Nuns Valley Holidays

A great spot to enjoy the beautiful interior
The Nuns' Valley (or Curral Des Freiras), is a small village nestled at the foot of a deep basin, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the surrounding mountains. Situated in the heart of Madeira, the Nuns' Valley is the central point for many of the islands' scenic walks and hikes, and this magnificent deep valley is a great spot to enjoy the beautiful interior with its' lush green forests and jagged peaks. Once only accessible by foot (or donkey!) Nuns' Valley can now be reached by road, although the village still remains fairly isolated.

Deep in the heart of the island of Madeira
The village of the Nuns' Valley sits in a deep ravine, thought to have been caused either by gradual erosion, or volcanic activity. Dating back to the 16th century, the village was apparently formed in 1566 when nuns from the Santa Clara convent in Funchal arrived here seeking refuge, having fled from attacking pirates, and bringing the convent treasure with them. The land was owned by the captain of Funchal, Joao Goncalves da Camara, who gave it to his daughters when they entered the convent. The fertile soil of the valley allowed them to be self-sufficient, and today the valley is still known for its' abundant of local chestnuts and cherries, used in many dishes and drinks. The 'Chestnut Festival' of the Nuns' Valley still takes place on November 1st every year - a grand celebration dating back to the times when they had a surplus of chestnuts, filled with dancing, wine and plenty of good local food. Hotels and guesthouses in the Nuns' Valley offer visitors spectacular views and a delightful peaceful atmosphere.

Calm and serene, an idyllic rural getaway
A serene and tranquil retreat on Madeira, the Nuns' Valley would suit any traveller wanting peace and quiet amongst stunning rural scenery. There are some spectacular walks and hikes in and around the area, and the many 'levados' criss-cross the countryside taking in the beauty of the hills and valleys. For a change of pace, the vibrant capital city of Funchal is just 20 minutes away, with its' shops, restaurants, museums and botanical gardens. The Nuns' Valley is a popular attraction on the island of Madeira, with the region served well by the public bus system.

All inclusive Nuns Valley holidays
Guests on all-inclusive Nuns Valley holidays can take advantage of all the services and facilities available to them, with the beauty being they can do as much, or as little, as they choose - there's no pressure as everything has already been paid for. Thanks to all meals and drinks being covered on all-inclusive Nuns Valley holidays, the comprehensive dining plan ensures guests can enjoy a regular routine each day, and not even have to leave the hotel at all. Also presenting excellent value for money for those looking to stay within a budget, there's a real satisfaction and a sense of ease knowing that after a full day's activities, dinner and drinks are available each night for guests on an all-inclusive Nun's Valley family holidays, for no extra cost.

Nuns Valley weather
Madeira is blessed with an abundance of sunny weather and also a number of small microclimates throughout the island. The climate in Nuns Valley is typical of Madeira with long hot summers and short mild winters. Nuns Valley does have the advantage of being sheltered from the wind by almost perpendicular mountains that also act as something of a sun trap. Temperatures in Nuns Valley can be hot but are not usually uncomfortable. The summer months will see temperatures heading up towards the 30C mark and can sometimes reach higher. The climate is hot and sunny but not the intense heat that can be found in other Mediterranean locations.