From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

Monte, nuns valley, and toboggan fun in four hours. What I love most is the early start to Monte, so the toboggan ride feels smooth instead of chaotic, and guides like Tony, Daniel, and Lucy keep things moving. You get history, heights, and a proper adrenaline hit without spending all day in a bus.

My second favorite part is the scenery chain: the Eira do Serrado viewpoint, then the dramatic, isolated setting of Curral das Freiras. You’ll also have the added bonus of an included free liquor tasting in the valley village, which makes the whole morning feel like more than just photo stops.

One thing to consider: rain changes the toboggan setup. On rainy days, three-person baskets do not go down, and a third rider may need to pay an additional 10 EUR.

Key highlights at a glance

• Early timing for the Monte toboggan, often getting you to the front of the queue
• A 2-kilometer Livramento toboggan ride, with the bus meeting you at the bottom
• Eira do Serrado viewpoint at 1,094 meters, where you can see across to the Nuns Valley
• Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), named from nuns who fled pirate attacks in the 1500s
• Free liquor tasting in the village, plus optional chestnut cake and pastries nearby (not included)
• Pico dos Barcelos lookout at 355 meters for a final round of views

Why Monte and Curral das Freiras feel like a perfect Madeira combo

This tour works because it strings together Madeira’s biggest themes in one tight 4-hour loop. You get the old tourist heart of Monte, then the signature toboggan run, then the island’s vertigo-level viewpoints, and finally the unique story of Curral das Freiras.

Monte is where you go for tradition, and the toboggan ride is the headline because it’s short, fast, and very Madeiran. Curral das Freiras is the opposite mood shift, quieter and more isolated, with dramatic walls of lava rock around the village.

Price and value: what the 47 USD gets you in real terms

At around 47 USD per person, you’re paying for a package that includes the stuff that usually costs extra on Madeira day trips. Your price covers the guided tour, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the sledge (toboggan) ride itself, plus a free liquor tasting in Curral das Freiras.

What’s not included matters, because it affects your budget. You should expect to pay for snacks, cakes, and drinks like coffee or tea, and you may also want to pay a small entrance fee if you decide to visit the 200-year-old nun house (1 EUR).

There are also a few “watch for extras” moments. If you’re coming from Santa Cruz, Caniço, or some nearby areas, pickup can cost additional 10 EUR per person. Single travelers may face an extra 10 EUR for the toboggan, since a single person can take two spots when possible.

Getting there: pickups from hotels and a cruise-ship meeting point

Most people start from the Funchal area with hotel pickup, and the tour has lots of options across the city and nearby neighborhoods. If you’re staying outside central Funchal, plan for earlier pickup times, since Santa Cruz and Caniço pick ups run ahead of the Funchal schedule.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, the meeting point is listed as being near the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, and it’s about an 8-minute walk from the ship. The operator also notes they do not provide pickup at the cruise terminal for shared tours, so use the given meeting point instructions.

If you’re driving yourself, you can meet at the Madeira Panorâmico bus stop main road, and the parking there is free. That helps if you want the flexibility of a rental car, but still want the guided experience and the toboggan logistics handled for you.

Monte stop: the church, the Emperor’s tomb, and a quick dose of old-world gravitas

Once you reach Monte, you’re in one of Madeira’s classic tourist stops. You’ll have guided time and photo opportunities, and the focus is on the church where the remains of Emperor Charles I of Austria are found.

This isn’t a long museum-style visit. It’s more like a meaningful pause in the middle of an active morning, which is exactly why it works on a short 4-hour tour. You’ll see something that feels distinctly European and historical, then you’ll bounce straight into the fun part.

The Livramento toboggan ride: why “go first” is the whole strategy

The toboggan run is the reason most people book, and it’s not a gimmick. It’s a 2-kilometer descent down the old road of Livramento, and the bus picks you up at the bottom right where the ride ends.

Historically, the men called carreiros had to carry the sled back up to Monte. Today, that hard work is turned into a smooth handoff: sleds get loaded into a truck while the drivers head off and you hop on the bus.

The big practical advantage here is that the tour is designed to be first in line. In the real world, that can be the difference between a fun kickoff and standing around with a headache. More than one guide experience highlights how the early timing helps you avoid the worst queue pressure.

Safety is part of the experience too. The guides and drivers run the ride carefully, and the setup is organized so you’re not just dropped into chaos. You’ll still feel the speed, though, because this is a real downhill run, not a slow slide.

Rain and group-size rules you should know

If the weather turns rainy, expect one change. The operator notes that on rainy days, baskets of three do not go down, and if there’s a third person the additional 10 EUR may apply.

Also, if you’re traveling with a child: children under 3 can ride on a parent’s lap. There are no child discounts for the attraction, so plan around that if you’re budgeting for a family.

Eira do Serrado: 1,094 meters, chestnuts, eucalyptus, and those tunnel-and-footpath details

After the Monte moment, the tour climbs again to Eira do Serrado viewpoint, at 1,094 meters above sea level. This is where Madeira looks like a whole other planet, because you’re high enough to see the island’s layers and the way the valleys fold into each other.

What I like here is that it’s not just a viewpoint with a sign and a gift shop. You’re also moving through natural areas with chestnut trees and eucalyptus plants, and the guide can point out how locals still use the ancient footpaths.

You may also notice the narrow road feel and even tunnels from this higher vantage. The result is that the viewpoint connects the dots between what you see from above and what’s actually happening on the ground.

Most importantly, from Eira do Serrado you can see across to the Nuns Valley. It’s a great “setup” moment, because when you arrive at Curral das Freiras later, you’ll already understand where it sits in the larger picture.

Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley): the story of refuge, the real village, and the liquor tasting

Curral das Freiras is isolated from the rest of the island, and you’ll feel that immediately. The valley is surrounded by lava rock, and it’s named from the nuns who once inhabited the area after fleeing pirate attacks in the 16th century.

Here’s a useful detail that keeps expectations accurate: there is no convent in the village. The operator specifically notes that it’s a nun house, not a convent.

You’ll have a guided visit and aperitif time in the area, and the star “included” moment is the free liquor tasting. This isn’t a token sip. You get to try the famous traditional liquors tied to the village, and it’s one of the best included add-ons on the whole itinerary.

If you have a sweet tooth, plan to spend a little extra. Traditional chestnut cake and pastries are available in the region, but they are not included in the price. In other words, if you want the full flavor of the place, budget a small snack stop there.

There’s also an optional cultural add-on. The entrance to the 200-year-old nun house costs 1 EUR, so if that topic matters to you, it’s a low-cost choice.

Pico dos Barcelos: the last viewpoint stop before you head back to Funchal

On the return to Funchal, you’ll make a stop at Pico dos Barcelos, a lookout point at 355 meters. This is the final “pause and look” moment, usually timed so you still feel the momentum of the morning rather than a late-day blur.

The value here is simple: you get another angle on Madeira’s dramatic edges and built-up viewpoints, with just enough time for a few more photos before the ride back.

Small details that can make or break your comfort

Bring a jacket and water. Madeira weather shifts quickly, and even if the morning starts clear, the higher viewpoints can feel colder and windier than Funchal.

Also watch your timing around the toboggan. The tour’s whole method is to get you first in line, and that only works if you show up ready and on time for pickup and the first stop. Guides like Tony and Daniel are often praised for tight timekeeping, so follow the schedule.

If you’re hoping for photos, you might also want to buy them at the bottom. One detailed note mentions souvenir photos available for purchase at the end of the ride for 10 EUR, which can be a fun keepsake.

Who should book this Monte and Nuns Valley toboggan tour

This is a strong match if you want an active half-day on Madeira without planning a car, parking, and timed bookings. The combination of Monte history, a real toboggan ride, and Curral das Freiras views is hard to replicate on your own in a short window.

It also suits people who like variety. You’ll move from a church tomb stop to a fast downhill ride, then climb to high viewpoints and finish in an isolated valley village with local liquor tasting.

If you dislike early starts or you want long time at one place, you might find the schedule a bit tight. Everything is planned to fit into 4 hours, so you’ll be taking in multiple highlights rather than lingering for hours in just one spot.

One more practical fit check

If your group includes multiple people riding on the same toboggan basket, keep the rainy-day rule in mind. Planning for possible weather changes helps reduce stress, especially if you’re traveling as a small group.

Should you book it, or skip it?

I’d book it if your Madeira trip includes a short list of “must-do” experiences and you want the toboggan ride handled the right way. The early timing is a big deal, and the included liquor tasting plus the Monte and Curral das Freiras stops make the price feel like a package rather than a bare-bones excursion.

I’d think twice if you hate anything weather-sensitive or you’re hoping for lots of free time. Since rainy days can change the toboggan setup, bring that flexibility with you.

If you want my simple decision rule: book if you want Monte plus the toboggan and you’re comfortable moving through several stops in one morning. Skip if your ideal Madeira day is slow, quiet, and single-focus.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is 4 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What is included in the price besides the tour guide?

The sledge (toboggan) ride is included, and you also get free liquor tasting in the Nuns Valley village.

Is the toboggan ride included, and how long is it?

Yes. It’s a 2-kilometer toboggan ride down the old road of Livramento, with the bus picking you up at the bottom.

Do I have to pay to visit the 200-year-old nun house?

Yes. Entrance to the 200-year-old nun house costs 1 EUR.

Are snacks, coffee, or tea included?

No. Snacks, cakes, and drinks like coffee or tea are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring water and a jacket.

Are there any special rules if it rains?

Yes. On rainy days, baskets of three do not go down, and if there is a third person they must pay an additional 10 EUR.

Are there child discounts?

No. There are no discounts for children at this attraction. Children under 3 can ride on a parent’s lap.

What cancellation policy is offered?

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

If you tell me your travel dates, where you’re staying, and whether you’re doing a cruise, I can help you sanity-check the timing and what extra costs might apply to your pickup area.