Curral das Freiras

Scenic lookouts in Curral das Freiras

These lookouts provide vantage points over Madeira’s central mountain massif and the deep volcanic crater of Curral das Freiras. Situated at elevations ranging from 1,000 to over 1,800 meters, the sites include Eira do Serrado, accessible by road, and high-altitude spots like Ninho da Manta and Pedra Rija along the PR1 trail. These viewpoints reveal the island’s jagged peaks, including Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, alongside traditional terraced agriculture and the historic village settled in the valley below.

Scenic Lookouts — Map

José Lemos Silva / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Miradouro do Ninho da Manta

Located on the PR1 hiking trail, this viewpoint is known as the 'Buzzard's Nest.' It overlooks the Fajã dos Cardos valley and the central mountain range from a high-altitude volcanic ridge.

B

Montado do Paredão EAST

Situated at approximately 1,400 meters elevation, this eastern vantage point provides views of the Curral das Freiras valley and the surrounding peaks of the central massif.

patano / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

View Point

Located at an elevation of 1,095 meters, this viewpoint offers a direct vertical perspective of the village of Curral das Freiras and its surrounding amphitheater of mountains.

D

Boca dos Namorados

A viewpoint in Jardim da Serra at 1,000 meters elevation. It serves as the trailhead for the descent into Curral das Freiras and overlooks the southern side of the valley.

E

Pedra Rija

A narrow viewpoint on the PR1 trail between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, characterized by its steep volcanic rock formations and views of the island's highest peaks.

F

Montado do Paredão WEST

Located near a high-altitude picnic area, this western lookout offers vistas across the deep ravines and forested slopes leading toward the interior of the Curral das Freiras crater.

G

Relvinha

Situated along the hiking path connecting Boca dos Namorados to the valley floor, this spot provides a perspective of the terraced fields and the village interior.

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