Viewpoints · 1050 m above the sea
Eira do Serrado
The postcard drop into Curral das Freiras' crater valley, steps from the car park.
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The place
A short footpath beside the Estalagem da Eira do Serrado ends on a flat rock shelf looking straight down into the bowl-shaped valley that holds Curral das Freiras — the view most Madeira postcards are shot from. It's the easiest big payoff in this whole region, which is exactly why the tour buses stop here.
When to come
Early morning before the coach groups arrive and before valley haze builds up.
Worth knowing
- Footpath from the roadside inn car park — no real hike required
- Gets crowded with tour buses from mid-morning on
- Can be windy and noticeably cooler than Funchal despite the short drive up
- Continue down the tunnel road afterward to reach Curral das Freiras itself