Curral das Freiras

Deep in the mountains of Madeira, at the bottom of a valley ringed by high peaks, Curral das Freiras is one of the island’s most striking villages. Reached by a road that winds through the mountains, it has kept its isolation and its character, with chestnut groves and steep terraced slopes.

History and identity

The village takes its name — “Corral of the Nuns” — from the nuns of the Santa Clara convent in Funchal, who took refuge here in the sixteenth century during attacks on the city. Sheltered by the mountains, the valley was for centuries one of the most isolated places on the island.

What to see and do

• The valley views from Eira do Serrado and Boca dos Namorados.
• The village and its church, at the bottom of the valley.
• The chestnut groves and the terraced slopes.
• The walking trails around the valley.

Gastronomy and traditions

Curral das Freiras is known for its chestnuts — celebrated in the village’s annual chestnut festival — and for the chestnut liqueur and honey of the valley. Its simple restaurants serve the mountain cooking of Madeira.

Nearby

The village is a short drive from Funchal, and the Jardim Botânico da Madeira and the Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro are close by in the hills above the city.

Visiting Curral das Freiras

Curral das Freiras is in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, about 15 kilometres from Funchal, reached by road. Access to the village is free; for trails and local events, check with the municipality before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-camaradelobos.pt.

Image credit: Curral das Freiras, Madeira, by Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.