Golf in Madeira

The mild climate makes Madeira ideal for golf. The Madeira Golf and Country Club at Santo da Serra, 15 miles from Funchal, has hosted the Madeira Open part of the PGA European Tour, since 1993. In 2007 it was held in March as soon as dates are confirmed for 2008 we will post more information here.  A second continuous 18 hole course is available at the stunningly beautiful Palheiro Golf.

Santo da Serra Golf

Redesigned in 1991 by Robert Trent Jones into a 27 hole golf course, this is in a spectacular landscape.  The Machico and the Desertas courses are usually the ones played on the Madeira Island Open these are nicely challenging for the golfer but also blend well with the natural environment.  With four optional Tees at each hole the player can choose the difficulty from a relaxed game or a more challenging test.

Golf stars, many of them Ryder's Cup players, are witness to the excellent quality of Santo da Serra’s fairways and greens. Semi-roughs and roughs provide evidence of the meticulous care given to the courses conditions.

Only 20 minutes from Funchal Santo da Serra has a newly renovated Club House with restaurant and bar and a terrace with views to the practice area which has two putting greens, chipping green, bunker practice and driving range.
Naturally there is a pro shop and buggies and trolleys are provided.

Palheiro Golf

Palheiro Golf is situated in the hills to the east of Funchal near the Quinta do Palheiro gardens and the Casa do Palheiro hotel, it has fantastic views of the sea and Funchal Bay.  An 18 hole par 72 course designed by Cabell Robinson with two holes replaced in 2003 it skillfully winds around the Palheiro Estate which is famous for its Pine Forests and lush vegetation. With regular tournaments and challenges this is a popular course with visitors to the island including many international players who attend the Madeira Open.

Facilities include a six hole Academy Course for all levels, a chipping green with bunkers, putting green, warm up driving range, practice nets, PGA professional and team, club and buggy and hand trolley hire and a fully equipped Pro shop.  What more could you want?  Oh yes, the Clubhouse, it is stylish with a superb restaurant run by the Relais & Chateaux, Casa do Palheiro hotel.

For guests wishing to do a two centre Porto Santo the sister island with its 9 km sand beach also has a 27 hole course designed by Seve Ballesteros.  For more information on this do please contact us.

Spas in Madeira

Due to the very high quality of hotels on offer there is a good range of Spas on the island. Each hotel spa has its own theme and range of therapies many of which we have mentioned in more detail on the relevant hotel page.  Many of our staff have visited and some have been fortunate enough to try the Spas too, do take advantage of their personal experience and knowledge.

Prestige Hotels with Spas in Madeira include: 
 

Madeira Wine visits

Madeira Wine – there are many wineries that you can visit and taste the surprising range of Madeira wines and of course there is the wine festival each year.  This year it is from 31 Aug to 2 September.

Cultural and Architectural Interest

There are 23 museums covering Art, Photography, the history of the island, Madeira wine, a toy museum and much more – we can give you more information on these.

The range of Churches and interesting buildings abound.

Perhaps you are feeling lucky?

There is always the Casino to try you luck and they also have cabaret and floor shows with or without dinner.
 
A beautiful island full of nature, history and culture and top quality hotels.