Discover great golf on this lush green island
Situated just off the coast of West Africa, the glorious island paradise of Madeira has been growing in popularity amongst golfers, and it’s little wonder. Awarded the World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination by the World Golf Awards (2019), It is blessed with blue skies, smooth polished beaches, and you’ll find an abundance of championship courses here with spectacular views and beautiful mountain backdrops. Plus, it is a regular fixture on the European Tour for the Madeira Islands Open – a testament to the quality of courses on offer here, and reason enough to check them out for yourself. If it’s a golf holiday of a lifetime you’re after, this heavenly island will not let you down!
Why book a golf holiday to Madeira?
- Beautiful, scenic golf courses
- Year round summer climate
- Incredible big game fishing
- The 'Levada' walks are a great way to experience the island
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 destinations to visit, the island 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.
Palheiro Golf Course is one of Madeira’s absolute best, famous for its beautiful design which winds around the Palheiro Estate, offering golfers some truly exceptional views of the town, rolling countryside and the famous bay.
Clube de Golf Santo da Serra is another of Madeira’s top courses, with 3 loops of 9, 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. The third and fourth signature holes sit atop cliffs more than 2,200ft above the Atlantic.
Porto Santo Golfe is simply a must-play during your Madeira golf holiday. Designed by the great Seve Ballesteros and measuring in at 7036 yards, it is situated on the island of Porto Santo just off the coast of Madeira, making it very easily accessible. 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? Look no further. Madeira has it all. We recommend the luxury seafront Vila Gale Santa Cruz 4* or the Dom Pedro Madeira 4*.
Set between the green mountains and deep blue of the Atlantic, Dom Pedro 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.
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. For an unforgettable golf holiday to Portugal, Madeira is the perfect choice.