DESTINATIONGOLF. TRAVEL
MADEIRA
Madeira and its islands offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Known as the“ Island of Eternal Spring,” this Atlantic archipelago enjoys a mild year-round climate and boasts dramatic coastlines, volcanic cliffs, lush mountains, and charming villages.
One of Madeira’ s greatest attractions is its spectacular scenery, including terraced vineyards and the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island’ s famous levada trails lead hikers through valleys, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints, making Madeira one of Europe’ s top walking destinations.
Ocean lovers can enjoy diving, whale watching, and boat tours, while natural lava pools such as those at Porto Moniz offer unique swimming experiences. Adventure seekers can also try canyoning, paragliding, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Funchal, the capital, is a vibrant cultural hub featuring historic architecture, colourful markets, and lively waterfront areas. Visitors can sample local cuisine, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and the world-famous Madeira wine. Seasonal highlights include the Flower Festival and spectacular New Year’ s Eve fireworks.
For complete relaxation, Porto Santo offers golden beaches and a tranquil atmosphere, making Madeira an unforgettable destination for every type of traveller. Golfers are well catered for with worldclass courses and Madeira Golf Passport.
Santo da Serra
Host of the Madeira Open European Tour since 1993, Santo da Serra is a Robert Trent Jones Snr design set 670 metres above sea level. This 27-hole mountain course weaves through dense vegetation and dramatic cliffs, offering breathtaking ocean vistas. Its third nine-hole loop, opened in 1998, completes a logically interdependent design, with signature holes such as the par-3 4th, where the tee shot crosses a ravine to a green perched above cliffs.
Designed by Seve Ballesteros, Porto Santo is a challenging 18-hole course set within a volcanic landscape, carefully integrated with native flora and lakes. The front nine features traditional Americanstyle holes with lakes and the island’ s long beach as a backdrop, while the back nine rises to cliffs with strong links characteristics and dramatic scenery. Three holes perch on cliff edges, and a 9-hole par-3 course provides a perfect warm-up.
Palheiro Golf
GOLF COURSES Located near the historic gardens of Quinta do Palheiro, the par- 72 Palheiro Golf course offers stunning views over Funchal Bay, the Atlantic, and the Ilhas Desertas. Designed by Cabell Robinson, a former assistant to Robert Trent Jones, Palheiro takes full advantage of Madeira’ s hills, peaks, and deep valleys. The layout provides an exciting, challenging round with spectacular scenery at every hole, combining natural terrain with strategic design.
Porto Santo
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