stops in a short window
• Transport designed for steep, scenic access via tuk tuk

Also, since food and drinks aren’t included, you won’t feel stuck in a long meal plan. You can keep the day flexible and decide what to do after the tour.

What to Bring and How to Plan Your Day

Because food and drinks aren’t part of the tour, plan to handle snacks or water yourself. Even though stops are brief, you’ll likely spend those 3 hours moving through altitude, and that’s when you can feel the urge to grab something.

Wear shoes that handle uneven roadside areas, and consider a light layer. The climb is designed to show off the change in vegetation and temperature, so being prepared makes everything more comfortable.

Also note a few restrictions:

• Pets aren’t allowed
• Oversize luggage isn’t allowed
• No smoking
• No alcohol and drugs
• Passenger weight must not exceed 210 kg

If you’re traveling with small kids, check the age note: it isn’t suitable for children under 3 years.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a great pick if you:

• Want top Madeira viewpoints without renting a car
• Like scenic driving with short, well-timed stops
• Prefer a private group pace over crowd schedules
• Are staying in Funchal and want to add Nuns Valley without a long day

It’s also a good match for travelers on cruise days, since pickup and drop-off are handled, and the total time is 3 hours.

If you’re looking for an all-day walking adventure or a deep historical tour, this may feel short. But if your goal is to see the dramatic views and get a village taste, the timing is nicely balanced.

Should You Book Madeira’s Private Nuns Valley Tour by Tukxi?

Book it if you want the easiest way to get from Funchal to the Nuns Valley viewpoints—especially the high-altitude views from Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado. The private tuk tuk setup makes it feel relaxed, and the guide can keep the experience smooth even on a tight schedule.

Skip or consider another option if you strongly rely on the tour for meals. Since food and drinks aren’t included, you’ll want to bring a simple plan for water and snacks so you don’t run out of energy later.

FAQ

How long is the Private Nuns Valley tour by Tukxi?

The tour duration is 3 hours.

What does pickup include?

Pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or from your cruise ship terminal area, depending on the option you choose.

Is free pickup available for cruise passengers?

Cruise passengers can choose the harbor pickup add-on. This add-on covers port authority fees (€5 per group).

How many people can be in the group?

The tour price is listed per group up to 3 people, so it’s a private group experience.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

You’ll visit Pico dos Barcelos for city views, the Eira do Serrado viewpoint for Nuns Valley views, and Curral das Freiras village for a short stop with sightseeing and shopping time.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and German.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Passenger weight must not exceed 210 kg.

Is the tour suitable for small children?

It is not suitable for children under 3 years.

If you tell me your group size and whether you’re on a cruise or staying in a specific part of Funchal, I can suggest the best way to time the tour with the rest of your day.