This grandiose, relatively short tour takes you along the old connecting path from the magical valley of Curral das Freiras (translated: "nuns' pen") up to the Miradouro Eira do Serrado. The place owes its unusual name to its former owners, the nuns of the Santa Clara monastery in Funchal; it was an important piece of land and, because of its remote location, also a place of refuge during pirate raids in the 16th century.
The path leads 420 m uphill and is therefore not a walk; but it is well developed and winds in wide curves through chestnut forests. With changing light and shadow impressions, you always have great views of the valley and of the houses "clinging" to the slope opposite.
There are cafes and restaurants at the start and finish - specialties are chestnut dishes (e.g. in 'Sabores do Curral': chestnut cheesecake, liqueur or salad with chestnuts --> really delicious!
The return journey takes the same route. You can start the tour at both places and reach it by bus or car.
The absolute highlight is definitely the panoramic view from the 'Miradouro Eira do Serrado' (1096 m) into the Nuns' Valley on Curral das Freiras. The most beautiful view is shortly after midday, when the whole place shines in the sun, framed by the peaks of the central mountains - simply fascinating.
So hiking enthusiasts, put on your hiking boots and head out into the nature of one of Madeira's scenic highlights.