Curral das Freiras
Place of Interest
Hidden between the mountain peaks of Madeira, in a quiet valley in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, Curral das Freiras presents one of the best sceneries in the world. Do you think the name Curral das Freiras is curious? At the beginning of colonisation, it was called Curral da Serra due to being a place of pastures and only populated by shepherds. In 1566, due to the ransacking of Funchal by French pirates, the Convent of Santa Clara's nuns took refuge there.
The deep valley where the town is looks like a crater created either by erosion or volcanic activity. It is a very isolated, picturesque and rural parish. It is one of the few places where you cannot see the sea. However, it compensates for that with the viewpoints of Eira do Serrado and Paredão, where you can contemplate the beautiful scenery. The charm of Curral das Freiras is unique! Get to know Jardim da Serra through Boca dos Namorados and Boca da Corrida.
Chestnuts are the queens of agriculture here. Abundant in this small town, they are present in various culinary delicacies, from soups to cakes, puddings and liqueurs. If you have the chance, visit the great Chestnut Festival in November.
