It is expected that more golfers from across northern Europe will be turning to Madeira to spend the winter enjoying their favourite pastime.
Golf tour operators from across Europe have reported increased interest from golf players eager to head to the Portuguese islands for a long-term stay-and-play break over the winter months.
Madeira’s reputation for offering a safe and secure environment to play golf has been reflected in the recent rise in long stay winter enquiries.
Discover Madeira has produced four short films showcasing the suitability of the islands for a stay-and-play golfing break following the Covid-19 pandemic as part of its “Madeira Safe to Discover” campaign.
Self-catering accommodation
There is a range of self-catering accommodation at Palheiro Village, which is adjacent to Palheiro Golf (pictured above) and features a wide variety of apartments and villas. A minimum of two-month stay include unlimited golf both at Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra. In addition to the two courses located on the mainland, the 27-hole Severiano Ballesteros-designed Porto Santo Golf is located on the nearby island of Porto Santo.
The Cabel Robinson designed par-72, 6,656-yard (6,086m) course at Palheiro Golf is situated within the magnificent Palheiro Estate, which is more than 200 years old. At nearly 1,640ft above sea level, the location enjoys dramatic views of Madeira’s mountainous skyline and the ocean, as well as the island’s capital, Funchal, nestling below, just 10 minutes away.
The original course at Santo da Serra, dating from 1937, was redesigned in 1991 by Robert Trent Jones Snr, who created a new and great 27-hole complex.
The third and fourth holes of the Machico course are regarded as the signature holes, sitting atop cliffs more than 2,200ft above sea level, providing views of the bay of Machico, where Portuguese navigators first landed in 1419.
Porto Santo Golf is a short plane hop or ferry ride away. The par-72, 7,036-yard (6,434m) course, which opened in 2004, comprises two distinct nines. The southern route is a US-style layout dotted with lakes, requiring a long and precise game. While the northern route is atop fantastic cliffs, near the beach of the same name.
Read more: Visit Madeira
