For a year round golfing holiday with world-class golf courses in picturesque surroundings, visit Madeira. Two thirds of the island is strictly preserved as natural parks, wildlife sanctuaries and the Unesco listed Laurissilva forest, making the environment a perfect golfing haven.
Madeira is home to three fantastic golf courses, the Golf do Santo de Serra, the Palheiro Golf and the Porto Santo Golfe, each famous for their quality of golf and dramatic locations. For a more interesting accommodation option, stay at one of the hotels which are part of the newly formed Quintas da Madeira collection, two of the 16 properties are actually located next to golf courses.
Next to the Santo Serra golf course is the sophisticated Quinta Serra Golf hotel, part of the Quintas da Madeira collection, which used to be a teahouse and the main office for the club. The four star property offers twenties style architecture with both modern and traditional guest rooms as well as excellent golfing packages, a gourmet restaurant, bar, library and gym.
The 27 hole Golf do Santo de Serra course was originally built in 1937 and is now ranked one of the top 100 courses in Europe. The Madeira Island Open is held at the course, which has been part of the European Tour for the last twelve years. The course is stunning yet challenging, with a contrasting setting of beautiful lakes and mountainous terrain. Each hole has four different tee positions, there are training facilities available and the clubhouse is extremely luxurious with gym and sauna facilities provided.
Located between the Palheiro Golf course and the famous Palheiro gardens is the Casa Velha do Palheiro hotel, a luxury five star property which was once a hunting pavilion and summer home to Joao Esmeraldo, the first Earl of Carvalhal. This stunning property, which is also part of the Quintas da Madeira collection, offers guests superb facilities including access to the golf course, free, unlimited tennis court use, free entrance to the Palheiro gardens, boating or fishing trips on the properties motorboat “Balancal” and Turkish bath facilities.
Designed by Cabel B.Robinson, the Palheiro Golf course is located within a 200 year old country estate overlooking Funchal. The 18-hole course offers spectacular ocean views with challenging elevation changes. The clubhouse is situated 500m above sea level and boasts a panoramic terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the Funchal harbour and Atlantic Ocean. The clubhouse is also known for its restaurant managed by award winning Relais and Chateaux hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro.
Other golf options include the Porto Santo Golfe course, which was designed by golf legend Severiano Ballesteros, who chose Madeira to create his dream course. Guests can experience the course as part of a day trip to Porto Santo Island, which is a two and a half hour ferry journey or a 15-minute plane journey from Madeira. The course has become known for its beauty, impeccable greens, long fairways and dramatic coastline. The design of the course follows two distinctly different playing zones. The South course resembles a typical American golf course, with lakes and the beach providing the most picturesque backdrop. The North course is located near high sea cliffs and offers captivating sea views.
All fourteen of the remaining Quintas offer special golfing packages.
Quintas da Madeira www.quintas-madeira.com
Global Edition
