The road from Funchal to Curral das Freiras is depicted by stunning scenery. It rapidly reaches the striking Ribeira Socorridos, before heading into a forest of pine and eucalyptus trees, affording sweeping views of the valley. A lookout point commands a magnificent panoramic vista of the gorge and its steep terraced slopes. From the Eira do Serrado lookout, there is another panoramic view over Curral das Freiras, sited in a grandiose volcanic cirque.