A Guide to Golf in Madeira

Whenever you think of a golf holiday in Portugal, the Algarve or Lisbon seem the obvious choice. However, another region to consider is the beautiful island of Madeira!

The natural elevation in Madeira makes for some spectacular views from the two golf courses you’ll find here, as well as plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets.

Away from the golf course, there is plenty to see and do. From hiking the various trails dotted around the island, taking a trip to search for dolphins, to relaxing on the beaches, Madeira has something for everyone.

In this guide to golf in Madeira, we give you the lowdown and provide our top travel tips to ensure you have the perfect golf break!

View of the rooftop at Savoy Palace hotel in Funchal, Madeira with swimming pool and sun loungers overlooking the harbour

Everything You Need To Know About Madeira

  • Location: Positioned 400 km north of the Canary Islands, slightly closer to Africa than it is to Portugal.
  • Closest Airport: Madeira Airport, located on the east of the island just 18 minutes from Funchal.
  • Flight Time: 4 Hours – varies slightly depending on where in the UK you fly from
  • Best Time to Travel: Spring and Autumn are the perfect time to travel for a golf holiday here, avoiding the busy summer months and experiencing slightly cooler temperatures more suitable for golfing.
  • Climate: Temperatures in Spring generally fluctuate between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius, whilst Autumn is slightly higher at 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Best Golf Courses in Madeira

Club de Golf Santo da Serra

Clube de Golf Santos Da Serra overlooking Funchal in Mdeira

 

This golf course is a stunning 27-hole experience which offers spectacular views over the coastal town of Machico which is positioned below.

Club de Golf Santo da Serra has hosted the European Tour’s Madeira Islands Open since 1993, when Englishman Mark James won the inaugural event. The tournament was held at this venue until 2015, except for the years 2009 to 2011, when it took place at Porto Santo Golfe.

The course is just 15 minutes away from Funchal so if you’re staying here, you can be on the first tee in no time!

  • Holes: 27
  • Par: 72
  • Designer: Robert Trent Jones Senior
  • Opened: 1937 (Re-designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior in 1991)

Palheiro Golf Club

Palheiro golf in Madeira, on the foothills of Funchal and overlooking the town

Located within the incredible Palheiro Estate and positioned next to the luxurious five-star Hotel, Casa Velha do Palheiro is Palheiro Golf Club. This is an 18-hole course with a par of 72 that has breathtaking views of Funchal due to its elevated position, 500m above sea level.

This course has been crafted by the renowned American golf architect, Cabell B. Robinson who has weaved a picturesque golf course in between the ridges and valleys of this hilltop layout.

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 72
  • Designer: Cabell B. Robinson
  • Opened: 1993

 

Porto Santo Golfe

Porto Santo Madeira

Porto Santo is a smaller island which is 30 miles northeast of Madeira and can be accessed either by the air shuttle from Madeira Airport (approx. 15-minute flight) or by ferry (approx. 2h 30 minutes).

On this island you’ll find a cracking 18-hole golf course designed by Spanish golfing legend, Seve Ballesteros. Ballesteros has managed to create a course which has an American style feel to the first nine holes, while offering more of a links course feel in the back nine due to its proximity to the coastline.

Unlike the other two courses set in the hills of Madeira Island, this course is relatively flat, spanning 6,434 metres. It offers an excellent challenge for players with a strong drive off the tee but be mindful of the coastal winds!

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 72
  • Designer: Severiano Ballesteros
  • Opened: 2004

 

Other Things to Do In Madeira

Despite being a relatively small island, Madeira offers plenty of activities beyond the golf course. One of the most popular things to do is explore Funchal, the island’s vibrant capital, brimming with bars, restaurants, historic streets, art galleries and museums. One highlight is the CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, dedicated to the island’s very own football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Monte Palace Madeira Garden spans an impressive 70,000 square metres, set atop a hill offering breathtaking views of Funchal. The garden is home to more than 100,000 plant species, beautifully complemented by decorative ornaments throughout.

If you want more horticulture, the next stop is Madeira Botanical Garden. This Garden dates to 1960 and is home to over 2,000 plant species from around the world, placed over eight hectares.

As well as botanical gardens, Madeira is well known for its natural scenery, making it a popular destination for hikers as well as golfers. Pick of the trails is up Pico de Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak and a popular hotspot for sunrise and sunset views. On a clear day you can even catch a glimpse of Porto Santo- a whopping thirty miles away!

Other must-try experiences include the cable car ride from Funchal to Monte, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and harbour below. Don’t miss the famous toboggan ride, where you’ll glide down from the mountain suburb of Monte to the heart of Funchal in traditional wicker basket sledges.

Top 5 Travel Tips for Your Madeira Golf Holiday

  • Book Your Tee Times Early: With just two golf courses on Madeira itself, and another golf course on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, we’d advise getting ahead and locking in your tee times as they are based on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis.
  • Buggy Rental: As you would expect from hill courses like Palheiro Golf, we would advise considering buggy rental.
  • 1 in 8 Green Fee Discounts: Many courses offer group discounts, such as one free green fee for every eight players. Palheiro Golf currently has this offer available at the time of writing, but our expert team can guide you on how to make the most of these deals to ensure you get the best value for your trip.
  • Plan Your Time: If you’re planning to play at Porto Santo Golfe, be sure to account for travel time between Porto Santo Island and Madeira. Whether you choose to fly or take the ferry the journey will likely take up most of the day, so it’s a good idea to reschedule any other activities for another time.
  • Consider Board Basis: While many hotels offer an all-inclusive option, which can be great for budgeting, especially for larger groups, Funchal is home to an array of fantastic bars and restaurants serving traditional Madeiran cuisine. We highly recommend venturing out to experience these local dining spots whenever possible.

 

Top 5 Golf Holiday Deals: Playing Madeira’s Best Golf Courses

Despite Madeira being a smaller destination for a golf holiday than the likes of the Algarve or Lisbon, there are still plenty of great value deals and packages available to book. And don’t forget that our team can tailor make any golf break to your needs! 

 

About Glencor Golf

Our team has firsthand experience of staying and playing in Madeira so we can offer you the best advice and travel tips for both on and off the fairways to ensure you have the perfect holiday in Madeira!

Speak to our friendly team on 01904 406550 or email info@glencorgolf.com so we can help you put together the perfect golf package today.