Madeira: Private Nuns Valley Tour by Tukxi

Traveling to Madeira and looking for an experience that combines scenic beauty with a touch of adventure? This Private Nuns Valley Tour by Tukxi is one of those outings that feels like a peek behind the curtain of some of the island’s most breathtaking spots. It’s a three-hour journey, perfect if you want a taste of Madeira’s natural glory without a full-day commitment. From panoramic viewpoints to a scenic mountain drive, it offers a compact yet memorable experience.

What we really like about this tour is how it pairs personalized transport with local insights—your own tukxi driver and guide make all the difference, turning a simple sightseeing trip into something more engaging. Plus, the views are genuinely stunning, giving you plenty of those “Wow” moments you came for.

One small thing to keep in mind is that it’s designed for small groups — up to three people per group — which makes it ideal for a cozy, private adventure. However, if you’re traveling with a larger family or friends, you might need to book multiple groups or check for alternative options. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a flexible, intimate experience and want to see Madeira’s highlights with ease.

Key Points

• Private tukxi experience offers a personal touch and flexibility.
• Stunning viewpoints like Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado provide spectacular photo ops.
• Change of landscape from urban Funchal to lush mountain vistas keeps the ride interesting.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with local insights and tips.
• Affordable price point for a private tour—around $136 for up to three people.
• Ideal for those with limited time but want a meaningful glimpse of Madeira’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Madeira Nuns Valley Tour in Detail

An Introduction to the Tour Experience

This private Nuns Valley tour is designed to give you a quick yet immersive look into some of Madeira’s most iconic landscapes. You’ll start from your hotel or cruise ship, making it a hassle-free experience. From there, the journey begins with a scenic drive that takes you through varying landscapes and temperatures, highlighting the island’s diversity.

The main focus is the Nuns Valley, a village sitting almost 500 meters below the panoramic viewpoints you’ll visit. This tour is perfect if you want a snapshot of Madeira’s natural charm without committing to a full-day expedition. It’s especially good for those who value comfort and personalized attention, as it’s a private group experience.

The Convenience of Pickup and Drop-off

The tour includes hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off, which takes away the stress of navigating public transportation or finding your own way. If you’re in Funchal, the pickup is free from your accommodation, making it straightforward. For cruise travelers, there’s a specific harbor pickup option (with an added fee), and you’ll just need to communicate your ship’s name afterward.

This kind of logistical ease is often overlooked but makes a big difference when you’re trying to maximize your sightseeing time. Plus, the driver is there to meet you at the scheduled time, so you won’t be left waiting.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Pico dos Barcelos

Your adventure kicks off with a stop at Pico dos Barcelos, sitting 355 meters above sea level. Here, you get sweeping views of Funchal, the island’s capital. The scenery is striking—especially if the weather cooperates—so bring your camera. Many reviews highlight this as a favorite moment, with visitors noting how the views are panoramic and truly impressive.

Stop 2 & 3: Scenic Tukxi Rides

These shorter tukxi rides are about 15 minutes each, giving you a chance to soak in the changing landscape without feeling rushed. The intimate nature of tukxi transport allows for more engagement with your guide, who can point out interesting features or answer questions along the way.

Stop 4: Eira do Serrado Viewpoint

This is the star of the tour for many. Sitting at 1,095 meters, it’s the perfect spot to gaze down into the Nuns Valley and the village of Curral das Freiras. The scenery here is almost cinematic—mountains, lush greenery, and the tiny village below. Visitors often mention that this viewpoint feels like being in a mountain postcard.

One reviewer described it as “a almost-cinematographic landscape,” which captures how stunning it looks in person. You can opt to either visit the village itself or just enjoy the view from above—your guide can help customize your experience based on your preferences.

Final Stops & Return

The tour typically includes a second drive through the mountains or another viewpoint before heading back to Funchal. These additional stops are a chance to capture more photos and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. The total duration is about three hours, which flies by thanks to the variety of views and the relaxed pace.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

The price of around $136 for up to three people reflects good value for a private experience, especially considering hotel or harbor pickup and drop-off. The experience covers the scenic drive, viewpoints, and an expert driver-guide who shares local insights.

Food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring water or a snack if you want to stay refreshed during the trip. Since it’s a short tour, it’s not suited for large luggage or pets, and smoking or alcohol are prohibited—standard for a small-scale, focused sightseeing experience.

The Value of the Experience

Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides who enhance the trip with local stories and helpful tips. One said, “The driver/guide knew so much about the island, making the views even more meaningful.” The stunning viewpoints and the change in scenery—from Funchal’s urban landscape to mountains and lush valleys—make this tour feel like a quick vacation within a vacation.

At $136, it’s a pretty reasonable price considering the private, flexible nature of the trip. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful taste of Madeira’s mountainous beauty with personalized service, this tour offers a lot for the price.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who prefer a private, intimate setting with a guide who can tailor the trip to your interests. If you’re a small group or a couple wanting a personalized adventure without the crowds, this ticks all the boxes.

It’s also suitable for those who love breathtaking views and want to avoid long, exhausting hikes — the viewpoints are accessible, and the tukxi rides keep things relaxed.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children (under 3) or have specific mobility needs, check the small size of the vehicle and the fact that it’s a short and mostly visual experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Since it involves short tukxi rides and some walking at viewpoints, it might not be ideal for those with significant mobility challenges.

Can I customize the stops or the itinerary?
The tour is private, so your driver/guide may be able to tailor some parts, like choosing whether to visit the village or just enjoy the views.

What if I’m staying outside Funchal?
Pickup is available from your hotel in Funchal, and if you’re on a cruise, there’s a harbor pickup option (with an added fee) at specific locations.

How long is the drive between stops?
Stops are relatively short, around 10 to 20 minutes, making the overall tour manageable and not rushed.

Will I get enough time at each viewpoint?
Yes, each stop allows for sightseeing, photos, and taking in the scenery, especially at Eira do Serrado where you can stay longer if you wish.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Portuguese, English, Spanish, and German, so chances are you’ll find one who can communicate comfortably.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy scenic drives and viewpoints; families with older children will appreciate the views, but very young children might find the short tukxi rides less engaging.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a personalized, scenic glimpse of Madeira’s mountain vistas and Nuns Valley, this tukxi tour really delivers. It’s a compact experience that combines comfort, flexibility, and incredible views—all at a reasonable price. The availability of knowledgeable guides and the convenience of hotel or harbor pickup make it a stress-free way to see some of the island’s most beautiful spots without spending a whole day on the road.

Ideal for small groups, couples, or anyone wanting a relaxed, intimate adventure, it’s a great choice if you value quality over quantity. Just keep your camera ready and your sense of wonder engaged—those mountain panoramas are worth it.

Feel free to ask if you want tips on what to bring or how to prepare for your Madeira trip—I’ve got plenty of tips to share based on experience. Happy travels!

You can check availability for your dates here: