Nestled 25 minutes north of Funchal lies the Eira do Serrado viewpoint, perched atop a mountaintop: 1095 meters above sea level. For a guide to visiting Madeira, click Things To Do Madeira. To learn more about Funchal, see Funchal Things To Do.
The viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Curral das Freiras parish, enveloped by the majestic mountain interior. Built-in 1962, it is one of the most iconic tourist attractions on the island.
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Buses teeming with excitement arrive at the car park. A half-hour stop before they embark on new adventures.
Map
Eira do Serrado Viewpoint
Follow the sign that says ‘Miradouro’.
The path starts at the Eira do Serrado Hotel & Spa, guiding us on a 15-minute stroll. Moments of dazzling beauty await us.
Reaching the summit, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view crowned by dramatic mountains.
Nature makes us minuscule.
The view is a testament to the erosive force of natural elements, which have shaped the landscape. A 3 km path connects Eira do Serrado to Curral das Freiras.
Curral das Freiras
In the depths of the hidden valley, a flat area reveals the village of Curral das Freiras, built in the crater of an extinct volcano.
In the beginning belonged to brave knight João Gonçalves Zarco: called Curral da Serra.
Unfortunately, in the 16th century, Funchal was attacked by pirates led by Frenchman Peyrot de Monluc.
Funchal was being pillaged as the nuns of Santa Clara Convent sought refuge here. This adorable space came to be known as Curral das…Freiras (Nuns).
Kind Dom Sebastião was not a fan of marriages and used the attack as an excuse to refuse the marriage offer from the King of France’s sister, Margarida de Valois.
Today Curral das Freitas has little more than 1,500 souls in this isolated parish.
It is quiet, chaste.
The central square, cafés and bars are its pulsating heart.
Close by lies the Church of Nossa Senhora do Livramento (19th century), replacing a temple built by the nuns.
One of the best times to come here is during the lively Chestnut Festival (1st and 2nd of November). We enjoy live music, traditional drinks and, of course, roasted chestnuts!
To get back to the Miradouro Eira do Serrado, take the 81 bus.
Eira do Serrado Hotel & Spa
The O Eira do Serrado Hotel & SPA is the perfect place to relax in a singular setting enjoying stunning views of the majestic mountains.
We find 26 rooms, each elegantly decorated in soft and light tones.
All rooms offer the modern convenience of central heating and cable TV, as well as a safe for valuables.
If you’re looking for something luxurious, you will want the suite: with a jacuzzi, hot tub, living room and spacious terrace.
In any case, you must take a dip in the indoor pool with panoramic views. On sunny days, we take advantage of the sunbeds on the upper floor.
Whether looking to sample regional dishes or explore international cuisine, we find something to satisfy our appetite at the Voltinhas do Serrado restaurant.
For breakfast, we have a delicious buffet: from fresh fruit and pastry to hot omelettes, there is something for everyone.
Sítio a não perder por perto:
Câmara de Lobos Bay
It is one of the oldest settlements in the region, dating back to the 15th century. The small bay coloured by traditional boats captivated many, including Winston Churchill, who was inspired to paint.
The fishermen had little interest in paintings and invented a drink to give them extra strength: Poncha.
Traditionally made with cane brandy, lemon juice and sugar cane honey, this is where you should enjoy this drink.
Estreito de Câmara de Lobos
The best restaurants to taste the regional espetada (regionl “kebab”) in Madeira are close by, namely:
Most of the grapes used to produce Madeira wine come from the Estreito de Câmara de Lobos. During the Madeira Wine Festival (25th August to 1st September), the village comes alive with the traditional stomping of the wine.
The Cabo Girão skywalk opened at the end of October 2012. As you progress, the scenery becomes ever more impressive.
We admire the sea below and the beautiful view in all directions.
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