Looking for a golf holiday with dramatic ocean views and year-round sunshine? For golf enthusiasts, Madeira golf courses present a compelling mix of challenge, scenery, and well-kept fairways. From cliffside views to lush valleys, golfing here is a unique experience.
Introduction to golf in Madeira
Forget any preconceived notions of a standard golf trip. Playing on the Madeira golf courses is a different beast entirely. Here, your game is set against a backdrop of towering volcanic cliffs, lush, subtropical forests, and the vast, blue expanse of the Atlantic.
The island’s collection of golf courses in Madeira Portugal might be small, but it is fiercely impressive, designed by some of the biggest names in the game.
Most outstanding courses and where to find them
You will not find dozens of courses here. What you will find are two premier destinations that justify the journey alone.
Santo da Serra Golf Club
First, there is the Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra. Perched on the eastern plateau, about a 20-minute drive from Funchal, this is the island’s flagship. It is a 27-hole masterpiece originally designed by Frank Pennink and later transformed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr.
The course is laid out across former farmland, with sweeping valleys and cliff-edge tees that deliver some of the most staggering ocean views you will ever encounter on a fairway.
Palheiro Golf
Then, to the south, you have Palheiro Golf. Situated within the esteemed Palheiro Estate, this 18-hole course is a Cabell Robinson design that winds through ancient pine and eucalyptus forests.
The location, in the hills of Canico Madeira, feels more intimate and sheltered, with every hole offering glimpses of the bay of Funchal far below. The terrain is rolling and strategic, demanding thoughtful play rather than just brute force.
For a visual understanding of their placement, a glance at a Madeira map will show you how accessible both are from the main tourist hubs.
Services and characteristics of each course
Each course has its own distinct personality and set of challenges.
Santo da Serra Golf Club
Santo da Serra is known for its grandeur. The course is characterised by its large, undulating greens and significant elevation changes. The famous ‘Machico’ nine holes play along the cliffs, where the wind can be a formidable opponent.
The clubhouse is modern and well-equipped, with a pro shop stocking top brands and a restaurant that makes the most of those panoramic views. The practice facilities are comprehensive, allowing you to warm up properly before tackling the championship layout. It is a course that tests every club in your bag.
Palheiro Golf
Palheiro Golf, in contrast, is a study in elegance and maturity. The fairways are lined with mature, indigenous woodland, and the course is renowned for its immaculate conditioning. The challenge here comes from the cleverly placed bunkers and the subtle slopes on the greens. It feels like a private, country club experience.
Their clubhouse is classic and refined, with excellent dining and a relaxed atmosphere. The focus is on a high-quality, tranquil round. It is less about battling the elements and more about a strategic game.
Both are outstanding examples of golf courses in Madeira, yet they provide completely different tests.
Best times of the year to play
This is the clincher for many. The Madeira Portugal golf courses are truly a year-round destination. You can play comfortably in every season.
- The spring months, from March to May, are arguably the finest. The island is in full bloom, the temperatures are perfect for a full 18 holes, and the daylight hours are long.
- Summer brings warmer weather, but the Atlantic breeze keeps it from becoming oppressive, especially on courses like Santo da Serra. It is a popular time, so booking tee times in advance is wise.
- Autumn is a golfer’s secret. The sea remains warm, the summer crowds have dissipated, and the conditions are still superb.
- Even winter is viable. With average temperatures still hovering in the high teens, a winter golf trip to Madeira is a pleasure.
For a more detailed look at the climate, our guide on Madeira weather and specifically Canico Madeira weather can help you pack appropriately.
Accommodation and luxury experiences for golfers
Where you stay is part of the golfing experience. Atlantic Holiday offers a portfolio of properties that put you right in the heart of the action.
For those playing Palheiro Golf, consider a luxury villa in Canico Madeira or an apartment with sea views in Funchal Old Town. This gives you easy access to the course and the capital’s renowned restaurants. For golfers tackling Santo da Serra, staying in a holiday home near the historic fishing town of Machico offers convenience and local charm. Waking up a short drive from the first tee is a luxury in itself.
The ultimate luxury experience might involve splitting your stay. Play a few rounds at Palheiro, enjoying its forested elegance, then move east to be near Santo da Serra for a different challenge.
Many of our properties feature terraces perfect for a post-round drink, pools to soothe those muscles, and fully-equipped kitchens. It is about having a base, not just a hotel room.
Complementary activities off the course
No one should spend their entire holiday on the fairway. Madeira has too much to offer.
After your round, explore the capital. Wander the cobbled streets of Funchal Old Town, or visit the world-famous Monte Palace Madeira gardens.
For the active, the island is a hiking paradise, with legendary Madeira hikes like the Levada das 25 Fontes. Adrenaline seekers can try canyoning Madeira, a truly wet and wild adventure.
The coastline beckons for exploration. Discover the unique volcanic sands at Machico Beach, or use our guide to the best beaches Madeira has to offer. Take a boat trip from Funchal for some unforgettable whale and dolphin watching.
Or, for a classic Madeira experience, take a short trip to the picturesque village of Camara de Lobos, a favourite painting spot of Winston Churchill.
For more ideas, our comprehensive list of things to do in Madeira is an excellent resource.
Enjoy a round of golf in Madeira
Madeira offers golf experiences that are hard to match elsewhere in Portugal. Madeira golf courses provide both challenging play and spectacular scenery, supported by excellent facilities and welcoming staff. Planning your visit during the best months, staying close to the courses, and taking advantage of complementary island activities ensures a complete experience.
Atlantic Holiday makes booking simple, offering holiday apartments, villas, and homes suitable for golfers and their families.
Book your stay with Atlantic Holiday and enjoy the perfect base for exploring Madeira Portugal golf courses, with accommodation options designed for comfort and convenience.
