Festa da Castanha 2026: Curral das Freiras Chestnut Festival
Portugal's original chestnut festival, running since 1983 in the dramatic mountain bowl of Curral das Freiras. The whole village smells of roasting chestnuts; you'll find chestnut cake, chestnut liqueur and chestnut soup, plus poncha, music, folklore and a colourful allegorical parade.
Madeira's iconic chestnut festival
The drive up alone is worth it, winding into one of the most striking valleys on the island. The 1st of November, All Saints' Day, is the busy, festive peak.
Good to know: Free entry; pay at the stalls. About a 30-minute drive up from Funchal on mountain roads, go earlier in the day for parking and the views from Eira do Serrado on the way.
A Funchal base makes this an easy half-day out; central, parking-equipped stays work well.
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