Nuns Valley, why this curious name?

Located in a small valley

Curral das Freiras, also known as ‘Nuns Valley’ is a little civil parish situated in Câmara de Lobos on Madeira Island.

This small marvellous place is isolated and surrounded by huge mountains in the middle of the valley.

It is believed that this parish was formed by either erosion or by volcanic activity

Discovering Nun’s Valley

To uncover this magical place you can do it with Tukway. Where you can expect to see, hear, breathe all the fun facts about this place, and still experience a fun, smooth, ride on our Tuk tuks whilst doing it. Book the nuns valley tuk tuk tour here.

Nowadays the best way to marvel at this view is through two major viewpoints: Eira do Serrado or Paredão.

Nun’s Valley story

In the late 14th century this settlement was the dominion of João Gonçalves Zarco, who then granted the lands for cultivation to a couple, João Ferreira and his wife Branca Dias.

In 1474, these same lands were given to the couple’s grandchild, Branca Teixeira.

A few years later, in 1480, the lands were sold to a captain named João Gonçalves Câmara.

The captain who was João Gonçalves Zarco’s son, then passed these lands to his daughters Elvira and Joana.

The sisters Joana and Elvira were nuns and lived back then in the Santa Clara convent.

In 1566, pirates were attacking the city of Funchal.

Some Nuns from Santa Clara’s convent started strategizing, where to flee, to protect themselves from this terror.

So, instead of staying put they decided to find shelter in this Valley in Câmara de Lobos, which is now called Nuns Valley or Curral das Freiras.

Not only did they find a new and safe home in that special place, but also brought some treasures to help in the growth of this secluded place.

The meaning behind the name “Nun’s Valley”

Initially, the settlement was called Curral or Curral da Serra, due to its extensive lands for pasture and cultivation.

Although after being a shelter to those in need, like these nuns the name was altered between 1492 and 1497.

As a result of these nuns coming to this secluded place contributing to its growth, and also helping those in need of refuge the valley was baptized as Nuns Valley or Curral das Freiras.

Towards the end of the 15th century, tiny houses were built to give a home to all these people coming from all over the island.

In time a community started to form itself in this small parish, the Nuns Valley.

Nun’s Valley today

Surrounded by enormous mountains, exploding with green fields, and trees. A type of peace, and silence you can only find here, in the Nuns Valley.

Back then, during the settlement access to Curral das Freiras, it was very difficult to access, and only shepherds and slaves risk to get there.

Today visiting this place is just as easy as going through a tunnel, which offers safe access to the valley.

Also, you can always trust us to show you the best views of the city, and get to know more fun facts about this place.

Undeniably one of a kind

Above all the Nuns Valley is a unique small town, with an even more remarkable story behind it.

Every year this small parish is searched not only for its mesmerizing views but also because of its famous celebrated ‘Chestnut Festival’.

This festival is a big attraction, where locals get together to share several culinary delights, from sweets to savoury food, and even some liqueurs.

Lastly, because the festival is not only for drinking, some music, and dancing are mixed into one big party.

Embark on a journey to find out more about this parish, situated in the deep valley called Curral das Freiras.