Nuns Valley/Monte with sledge ride.

Explore Madeira’s Unique Landscape and Iconic Sledge Ride

The Nuns Valley/Monte tour offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, cultural stops, and thrilling activities at a friendly price of $40.49 per person. With an approximate duration of 4 hours, this guided experience captures the island’s scenic highlights, including panoramic viewpoints and a classic Madeira sledge ride. The tour departs from Funchal, with pickup options available, making it accessible for most visitors. It’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking a compact yet diverse overview of Madeira’s most memorable sights, especially those interested in local traditions and fun outdoor adventures.

While the tour features spectacular views from Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado, it also includes unique stops like a family bakery tasting and a visit to Monte’s historic church. The sledge ride in Monte is a standout highlight, providing a chance to glide downhill in traditional wicker toboggans, a quintessential Madeira experience. Keep in mind, the sleigh ride costs an extra €10 for solo riders, and the tour’s overall appeal depends on good weather and clear visibility.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Around $40.49 for 4 hours, with a sleigh ride included in the main price.
• Multiple Viewpoints: Visit Pico dos Barcelos for panoramic city and ocean views, weather permitting.
• Nuns Valley: Experience the isolated volcanic caldron surrounded by lava rock, a dramatic natural feature.
• Monte and Toboggan Ride: Enjoy a ride in Monte’s wicker toboggans, a quintessential Madeira attraction, with an additional cost for solo riders.
• Local Tastings: Sample liquors at a private family bakery, known for Madeira’s best liquors.
• Group Size: Limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in Funchal

The tour begins at 8:30 am, with convenient pickup options available for hotel guests in Funchal. For travelers arriving by cruise ship, the meeting point is at the CR7 Museum, an 8-minute walk from the port, with taxis readily available. Hotel pickups in Calheta and Ponta de Sol require groups of 8 or more guests and involve an additional fee. The tour includes mobile tickets and admission to key stops, but does not cover snacks or tea and coffee.

Visiting the Valley of the Nuns

The Nuns Valley is a central highlight, described as a caldron surrounded by lava rock, offering a striking contrast to Madeira’s lush greenery. It is isolated from the rest of the island, providing a sense of seclusion and natural drama. The tour includes a liquor tasting at a local village, which is renowned as the best liquors in Madeira, giving visitors a taste of the island’s famed spirits.

While the views can be obscured by weather conditions, the tour makes the most of clear days, offering a chance to experience the valley’s unique landscape. The village stop also features local cakes and biscuits, adding a sweet note to the visit.

Pico dos Barcelos: Madeira’s Panoramic Outlook

The drive up to Pico dos Barcelos offers a panoramic view of Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a favorite snapshot spot. This viewpoint is known for its unique perspective of the city below and the coastline stretching into the horizon. The experience depends on weather conditions, as fog or mist can limit visibility, but on clear days, this spot provides some of the best aerial views of Madeira.

Eira do Serrado: The Viewpoint Above the Valley

Driving up further to Eira do Serrado, located at 1094 meters above sea level, the tour stops to admire the spectacular view of the Nuns Valley. This viewpoint is accessible if weather permits, offering a dramatic vista of the volcanic caldron and the steep mountains surrounding it. The vantage point provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to understand the island’s volcanic origins.

Monte’s Historic Church and Wicker Toboggan Ride

The visit to Monte includes a stop at the famous church, a symbol of Madeira’s cultural heritage. After exploring the church, visitors can try the traditional wicker toboggan ride down the hilly streets of Monte. This fun outdoor activity is included in the tour for an additional fee of €35, but solo riders pay €10 extra, emphasizing the ride’s popularity as a must-do Madeira experience.

The sledge ride is described as exciting but safe, driven by expert masters of their trade, ensuring visitors can enjoy the thrill without concern. The shiny roads and hilly terrain make for a spectacular descent, often highlighted as a favorite part of the tour.

Local Bakery and Liquor Tastings

A stop at a private family bakery introduces visitors to Madeira’s local flavors. Tasting cakes, biscuits, and liquors, the experience offers insight into the island’s culinary traditions. Known as the best liquors in Madeira, the tasting is free and adds a cultural flavor to the sightseeing day.

The Sledge Ride: An Iconic Madeira Activity

The Monte wicker toboggan ride is a key selling point of this tour. Described as hair-raising but safe, the downhill glide provides a unique perspective on Madeira’s mountain slopes. The ride is a classic Madeira activity, often praised for its exhilaration and authenticity.

Solo riders pay an extra €10, and the cost for the ride is typically €25, but the experience is well regarded for its fun factor and scenic descent. Despite some reviews mentioning weather delays, the ride itself remains a highlight for most participants.

Practical Tips for the Tour

Participants are advised to bring a jacket, as temperatures in the mountains can drop significantly. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but not pet-friendly. The group size is limited to 16 for a more intimate experience, and good weather is essential for the viewpoints and outdoor activities to be fully enjoyed.

What’s Not Included and Additional Costs

The tour price includes the sledge ride and liquor tastings, but snacks and hot beverages like coffee or tea are not covered. The sleigh ride has an additional €10 fee for solo participants. Cancellation is free if made more than 24 hours in advance, but weather-dependent cancellations may lead to rescheduling or full refunds.

Final Thoughts on the Nuns Valley and Monte Tour

This Madeira tour offers a well-rounded 4-hour experience combining stunning viewpoints, cultural stops, and outdoor adventures. The guide’s knowledge and humor receive praise, along with the sledge ride, which many find to be the most memorable part. The local tastings add a tasting of Madeira’s famous liquors, enriching the cultural experience.

However, weather can impact the viewing experience, and some reviews note disappointments with certain stops or rescheduling. The group size limit fosters a more personal atmosphere, and the cost of additional activities like the sleigh ride is clearly communicated.

This tour suits adventurous travelers interested in spectacular scenery, cultural sights, and a fun downhill ride. It’s especially appealing for those wanting a compact, diverse half-day trip with authentic Madeira charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the sledge ride included in the price?
Yes, the sledge ride in Monte is included for $40.49, but solo riders pay an additional €10.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Pico dos Barcelos, Eira do Serrado for the view over Nuns Valley, a local bakery for tastings, and Monte for the church and sledge ride.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 4 hours, with plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing.

Are meals or snacks included?
No, snacks and hot drinks like coffee or tea are not included.

What is the group size limit?
The tour is limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available more than 24 hours in advance.

What should I bring?
A jacket is recommended as it can be cold in the mountains; comfortable shoes are also advised.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate; however, it’s not suitable for pets and may require moderate mobility for the activities.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered a reschedule or full refund.

How do I get to the meeting point if arriving by cruise ship?
The designated meeting point is at the CR7 Museum, an 8-minute walk from the port, with taxis available.

Who is the tour provider?
Secret Madeira Lda manages this experience, with contact details available for further questions.