REVIEW · FUNCHAL
The Lakes Walk
Book on Viator →Operated by Madeira Free Spirit walks · Bookable on Viator
Madeira is at its best when you walk it. The Lakes Walk takes you from the Paul da Serra plateau to the Wind Lagoon waterfall area, with an English-speaking guide and a small group size that keeps things relaxed. You get nature time, real elevation effort, and plenty of moments where the views do the talking.
What I love most is the combination of easy logistics and human-scale guiding. Hotel pickup in Funchal makes the start painless, and guides like Elton, Susana, Alvaro, and Philips bring the route to life with stories, plant talk, and practical guidance.
The one thing to consider is that this is not a stroll. Expect hundreds of steps in places and plan for a moderate fitness level, plus the route depends on good weather.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately
- Paul da Serra: Why the Lakes Walk Starts So High
- The 10 km Route and the Wind Lagoon Payoff
- What the Hike Feels Like: Steps, Breaks, and Pace
- A quick practical tip
- Guides Make It More Than Footsteps
- Logistics That Actually Help on a Morning Hike
- Price and Value: What $54.13 Buys You
- Who Should Book This Walk
- Should You Book The Lakes Walk?
- FAQ
- Where is The Lakes Walk located?
- Where does the walk start?
- What time does The Lakes Walk begin?
- How long is the tour, and how far do you walk?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What is the main highlight during the walk?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- What group size should I expect?
- What fitness level do you need?
- What happens if weather is poor, or if I cancel?
Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately
- Small group size (max 15) keeps the pace friendly and questions easy
- Hotel pickup across Funchal saves you from figuring out transport
- 10 km / about 4h 30m is a full morning walk with built-in breaks
- Wind Lagoon waterfall pools are the emotional payoff
- Guides with local stories like levadas, plants, and practical tips for Madeira
- Comfort breaks and timing help you keep a steady pace
Paul da Serra: Why the Lakes Walk Starts So High
The Lakes Walk kicks off on the Paul da Serra plateau, which is a big reason this hike feels different from the typical coastal strolls. You begin above many of the island’s everyday viewpoints, so the first stretch helps you get your bearings and understand where you are in Madeira fast.
Hotel pickup is offered from all hotels in Funchal, so you start the morning already in motion rather than spending time on buses or taxis. The ride itself can be part of the fun: the drive to the trail area tends to offer wide, panoramic moments, especially as you transition from the plateau toward the wetter, waterfall-friendly areas.
If you like hiking routes that feel like a journey instead of a single straight line, this one has that rhythm. You leave the starting area, hit a string of scenic highlights along the way, and then your attention narrows toward the waterfall finish.
You can also read our reviews of more walking tours in Funchal
The 10 km Route and the Wind Lagoon Payoff
You’re looking at an approx. 10 km walk with a total duration of about 4 hours 30 minutes. That timing matters because it tells you the tour is designed to be long enough for a real effort, but not so long that you’re racing the clock.
The main destination is the waterfall of the Wind Lagoon, where you get the kind of payoff that makes steps worth it. One highlight described is reaching two waterfall moments into pools, and that’s exactly the sort of scene Madeira does well: water, rock, and small, natural pauses where you can stop and actually look.
The day can feel very different depending on conditions. If the weather is damp, expect more water activity—waterfalls tend to show off when the sky has been doing its part. For safety and comfort, the operator requires good weather, and if conditions aren’t right, the tour is handled through rescheduling or refund.
What the Hike Feels Like: Steps, Breaks, and Pace
Let’s be honest: this hike asks for more than casual walking. Reviews point out there can be hundreds of steps, and those steps can add up even when you’re strong on flat ground. If your idea of moderate fitness means you can handle uneven paths and frequent stairs without panicking, you’re in the right zone.
That said, this is not a grind with no relief. You’ll have plenty of breaks, and there are comfort stops before and after the walk. In practice, that changes everything. It turns the day from a single continuous endurance test into a paced experience where you can catch your breath, sip water, and keep your legs working.
I also like that the group is small enough that your guide can manage pacing for the whole line. When the max is 15 people, there’s room for a calmer rhythm rather than a stampede. One review noted groups can be closer to 10 people in size, which makes it easier to chat, ask questions, and get help if someone needs a slower moment.
A quick practical tip
If you plan to bring food, treat the day like a hike. If you pack a picnic, bring a way to take your rubbish back with you. It’s a small habit, and it helps keep these waterfall areas looking good for the next walk.
Guides Make It More Than Footsteps
The Lakes Walk stands out because the guide is part of the experience, not just a person holding the group together. Guides like Elton and Susana are described as warm, personable, and genuinely focused on safety and wellbeing. That matters on a hike with steps, because confidence is easier when someone is paying attention to pace, footing, and how everyone is doing.
You can also expect storytelling and interpretation along the way. On this kind of Madeira walk, you’re moving through areas where plants, irrigation channels (levadas), and local history all connect. Reviews highlight that guides can explain the history of the levadas, point out plants, and share local stories that make the scenery feel specific rather than generic.
Guides also tend to give practical recommendations beyond the hike—like local fruit suggestions and ideas for other walks or activities on the island. Even if you’re short on time, that kind of local input helps you turn one guided route into better decisions for the rest of your stay.
Logistics That Actually Help on a Morning Hike
The tour is scheduled to start at 8:30 am, which is smart. Early starts help you feel less rushed, and you’re more likely to catch calmer trail conditions. If you’re staying in Funchal, hotel pickup takes away one big headache: the transport puzzle before the first step.
You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking time. That means you’re not scrambling the night before trying to find paperwork, and you can keep your morning simple.
One more detail worth noticing: the tour is offered in English. If you want a guided walk where you can actually understand the route talk, this is a clear advantage. It’s especially helpful when the guide is explaining what you’re seeing, not just where you’re going.
Price and Value: What $54.13 Buys You
At $54.13 per person, the Lakes Walk sits in a reasonable range for a guided, half-day hike with hotel pickup. But value isn’t only the price tag. Here’s what you’re getting that justifies it:
- Pickup from hotels across Funchal, so you aren’t paying for separate transport
- A guided route that adds context to the plants, levadas, and what you’re walking past
- A small group limit (max 15), which usually means fewer compromises on pace and attention
- A full walking experience (10 km / about 4h 30m) that isn’t too short
If you’re on Madeira without a car, guided walking becomes even more cost-effective. The alternative is often piecing together transport to a remote start point and then navigating on your own, which can be stressful when you’re tired from travel. This tour removes that friction and gives you structure.
If you do have a car, you could theoretically self-drive. But the guide adds something hard to replace: an explanation for what you’re seeing, plus help keeping the hike enjoyable rather than exhausting.
Who Should Book This Walk
This is a good match if you:
- want a real hike (10 km) instead of a short scenic circuit
- enjoy guided storytelling about plants and Madeira routes
- like a small group where you can talk with others and not feel lost
- are comfortable with steps and uneven terrain
It may not be the best fit if you’re dealing with limited mobility, struggle with stair-heavy routes, or want a low-effort nature stop. The moderate fitness requirement is there for a reason, and the step count is the part most people should take seriously.
If you’re solo, this can also feel comfortable. Small groups make it easier to connect without the social pressure of big tours, and hotel pickup helps you meet people without spending extra time arranging logistics.
Should You Book The Lakes Walk?
I’d book it if you want the Madeira experience that mixes views, waterfalls, and guidance—without having to plan the whole day yourself. The Wind Lagoon waterfall payoff, the 10 km length, and the small-group setup make it a solid choice for a half-day outdoors routine.
I’d pause before booking if you’re worried about steps. This walk can include hundreds of them, so only sign up if your body and hiking pace can handle that kind of rhythm. Also keep an eye on the weather: the operator requires good conditions, and the plan can shift if it’s not.
If you’re looking for a guided morning that feels purposeful—great nature moments with someone who knows what you’re seeing—this one deserves a spot on your Madeira list.
FAQ
Where is The Lakes Walk located?
The tour is based in Funchal, Portugal.
Where does the walk start?
It starts at Paul da Serra, the plateau of Madeira.
What time does The Lakes Walk begin?
The start time is 8:30 am.
How long is the tour, and how far do you walk?
It lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes and includes an approx. 10 km walk.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup is offered from all hotels in Funchal.
What is the main highlight during the walk?
The route includes several highlights and the waterfall of the Wind Lagoon.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, the tour is offered in English.
What group size should I expect?
The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.
What fitness level do you need?
You should have moderate physical fitness.
What happens if weather is poor, or if I cancel?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
