Curral Das Freiras: Hiking in the Mountain Valley

A valley and its viewpoints

Curral das Freiras lies in a deep valley that resembles a volcanic crater. Nearby, the Miradouro da Eira do Serrado, at an elevation of 1,095 metres, offers an unobstructed view over Curral das Freiras. Another viewpoint, the Miradouro da Boca dos Namorados, overlooks the valley and provides access to a footpath to Curral das Freiras. This offers two different perspectives on the landscape: the expansive view from above and the connection to the village via a footpath.

Hiking trails with different routes

Picos do Curral is a 10.13-kilometre circular route that starts and ends in Fajã dos Cardos. The PR 2 – Vereda do Urzal also starts in Fajã dos Cardos, is 10.6 kilometres long and connects Madeira’s south and north coasts. The stated distances are similar, but the types of trail differ: one route loops back to its starting point, while the other connects two coasts. The PR 2 passes through natural high-altitude vegetation and the Laurisilva forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picos do Curral passes Pico do Furão.

The Vereda da Boca das Torrinhas also follows its own route: it starts in Fajã dos Cardos and leads via the Vereda do Capitão to Boca das Torrinhas. Along the way, the trail passes through deep ravines and impressive rocky gorges that protect the source waters of the Ribeira do Curral. The Pico Grande and Pico Jorge route can be started in Fajã Escura or Fajã dos Cardos. The area lies within the Parque Natural da Madeira and is classified as a Special Protection Area under the Birds Directive and as a Special Area of Conservation within the Natura 2000 network. Another hike leads from the village centre to Boaventura: it is about 16 kilometres long and takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. This makes it noticeably different from the routes of around ten kilometres.

Historic trails and local history

Curral das Freiras’ historic network of footpaths developed over centuries in connection with livestock farming and agriculture. The paths served self-sufficiency, trade and social relations with places beyond the central mountain range. The network also makes it possible to reach other places on Madeira on foot. The Roteiro das Voltas follows an old Caminho Real that bears witness to life in the parish before the arrival of the automobile. Another route, the Caminho Real da Encumeada – Fajã Escura, ends in Fajã Escura in Curral das Freiras.

The village’s history is also connected to the mountains: in 1566, Curral das Freiras served as a refuge for the nuns of the Convento de Santa Clara during pirate attacks on Funchal. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Livramento was built in the early years of the 19th century and is the only historic cultural heritage site in Curral das Freiras.

Chestnuts and festivals

Chestnuts play a central role in Curral das Freiras and are celebrated at the traditional chestnut festival. The Festa da Castanha was first held on 1 November 1983 and was Portugal’s first festival in honour of the chestnut. It includes an allegorical parade with more than 350 costumed participants and several floats. The Nossa Senhora do Livramento parish festival is celebrated on the last Sunday in August. Since municipal authorities may adjust the calendar listing, check the exact date before your trip.

Keep an eye on trail conditions

As of an inspection on 31 August 2026, the PR 12 – Caminho Real da Encumeada from Boca da Corrida to kilometre 3.5 was passable in the area. Trail conditions can change; check the status of this section again before your hike.

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