Madeira Golf Guide – Discover the Best Golf Courses on Madeira & Porto Santo

With its year-round mild climate, spectacular scenery and world-class golf courses, Madeira has become one of Europe's most attractive golf destinations.

Whether you're an experienced golfer or simply enjoy combining a relaxing holiday with a few rounds of golf, Madeira offers unforgettable courses overlooking mountains, forests and the Atlantic Ocean.

Why Play Golf in Madeira?

Few places combine stunning scenery with excellent playing conditions quite like Madeira.

Golf can be enjoyed throughout the year thanks to the island's pleasant temperatures, while each course offers its own unique character—from dramatic mountain landscapes to breathtaking ocean views.

Many visitors choose Madeira specifically for its combination of golf, nature and luxury hospitality.

Palheiro Golf

Located just outside Funchal, Palheiro Golf is one of Madeira's most scenic courses.

Designed by renowned golf architect Cabell B. Robinson, the 18-hole championship course sits approximately 500 metres above sea level, offering spectacular panoramic views over Funchal Bay.

The course winds through centuries-old woodland, botanical gardens and rolling hills, creating both a beautiful and challenging golfing experience.

Highlights

18-hole Championship Course
Incredible views over Funchal
Mature pine forests
Elegant clubhouse
Practice facilities
Suitable for golfers of all levels

Santo da Serra Golf

Santo da Serra Golf Club is Madeira's most famous golf course and has hosted the Madeira Open on numerous occasions.

Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course is surrounded by lush forests and dramatic valleys, creating one of Europe's most spectacular golfing environments.

Cooler mountain temperatures make it particularly enjoyable during the summer months.

Highlights

27-hole Championship Complex
Former Madeira Open venue
Mountain scenery
Excellent practice facilities
Restaurant with panoramic views

Porto Santo Golf

Located on neighbouring Porto Santo Island, Porto Santo Golf was designed by Spanish golfing legend Seve Ballesteros.

The course offers an unforgettable combination of ocean views, volcanic landscapes and challenging fairways.

Many golfers combine a stay on Madeira with a short trip to Porto Santo for a completely different golfing experience.

Highlights

Designed by Seve Ballesteros
18-hole Championship Course
Spectacular Atlantic views
Cliffside holes
Excellent practice facilities

Golf Holidays on Madeira

Madeira is ideal for both short golf breaks and longer golf holidays.

Many hotels offer golf packages that include:

Green fees
Hotel accommodation
Airport transfers
Equipment rental
Golf lessons

Several luxury hotels are located close to the island's golf courses, making it easy to combine relaxation with world-class golfing.

Best Time to Play Golf

One of Madeira's biggest advantages is its year-round golfing season.

Spring: Pleasant temperatures and colourful landscapes.
Summer: Warm days, with cooler conditions at the mountain courses.
Autumn: Excellent weather and fewer visitors.
Winter: Mild temperatures make Madeira one of Europe's best winter golf destinations.

Unlike many mainland European destinations, Madeira rarely experiences extreme weather that interrupts play.

Golf for Beginners

Even if you've never played before, Madeira is a great place to discover the sport.

Both Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra offer:

Professional golf lessons
Driving ranges
Equipment hire
Beginner-friendly facilities

Many visitors take their very first golf lesson while on holiday.

Local Tip

Even if you're not planning to play golf, consider visiting one of Madeira's golf clubs for lunch or a coffee.

The clubhouses at Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra offer some of the island's most beautiful panoramic views and excellent restaurants in peaceful surroundings.