Curral das Freiras lies in a deep valley that resembles a volcanic crater. Viewpoints in the surrounding area add to the mountain landscape. At the same time, the trails tell of everyday life in which connections to other places were important: the historic footpath network developed in connection with centuries of livestock farming and agriculture. It served self-sufficiency, trade, and social ties with places beyond the central mountain massif. Today, it makes it possible to reach other places on Madeira on foot.

Choose hiking trails by route and landscape

Several routes start in Fajã dos Cardos, but differ considerably in their layout. Picos do Curral is a 10.13-kilometer loop that starts and ends there and passes Pico do Furão. The PR 2 – Vereda do Urzal is 10.6 kilometers long, also starts in Fajã dos Cardos, and connects Madeira’s south and north coasts. You can choose between a loop with the same start and end point and a route connecting two coasts. On the PR 2, the trail passes through natural high-altitude vegetation and the UNESCO World Heritage Laurisilva forest of Madeira.

A hike from the center of Curral das Freiras to Boaventura is about 16 kilometers long and takes approximately eight to nine hours. Another route description leads from Fajã dos Cardos via Vereda do Capitão to Boca das Torrinhas. Vereda da Boca das Torrinhas passes through deep ravines and impressive rocky gorges that protect the headwaters of Ribeira do Curral. Those interested in the Pico Grande and Pico Jorge route can start in Fajã Escura or Fajã dos Cardos. The area covered by this route lies within Parque Natural da Madeira and is classified as a Special Protection Area under the Birds Directive and as a Special Area of Conservation in the Natura 2000 network.

Roteiro das Voltas also takes you through the parish’s history of trails: it follows an old Caminho Real that bears witness to life before the arrival of the automobile. Caminho Real da Encumeada – Fajã Escura ends in Fajã Escura. The different starting points and routes offer different options to consider when choosing a hike, without all the trails converging into a single route.

History and chestnut tradition

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Livramento is the only historic heritage site in Curral das Freiras. It was built in the early years of the 19th century. An older story dates back to 1566: during the pirate attacks on Funchal, Curral das Freiras served as a refuge for the nuns of Convento de Santa Clara.

Chestnuts play a central role in Curral das Freiras and are celebrated at the traditional chestnut festival. Festa da Castanha was first held on November 1, 1983, and was Portugal’s first festival celebrating the chestnut. Festival highlights include an allegorical parade with more than 350 costumed participants and several floats. The parish festival of Nossa Senhora do Livramento is held on a different date: the last Sunday in August. As the date may be updated by the local authorities, check the local schedule before your trip.

Viewpoints and a river pool

Nearby, Miradouro da Eira do Serrado, at an altitude of 1,095 meters, offers an unobstructed view over Curral das Freiras. A footpath to the viewpoint starts beside Estalagem da Eira do Serrado. Miradouro da Boca dos Namorados offers a view over the valley and access to a footpath to Curral das Freiras. Miradouro do Paredão is on the scenic road connecting Curral das Freiras with Pico do Areeiro. Together, the viewpoints offer different perspectives of the valley and its surroundings.

Poço dos Chefes is about a ten-minute drive from the center of Curral das Freiras; from there, a three-minute descent down steps leads to the river. The natural pool is surrounded by large rocks and imposing mountains. If you plan this detour, check current access before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Porto Santo, Ponta Do Sol, Arco De Sao Jorge, Caniço, Madeira, Vila Baleira, Calheta, Jardim Do Mar

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