Curral das Freiras is a municipality in the district Câmara de Lobos on the island Madeira.
 The Boca da Corrida towers over the main square of Curral das Freiras | ||
| Curral das Freiras | ||
| circle | Camara dos Lobos | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 2000 (2011) | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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background
Curral da Freiras (Nonnental) is located in the middle of a grandiose amphitheater made of steep rock walls. The municipality is part of the Camara dos Lobos district and is located in an inaccessible basin 19 km north of Funchal. Previously only accessible on foot, a road now leads from the capital into town. The old pass road from the Eira do Serrado viewpoint has now been replaced by a 2.4 km long tunnel through which the place can be approached without any problems.
The translated term Nuns valley Probably dates from around 1490, when the areas became the property of the Convent of St. Clara. But it is also connected with its historical importance as a retreat during the pirate attacks of this time. Because of its inaccessibility, Curral das Freiras has always been a place of hiding up into the last millennium, especially a refuge for runaway slaves. The residents still live from agriculture and horticulture as well as from gastronomy, which serves tourism, which is mostly focused on excursions.
getting there
The spectacular road access along a steep slope was unfortunately partially destroyed in storms in early 2011. However, it was previously closed and replaced by a tunnel, which now opens up a quick access route to the town.
By bus
The operator Horaios do Funchal connects the town quickly and frequently with the capital Funchal via line 81.
In the street
Curral das Freiras can only be reached via a 30-minute drive on the ER-107 from Funchal.
mobility
Curral is a mountain village at the foot of a deep valley basin with sometimes steep streets. From here only a few narrow mountain roads lead into the surrounding valleys. It is therefore advantageous to have your own vehicle.
Tourist Attractions
- Parish church Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Livramento
The parish church of Curral das Freiras
Main altar
St. Clara
St. Anthony
Our Lady of Livramento
Our Lady of Fátima
Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Holy Spirit
- Eira do Serrado viewpoint. 10 minutes' walk from the parking lot of the aparthotel complex of the same name, with a breathtaking view of the mountain panorama and the depths of the valley basin.
activities
Chestnut Festival On november 1st
hikes
- Footpath to Boaventura
- Descent from Eira do Serrado (Only masochists are advised to climb up)
- High-altitude hiking trail around the basin on the Boca da Corrida
- Levada do Curral e Castelejo
- Mountain tours to Pico Grande (1640 m) or towards Pico Ruivo or des Encumeada Pass.
shop
There are a few smaller shops in the village.
kitchen
There are several smaller restaurants, cafes and snack bars in the village. Chestnuts are a local specialty (castanha) or the yam type of sweet potato, which is often made into soups.
nightlife
Night life takes place in the capital, Funchal. Locally only local bars.
accommodation
In Curral das Freiras there are some small pensions, B & B's or holiday apartments. The only hotel is at the Eira do Serrado viewpoint above the village:
Practical advice
For most tourists, the place is a destination for one or repeated visits or hikes. It is probably too remote as a starting point for a tour of the whole island.
Web links
- offz. Tourism portal Madeira
- Travel report of the main author
