Madeira is set to enhance its reputation as one of Europe’s fastest growing golf destinations after confirming plans to open 36 new holes in the archipelago over the next few years.
The Mediterranean island is already set to welcome a fourth golf venue when an 18-hole championship course designed by six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo opens at Ponta do Pargo in 2027. But, in addition to that, the Madeira government has unveiled plans to create two new nine-hole courses at Clube de Golf Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golfe.
Named as the ‘World’s Leading Island Destination’ for the 11th year in a row at the 2025 World Travel Awards, Madeira currently features three golf venues – Palheiro Golf and Porto Santo, which both have 18 holes, and the 27-hole Clube de Golf Santo da Serra – but is set to significantly expand its golf offering in the coming years with a number of new projects in the offing.
Situated on the westernmost point of Madeira’s main island, Ponta do Pargo is perched high on the clifftops and boasts spectacular views across the archipelago and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Faldo has described the par-72 layout as a ‘golf designer’s dream’ and the course is one of the most eagerly anticipated new golf course design projects in Europe.
The oldest golf club in Madeira, Clube de Golf Santo da Serra already boasts three nine-hole loops designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr – the Machico, the Desertas and the Serras. The venue has hosted the European Tour’s Madeira Islands Open ten times and is poised to take its offering to 36 holes with the opening of an additional nine-hole layout.
The project will also include the construction of two new lakes for water collection and sustainable water management which will further strengthen the club’s long-term commitment to the environment, with the stored water not only being used to irrigate the course but also available to support the region’s firefighting helicopters.
Also a venue on the European Tour, Porto Santo Golfe currently features an 18-hole championship laid out by Seve Ballesteros and is set to build an additional nine holes to meet the growing demand of European golfers keen to visit the island of Porto Santo – which lies to the east of Madeira’s main island.
Developed by Magnolia Golf Design and starting and finishing near the clubhouse, the new nine-hole loop will enable Porto Santo to offer several 18-hole combinations, while the creation of a new lake will ensure water self-sufficiency and contribute to the course’s sustainability.
Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – Madeira enjoys a mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with average temperatures and moderate humidity making it the perfect year-round location for a golf break.
The best way for travelling golfers to experience what the island has to offer is with the Madeira Golf Passport, which includes three rounds of golf at either Clube de Golf Santo da Serra or Palheiro Golf from €290 per person. The passport – which includes free transfers between course and hotel – can be upgraded to include additional rounds and a day at Porto Santo Golfe.
For more information, visit madeiraeverythingyouareinto.visitmadeira.com