From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

Monte plus sledges makes Madeira feel like play.

What makes this tour special is the mix of Monte Toboggan fun plus real island viewpoints right after, with a guide who keeps the day moving and explains the why behind the scenery. I especially like the way you start early, so you’re positioned to get down the toboggans with less fuss than later in the day. One possible drawback to note is that the tour can be weather-sensitive, because the toboggan runs have specific rules if it’s raining.

The other thing I really like is Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), which is genuinely different from the rest of Madeira. You get the isolated valley setting, the story behind the name, and a free liquor tasting that you can’t really replicate at home. The tradeoff is that this is a “see a lot” half-day, so the stops are packed, and you’ll want to be comfortable standing and moving between viewpoints and local eateries.

Key things to know before you go

• Start with Monte: you hit the toboggan ride first to help you beat the queue and get your run in smoothly.
• Livramento is the real thrill: the toboggan route is a 2-kilometer descent down the old road.
• Eira do Serrado delivers the big views: high altitude (about 1,094 meters) gives you a wide look across the island.
• Curral das Freiras is isolated by lava rock: the valley setting is part of the experience, not just the photos.
• Liquors are included, snacks usually are not: you’ll taste local homemade options, but you’ll still pay for things like coffee and cakes.
• The nun house costs extra: there’s a 200-year-old nun house you can visit for a small fee.

Monte Toboggan Ride Down Livramento, the 2-Kilometer Classic

This is the part most people come for, and it’s easy to see why. From Monte, you board the famous sledge-style toboggans and take a 2-kilometer ride down the old road of Livramento. It’s one of Madeira’s oldest transport traditions, and you get the full theater of it, from the loading area to the moment the sledges roll and the drivers steer you through the descent.

What I like about this setup is the flow. After you ride down, the bus picks you up at the bottom. That matters because you’re not stuck trying to find your way back up a steep old road or timing your escape with foot traffic. The day is structured so the fun happens early, then the viewpoints follow while you still have energy for photos.

Safety feels practical, not over-hyped. You’re riding on a basket-style sled with carreiros (the drivers) in control. The guides and drivers are also the ones running the operation, including the system where they later load sledges into a truck. That logistics detail might sound boring, but it’s the reason the ride can stay organized when there’s a crowd.

Rain rules and weather reality

Here’s the main consideration. On a rainy day, baskets of three do not go down. If a third person is involved, they must pay the additional cost of €10. It’s not that the whole thing shuts down immediately, but the capacity rules change.

So if you’re visiting during a season when showers are common, keep a small buffer in your head. Bring your jacket and plan to stay flexible if the ride timing shifts.

Solo travelers and the €10-to-toboggan rule

If you’re booking for just yourself, there’s a specific surcharge. One-person bookings have an additional €10 cost for the toboggan ride because a single traveler occupies two places when possible, and pairing singles depends on availability. If you travel solo, it’s worth factoring that into your budget so there are no surprises.

Eira do Serrado Viewpoint, Chestnut Trees, Eucalyptus, and Island Scale

Right after Monte, you start climbing again in the practical way that Madeira forces you to do. The tour takes you up to Eira do Serrado, Madeira’s famous viewpoint stop. You’re at about 1,094 meters above sea level, which is exactly what you want for a dramatic sense of scale.

This viewpoint is where the island stops being a collection of neighborhoods and starts feeling like one connected place. From up here, you can see across to the Nuns Valley area, which helps you understand why the valley is such a destination. It’s not just a pretty stop later on, it’s part of a bigger geographic story that starts here.

Between the viewpoints, you also get a sense of Madeira’s plants and microclimates. The route includes a natural wonder area with chestnut trees and eucalyptus plants, plus old paths where locals and tourists still walk. You may also notice narrow roads and tunnels along the way, which adds a “this island is built on stubborn terrain” feeling.

This is one of those stops where you’ll want to keep your camera ready. The view isn’t a quick glance type moment. You’ll likely have a short stretch of free time to look around and take photos at your own pace.

Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), the Liquor Tasting That Actually Feels Local

Now you reach the part with real personality: Curral das Freiras, often called Nuns Valley. The name isn’t literal in the way some people expect. There is no convent in the village. What you’ll find is a nun house, which is different, and the tour explains the story behind the name.

The valley is surrounded by lava rock, which makes it feel more secluded and protected than many other spots on the island. The name comes from nuns who once inhabited the valley and fled from pirate attacks during the 16th century. That detail matters because it explains why this valley feels like an island within the island.

What you get here, included versus extra

This is also where the tour pays attention to taste. You’ll have free liquor tasting included in the price. These are traditional liquors made in the village, and the tour notes they’re found only in this kind of local setting.

You can also try traditional chestnut cake and pastries, but those are not included. If you want something sweet, it’s on you to buy it at the spot.

There’s also an optional cultural add-on. You can visit the 200-year-old nun’s house for an entrance fee of €1. It’s small money, but it’s the kind of detail that turns a scenic stop into something you remember.

The viewpoint plus the valley story combo

The best part of Curral das Freiras comes from pairing it with what you saw at Eira do Serrado. After you’ve been high above, the valley later feels like a destination with meaning. You see the terrain and then you understand why the place was worth hiding in.

Monte Church and the Austro-Hungarian Connection

Monte isn’t only for sledges. The tour also includes time around Monte, including the church where the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria can be found. That’s a surprisingly specific historical stop in a day that otherwise feels like pure Madeira fun.

Why it works: it keeps the tour from being just scenic boxes. You get a real anchor point. Even if you’re not a history fanatic, the presence of this tomb connects Madeira to wider European history and explains why Monte has long drawn visitors.

The way it’s scheduled is also smart. You tackle the adrenaline first, then the calmer stops and viewpoints. By the time you’re walking and looking around Monte, your day feels balanced rather than rushed.

Pico dos Barcelos, One More Look Before You Head Back

Before you return to Funchal, there’s another viewpoint stop: Pico dos Barcelos. You’ll go here for a scenic photo stop, and the viewpoint sits at about 355 meters.

This isn’t meant to replace Eira do Serrado. It’s more like a final chapter that helps you see more angles of Madeira before you end the day. If you like “one last wow shot” moments, this is the kind of stop that scratches that itch.

Then it’s back to Funchal, with hotel pickup and drop-off built into the experience.

Price and Value: What You Pay For at About $47

At roughly $47 per person for a 4-hour outing, the value comes from what’s included, not the sightseeing in general. This tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• A guided tour
• The sledge (toboggan) ride
• Free liquor tasting in Curral das Freiras
• For cruise guests, pickup at the meeting point near the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum (not at the cruise terminal)

Most tours in Madeira can cost similar money, but it’s the included toboggan ride plus included tasting that makes this one feel more complete. You’re paying for activities that have a real Madeira identity, not just bus windows.

Small extras you should budget for

A few costs can show up depending on your situation:

• €1 to visit the 200-year-old nun’s house
• Cakes, snacks, and drinks like coffee and tea are not included
• If you’re a solo traveler, check the extra €10 rule for the toboggan ride
• If you’re coming from certain areas, Santa Cruz pickup has an additional €10 per person, while Caniço and Garajau have no extra pickup cost
• If you’re a cruise liner guest who needs added pickup beyond the included meeting point arrangement, there’s mention of an additional option at €4.50 per person (and you do not pick up at the cruise terminal for shared tours)

Also pack the basics. The tour asks for water and a jacket, and that’s not just for comfort, it helps you enjoy the viewpoints longer without rushing because you’re uncomfortable.

Guides, Group Size Feel, and How to Make This Day Go Smoothly

One theme that comes through in the experience is that the guide is a big part of the day. You’ll have multilingual live guiding, in Spanish, English, French, German, and Portuguese.

You might also recognize certain guide names from past experiences such as Tony, Daniel, Lucy, Sandra, Carlos, Victor, and GAMA. Since guides can vary by date, treat those as examples of the kind of local hosting style you can hope for, not a guarantee.

How this affects you: a good guide helps you understand what you’re seeing at each viewpoint, and also keeps the timing tight. Several parts of the tour depend on being in the right place at the right moment, especially for the toboggan ride. The early start strategy helps a lot.

Also, the ride often feels like a small group on the road. One example shows a comfortable mini bus setup with around 12 people, which usually means less standing around and easier navigation between stops.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Might Prefer Something Different

This half-day is ideal if you want a Madeira mix: action plus high viewpoints plus a local-food stop. It also works well for people who do not want to plan multiple transports between distant areas.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• Want the Monte toboggan experience without doing logistics on your own
• Like short, efficient days where the schedule still leaves you some time to look around
• Enjoy stories, like why the valley is called Nuns Valley and what the valley’s isolation meant in the 16th century

You might want to choose a different option if:

• You strongly dislike rain-related changes, especially around the toboggan run capacity rules
• You need lots of downtime between stops, because this day is designed to move

Quick FAQs for Planning Your Monte and Nuns Valley Half-Day

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs about 4 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Cruise liner guests use the meeting point near the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, and the cruise terminal pickup is not used for this shared tour format.

Where does the toboggan ride happen and how long is it?

The toboggan ride is in Monte, descending the old road of Livramento, and the ride length is about 2 kilometers.

Is the liquor tasting included?

Yes. There is free liquor tasting in Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) included.

What costs extra in the Nuns Valley area?

You can visit the 200-year-old nun’s house for €1. Cakes, snacks, and drinks like coffee and tea are not included.

Do solo travelers pay more?

Yes. Bookings for one person include an additional €10 charge for the toboggan ride because of how places are assigned.

What happens if it rains?

On a rainy day, baskets of three do not go down. If a third person is involved, they must pay the additional €10 cost.

What should I bring?

Bring water and a jacket.

What languages does the tour guide speak?

The guide speaks Spanish, English, French, German, and Portuguese.

Can I pay later?

Yes. You can reserve now and pay later, booking your spot without paying today.

Should You Book This Tour?

If you want the most Madeira-specific experience in a short time, I’d book it. The combination of Monte toboggans, Eira do Serrado views, and the Curral das Freiras liquor tasting is strong value for a 4-hour day. Start early mindset helps, and the included ride plus included tasting are the big wins.

The only real reason to hesitate is weather uncertainty. If rain is likely during your visit, bring a jacket and accept that the toboggan rules can change. If that doesn’t scare you off, this is a fun, efficient way to experience Madeira’s old traditions and its dramatic viewpoints without spending your whole day on transport.