Discover great golf on this lush green island
An autonomous region of Portugal situated just off the coast of West Africa, the glorious island paradise of Madeira has been growing in popularity amongst golfers. Awarded the World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination by the World Golf Awards (2019), It is blessed with blue skies, smooth polished beaches, and an abundance of championship courses with spectacular views of beautiful mountain backdrops. Plus, being a regular fixture on the European Tour, for the Madeira Islands Open, it is a testament to the quality of courses on offer here. If it’s a golf holiday of a lifetime you’re after, this heavenly island golf destination will not let you down!
Why book a golf holiday to Madeira?
- Play beautiful, scenic golf courses
- Enjoy year round summer climate
- Big game fishing for off the course activities
- Truly experience the island on incredible 'Levada' walks
- Experience the vibrant Madeiran culture
- Absorb the stunning natural landscape
What makes a golf holiday in Madeira so special?
Just a short, three-and-a-half-hour flight from London, Madeira is one of those truly special island golf escapes, the destination is legendary for its beauty and the golf courses follow this trend perfectly. The Madeira archipelago is home to three breathtaking golf courses where the scenery on offer may actually distract you from playing. Below is a list of the best golf courses in Madeira.
Palheiro Golf Course One of Madeira’s absolute best, just a 20-minute drive from Madeira Airport, Palheiro Golf Course is famous for its beautiful design which winds around the Palheiro Estate. At over 1600ft elevation this course offers golfers some truly exceptional views of the town, rolling countryside and the famous bay.
Clube de Golf Santo da Serra Another of Madeira’s top courses Clube de Golf Santo da Serra, a 27-hole complex, where golfers are treated to a quality course with a brilliantly accessible design, the course is also notable for hosting the Madeira Open for many years. You'll enjoy views of Porto Santo and the bay of Machico while being just a 15-minute drive from the airport. The third and fourth signature holes sit atop cliffs more than 2,200ft above sea level offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Porto Santo Golfe A simply a must-play during your Madeira golf holiday. Porto Santo Golfe is designed by the great Seve Ballesteros measuring in at 7036 yards, it is situated on the island of Porto Santo just off the coast of Madeira, although you must take a ferry to reach the island it is most definitely worth the journey. Porto Santo Golfe offers the perfect combination of natural beauty alongside a tough test of golf. Blending in with the natural landscape, the unique characteristics of the course arguably make it one of the best golf courses in Europe. You’ll play alongside the glittering Atlantic Ocean, lakes and dramatic clifftops.
Most popular golf holidays in Madeira
Experience beachfront resorts and stylish hotels
Looking for the perfect base for your golf break? Below we have listed some of the best hotels and resorts for a golf holiday in Madeira.
Vila Gale Santa Cruz We recommend the luxury seafront Vila Gale Santa Cruz, this contemporary four-star hotel, nestled on the picturesque island of Madeira, is an ideal choice for a golf holiday. Boasting 262 well-appointed rooms the hotel offers modern comfort and style. Positioned just 4km from Funchal, it provides stunning sea views over the Atlantic Ocean. Golf enthusiasts can indulge in rounds at esteemed courses like Santo de Serra, Palheiro Golf Club, and Porto Santo Golfe. The hotel has lots of fun things to do, like a pool table, three bars, two restaurants, an indoor pool, and a spa – perfect for chilling after a day of golf!
Dom Pedro Madeira Set between the green mountains and deep blue of the Atlantic, Dom Pedro Madeira overlooks the beach of Machico Bay. The 218 guestrooms and suites, many of which have great sea views, are well designed and have all the necessary amenities to keep guests happy throughout their stay.
The hotel’s restaurant, the Baía de Zarco, overlooks the beautiful bay and serves local specialities in a relaxed atmosphere, and the Dom Pedro Madeira Piano Bar offers live entertainment every night. When you’re not on the golf course, the Dom Pedro Madeira Club Hotel also has great facilities for leisure, relaxation and entertainment. There’s an outdoor heated seawater pool surrounded by local vegetation, where guests can get some great views towards the mountainous peninsula of São Lourenço.
Casa Velha do Palheiro Those looking for pure luxury and style, the five-star Casa Velha do Palheiro is the perfect base for your golf trip. It sits in an unrivalled hillside location high above Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island and offers top-class service and leisure facilities. Palheiro golf course is located in very close proximity, and gives stunning views over the city, harbour and ocean. It is also less than fifteen minutes by car from the city centre. The estate has become one of Madeira’s leading leisure spots with a strong tradition of hospitality and quality.
One of the most idyllic Portuguese provinces
An island with unparalleled beauty and stunning natural landscapes, Madeira, known as the 'land of eternal spring' is one of Portugal’s most beautiful provinces. It is also blessed with pleasant temperatures year-round, so you can play golf here anytime. Winter temperatures are just a little milder, perfect if you’re looking to avoid the hottest temperatures.
Off the course, you can experience the quintessential Madeiran culture, island wines and a warm welcome from the locals. It is also one of the only places on the planet where banana trees grow next to vineyards. The capital, Funchal is worth exploring for its quaint shops and medieval architecture along ancient streets. The island is also packed with hiking trails and geological formations, so if fresh air and adventure are what you’re after, the Madeira mountain paths are for you. Madeira is the perfect choice for an unforgettable golf holiday to Portugal, just a 3.5-hour flight away.
Why book with us?
- Trusted expertsThe Official Golf Tourism Operator of the PGA TOUR with over 25 years of experience.
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