Curral Das Freiras, or the Valley of the Nuns, is a village located almost in the middle of Madeira, on the slopes of a volcanic crater and at its foot. It is an attractive place for people who like active tourism and mountain hiking with breathtaking views.
The name of the village comes from the times when the area belonged to nuns from the monastery of St. Clare from Funchal. However, almost no monuments have survived here to this day. The oldest is the 19th century church and several old houses. Most of the buildings are contemporary, but very picturesque and nicely composed with the landscape.
And this one is the biggest attraction of Curral Das Freiras. Above the village rises the Pico do Areeiro peak, 1818 m above sea level. On the top there is a viewing platform from which you can admire the wonderful panoramas of the area. On the slopes of the mountain at an altitude of approx. 1,600 m above sea level is Poço da Neve, a cellar with long corridors where ice was stored in the past. You can get to the top via the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trail.
The second destination for hiking in the area is the Radio Tower Hill. From here you can also enjoy views of the interior of Madeira.
