This lovely Atlantic island with pleasant temperatures is closer to the African mainland than the European mainland. A Madeira golf holiday has many great courses to choose from (see details below) and some of the best scenery in Portugal. Although they are all different in their location and style, they all share two things in common: firstly, they are all of the highest quality golf courses, and secondly, they are all set in beautiful surroundings. Similar to golf in the Algarve, the courses vary from small towns to golfing through rolling vineyards to coastal golfing with views over the Atlantic Ocean.
This lovely Atlantic island with pleasant temperatures is closer to the African mainland than the European mainland. The island is engulfed in bougainvillaea, lilac jacarandas, frangipani, and orchids, creating a colourful, picture-perfect landscape. In addition, it has rugged natural landscapes such as rocky coves, mountains, and pebble or black-sand beaches, ideal for strolling and guided hikes. Madeira is also well-known as a fantastic spa destination, not forgetting golfing too, with two excellent championship golf courses in Palheiro and Santo da Serra, both offering spectacular second-to-none views.
The year-round good weather is an essential factor in planning a golf holiday. This means that there is never a bad time to go golfing in Madeira. Madeira is usually dry and warm throughout the year in terms of weather.
If you are looking for an excellent golf destination in Portugal, this little known island is a great choice. There are two fantastic golf clubs on the island, offering world-class golfing experiences. The food is also excellent, and there are plenty of cultural activities to enjoy in the town and village areas. Accommodations are top-notch, so you will be sure to enjoy your stay on the island.
These are the best golf courses in Madeira. All feature natural beauty and are spectacular courses to play.
The 18-hole, 72-par course is set in a lovely parkland along with the River Guiana and adjacent to the five-star Madeira Island Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro at Palheiro Estate, a Relais & Châteaux resort.
The viewpoint is located at roughly 500 m (1640 ft) above sea level and provides spectacular vistas of Madeira's mountainous cityscape and the huge Atlantic Ocean. Funchal, the island's capital city, is just 10 minutes away.
Palheiro Golf, which was created by Cabell Robinson in 1993 and most recently updated in 2003, has 18 holes. Two holes were replaced, as well as a 6-hole teaching course. The end product is an exquisite 18-hole challenge with spectacular views, fast undulating greens, strategically placed bunkers, and tight fair.
Palheiro Golf is a public golf course located on the Palheiro Estate, recognized for its pine forests, centennial trees, blooming shrubs, and lush vegetation.
Palheiro Golf's elegant clubhouse is further accentuated by the excellent restaurant, which the Relais and Châteaux hotel run Casa Velha do Palheiro.
The perfectly-laid out course, which has year-round appeal and takes advantage of Madeira's hilly terrain with steep ridges and deep valleys, is a must-play for even the most experienced golfer.
Santo da Serra Golf Club overlooks the bay of Machico, where the Portuguese explorers first landed on Madeira Island. The original course was established in 1937 and subsequently altered numerous times before being redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Sr. His work produced a completely new and stunning 27-hole golf course in one of the world's most beautiful natural settings.
The Madeira Open, a part of the PGA European Tour, is played on the course, a beautiful alternative with lakes, mountain vistas, and flatter terrain.
Golf stars, including many Ryder Cup players, have attested to the excellent quality of the fairways and greens. The semi-roughs and roughs show meticulous care and attention to the conditions of the course. The course is a true botanical garden ornamented with four beautiful lakes and scenic views.
The Santo da Serra Golf Club has a comprehensive array of services available to its participants and guests. These include a comfortable clubhouse with a panoramic restaurant, lounge, bar, and terrace with stunning sea views. "Una Clubhouse muy Bonita" was how Seve Ballesteros described it in 2001 when he took
Santo da Serra is the country's 23rd best golf course, and it boasts the finest course in the Portuguese Archipelago.
This spectacular golf course is set high up on the cliffs in the neighbouring island of Porto Santo and is arguably one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. It consists of 18 holes that wind their way between tall pine trees and dramatic views out to sea. A must for any keen golfer considering a golf holiday to Madeira.
At the heart of Funchal, this 5-star resort's cutting-edge architecture, contemporary interiors, and premium facilities set it apart.
The world-famous Reids Palace needs no introduction, one of the most opulent hotels in Portugal and ideal for golfers staying high end in Funchal.
The newest modern four-star hotel, which has just opened in July 2021, is built in a minimalist style with the most up-to-date technology - making it an ideal and popular golfing destination.
It is a five-star hotel situated on the cliffs, just a 10-minute walk from Funchal's old town and all of its facilities.
The Palheiro Estate's top-rated residence, which is an elegant and historic boutique hotel overlooking the golf course. With panoramic views of Funchal.
It is easy to find flights to Madeira from the United Kingdom. Many different airlines offer flights to the island, and the flight duration is usually around three hours. The airport in Madeira is well-equipped and efficient, and you will be able to find everything you need once you arrive.
Most of the major UK airports offer flights to Madeira Airport, so there are plenty of options for getting there. The prices vary depending on the time of year, but some great deals are usually available. The airport in Funchal is very modern and well-run, so you will have a smooth experience when you arrive.
Apart from hiking trails and golf breaks, Madeira is an excellent destination for a variety of other activities. Because its beautiful waters are teeming with marine life, whale and dolphin watching cruises are popular. You can also set sail on your own, as there are many boats available for hire – this is a great way to discover hidden coves and beaches. Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular activities for those who prefer to be underwater, with the latter offering everything from barracudas and monkfish to dolphins and manta rays if you're lucky!
Our knowledgeable and helpful team will walk you through the planning process. Having visited the area extensively, they can recommend several options for your golf break and tailor a holiday just for you. We will then seamlessly hand you over to a dedicated holiday manager who will take care of things right up until the first tee.
There are two main golf courses on the island, the Golf Santo da Serra and Palheiro golf course.
