Madeira’s roads feel built for a 4×4. This half-day open-top ride from Funchal into the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras) puts you up high above terraced slopes and cherry orchards, then tops it off at Pico do Arieiro for cloud-level views when conditions cooperate. I love the way the best moments are spread out through multiple viewpoint stops, not just one long drive, and I also love how often the guides are praised for being friendly, professional, and making you feel safe on the tight roads. One real consideration: weather in the mountains can move in fast, and cloud cover can limit what you can see at Pico do Arieiro and the other high stops.

For your money, you’re paying about $52.16 per person for roughly four hours, with hotel/port pickup and drop-off handled for you. The tour runs with a maximum of 16 people, which helps keep it more personal than the big-bus version of Madeira sightseeing.

Quick Take: What Makes This Tour Work

• Open-top 4×4 fun on serpentine roads, with views from above and close to the action
• Multiple viewpoint stops including Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos and Pico do Arieiro
• Curral das Freiras context tied to the Santa Clara convent and life in a secluded parish
• Portuguese liqueur and pastries as part of the stops, but you should expect to pay for what you taste
• Wicker factory stop uncertainty since the factory has been reported closed since 2019
• Small group size (up to 16) and frequent praise for safe, upbeat guiding

Entering Madeira’s Switchbacks in an Open-Top 4×4

This tour is built around the feeling Madeira is famous for: winding roads, steep drop-offs, and viewpoints that show up like someone turned a page. You’ll ride in an open-top 4×4, so you’ll get that direct, windy mountain air and a real sense of height. It’s not the kind of outing where you sit back and let a bus do the work for you.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel or the port area, then driven toward the north side of the island where the terrain turns wilder. Depending on whether your day is Wednesday or Friday, your collection is either in the morning or the afternoon. Plan for a few changes in pacing as the route works around viewpoints, weather, and the group’s needs.

The Route’s Key Viewpoints: Pico dos Barcelos and Paredão

The tour starts with a classic Madeira “see it first” stop: Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos. It’s a belvedere dating from 1950, sitting around 355 meters above sea level. From there, you look out over Funchal Bay, which is a great way to get your bearings before you head deeper into the mountains. You’ll have about 10 minutes here.

Next comes Miradouros do Paredão for a shorter pause (about 5 minutes). This area is tied to intensive reforestation work, which adds a practical layer to the scenery. You’re not just looking; you’re seeing what recovery looks like in mountainous terrain that’s been shaped by people and weather over time.

This is where good guiding matters. Even if visibility is less than perfect, a strong driver/guide can keep the stops feeling worthwhile and help you understand what you’re actually looking at.

Curral das Freiras and the Valley of the Nuns: Pirates, Convent Land, Chestnuts

The heart of the day is Curral das Freiras, a place that feels intentionally protected by the mountains. There’s a stop where you’ll spend about 10 minutes in the parish, and it’s tied to the story of the Santa Clara convent. The land is described as belonging to a couple who sold it to João Gonçalves da Câmara, the captain of Funchal, and later the land was given to his daughters when they entered the convent.

From there, you’ll continue into the Valley of the Nuns area, where you get about 20 minutes. The story shifts from property to survival: in 1566, the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here. They also brought the convent’s treasure, which is one of those details that makes the valley feel more than scenic.

What I think you’ll appreciate most is how the valley is described as isolated, with locals living largely from what they grow. The everyday food focus is chestnuts—local chestnuts are used in daily cooking, and that matters because it’s a reminder that this isn’t just a photo stop. It’s a working place where nature and agriculture still call the shots. Admission is listed as not included for this part, so if there’s an entry element at the valley site you visit, expect it may be payable on your end.

Pico do Arieiro: Third-Highest Peak and Cloud-Level Views

Then the tour climbs toward a huge highlight: Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. Most days, visitors can stand and look down on the clouds. The air can feel fresher here, and the sun can be strong on clear days.

You’ll have around 10 minutes at this stop. On a clear day, visibility can stretch far enough that you may be able to see the neighboring island of Porto Santo—about 30 miles to the northeast. That’s the “wow” payoff, and it’s why this stop gets so much attention.

But here’s the practical truth: clouds can roll in and erase the view fast. In some experiences, the weather is described as poor enough that the high peak stop becomes more limited, with stops feeling reduced or less scenic. If you can, pick your day with the most promising forecast. And if the sky turns cloudy, focus on what’s still working: different layers of terrain, lower viewpoints that still show depth, and a guide who can adjust the vibe so you don’t feel stuck.

Tasting Portuguese Liqueurs and Pastries (and the Likely Pay-For-What-You-Taste Reality)

One of the stated stops is to sample Portuguese liqueurs and pastries. This is a fun, sensory break, especially after time in the car and at viewpoints. The format is basically: a stop, a tasting opportunity, and then you’re back on the road.

Just read the fine print from experience: the pastry tasting is described as something you can taste, but you have to pay for it, and the bakery involved doesn’t belong to the tour operator. So don’t assume the tasting is fully free just because it’s part of the itinerary. Bring a few euros or a card you’re comfortable using for snacks and drink samples.

This is still good value for many people, because it turns the tour from purely scenery into something you can bring home in your stomach—especially if you like Madeira’s spirit and pastry culture.

Wicker Factory Stop: What You Should Know Before You Go

The tour also mentions a visit to a wicker factory to learn about local crafts. In the theory, it’s a nice contrast to off-road driving and high-altitude views. In practice, you should be aware of a reported issue: the wicker factory has been closed since 2019.

So how should you handle this as a visitor? Treat the craft stop as a bonus if it happens, not the core reason to book. You’re still getting the open-top 4×4 ride, the multiple scenic stops, and the village-area time. If the wicker stop is missed or replaced, it shouldn’t ruin the day—unless you’re specifically going for that craft visit.

Guide Style, Group Size, and What Happens When the Mountains Hide the View

A big chunk of your experience here is the driver/guide. The strongest praise tends to land on reliability and professionalism, with specific guide names like Nelson, Spencer, Hugo, Miguel, and Juan coming up for being friendly, informative, and good at making the trip feel safe and well explained. When your guide is on top of things, you get more than scenic stops—you get context, timing, and a smooth flow even on rougher roads.

Group size helps too. The cap is 16 travelers, and some groups have been small enough that you’re likely to feel you have breathing room at each stop. That matters for photos and for simply walking around without feeling rushed.

Now the downside people run into: mountain weather and communication. When clouds are thick, visibility can drop to near nothing at the higher peaks. Also, because you’re in an open vehicle with engine sound, it can be tough to hear every word of commentary. A great guide can still make it work, but if you’re the type who wants every detail, bring patience and don’t assume perfect audio conditions.

Timing is another practical point. There are mentions of late departures and pickup confusion in a few cases, including a situation where the pickup time seemed mismatched. The fix is simple: double-check your exact pickup time and location when confirmation messages come through, especially if your hotel isn’t right in central Funchal.

Price and Pickup Fees: Getting On the Right 4×4 at the Right Time

The headline price is $52.16 per person, for about four hours, with hotel/port pickup and drop-off included. That’s a solid deal for a half-day that combines transport, multiple viewpoints, and village-area time.

One thing that can change the final cost: pickup extras. If you’re staying in certain areas outside the included pickup zone, there’s an additional fee. The data lists extra fees of €5 per person for areas including Santo da Serra, Machico, Santa Cruz, Camacha, Jardim da Serra, Ponta do Sol, and Calheta. It lists €10 per person for Caniçal, Porto da Cruz, Santana, Ponta Delgada, Porto Moniz, Ponta do Pargo, and Prazeres.

If you’re joining from the cruise dock, there’s an extra €5 per person.

Also keep in mind that some stops have admission tickets not included, while Curral das Freiras is listed as free for admission. So your actual spending may be a mix of food/drink purchases and any small entry fees that pop up at specific stops.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Day)

This is a great fit if you:

• want off-road style sightseeing without renting a car
• like short, well-timed stops with lots of scenery per hour
• enjoy nature and villages, not just viewpoints

It may be less ideal if you:

• need guaranteed visibility at Pico do Arieiro, no matter the clouds
• are strict about every stated add-on happening exactly as described (the wicker factory has been reported closed since 2019)
• really want to hear every bit of guide commentary over engine noise

Should You Book Nun’s Valley Open 4×4 Tour?

I’d book it if your priority is a fun, small-group open-top 4×4 day that mixes Madeira’s viewpoints with real village stories in Curral das Freiras. The best moments happen when the mountains are clear, but even on less perfect days, you’re still getting multiple scene changes and a strong sense of how life works on this island.

If you’re booking for the craft stop specifically, treat it as uncertain. And if weather is unpredictable, aim for the day with the clearest forecast you can manage, then plan to enjoy the ride and the lower viewpoints if clouds take the top.

FAQ

How long is the Nun’s Valley open 4×4 tour?

It runs for about 4 hours.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and there can also be pickup from the port area.

Are there extra fees for pickup outside Funchal?

Yes. Some pickup areas list an extra €5 per person, and other areas list an extra €10 per person. Cruise dock pickup has an extra €5 per person.

Do I need to buy admission tickets for the stops?

Admission tickets are not included for some stops. Curral das Freiras is listed as admission free, while other viewpoint stops are listed as not included.

Is the group small?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers.

When do tours run, and is pickup in the morning or afternoon?

Tours depend on the day of the week: collection is in the morning on one day and in the afternoon on the other. The schedule is described as differing for Wednesday versus Friday.

Are the liqueur and pastry tastings included for free?

The tasting is mentioned as part of the experience, but pastries can involve payment, and the bakery isn’t operated by the tour provider.

Is the wicker factory visit guaranteed?

The wicker factory has been reported as closed since 2019, so you should expect it may not operate as described.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.