Golfing in Madeira & Porto Santo

Madeira truly is paradise. A perfect climate, incredible scenery and some of the best course designers in the world is the perfect recipe for a perfect golf vacation. One of the best things about the Madeira Archipelago is that it's not all the same. Each island has its own personality and unique topography. As for the visitor’s ultimate golfing experience, well, let’s just say that it too has its own personality and unique topography.

Start with Palheiro Golf. Set within the magnificent Palheiro Estate and lying adjacent to the five-star Madeira Island Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro – a Relais & Châteaux property – the 18-hole, par 72 Championship golf course meanders through a pristine environment of maritime pine and botanical woodland embroidered with lush, sub-tropical vegetation. At nearly 500 m (1640 ft) above sea level, the location is blessed with dramatic views of Madeira’s mountainous skyline and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Nestling below just 10 minutes away is Funchal, the island’s capital.

Designed by renowned golf architect Cabell B. Robinson, this picturesque layout with year-round appeal takes full advantage of Madeira’s hilly terrain, with abrupt ridges and deep valleys providing a compelling challenge for even the most seasoned golfer.

Then, there is the Clube de Golf Santo da Serra, where one can experience Madeira’s breathtaking  beauty, renowned history and Robert Trent Jones Senior’s spectacular 27-hole golf course in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes you could imagine.
Ranked among the world’s finest courses, Santo da Serra offers a premier golf and country club escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Clube de Golf Santo da Serra offers what is surely one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of The European Tour International Schedule.

Keith Waters, the European Tour’s Chief Operating Officer, once said: “The Madeira Islands Open has become an established stop on the Tour Schedule, and provide a welcome opportunity for all of members to play and earn valuable Race to Dubai and World Ranking points."

Madeira’s neighbouring sister island, Porto Santo, also prides itself of Porto Santo Golf, designed by champion  Severiano Ballesteros.

Porto Santo Golf crosses the island from the dunes to the dramatic basalt cliffs. It offers a perfect combination - natural beauty and a challenging game. The plan was made so that the field would blend with the landscape, and with great care to minimize the impact to the environment.
The field has an 18-hole course, spread over the 6.434 meters, a Par 72. It is characterized by two distinct areas - the  southern route, traditionally American, dotted with lakes and requiring a long and precise game; the  North route developed on top of the fantastic cliffs.

There is a 9 hole course every pair 3 'pitch-and-putt' (ideal aim to train for a good shot), and a driving range. The club house  is a success of modern design, but blends harmoniously with the landscape, with its limestone walls, natural wood and modern furniture wicker. Facilities include sauna, jacuzzi and a good golf shop. You can also enjoy the fantastic view of the island and the ocean while savouring traditional specialities at the restaurant or simply sipping through an exotic cocktail at the bar.