Palheiro Golf Course Highlights
- 18-hole championship course
- One of Portugal’s top ranked courses
- Stunning Funchal and Atlantic views
- Elevation changes and tree-lined fairways
Course Stats
- Designed by Cabell B. Robinson
- Opened in 1993
- 7,281 yards / 6,656 metres
- Par-72 course
Palheiro Golf Course Packages
Vila Gale Santa Cruz Hotel (5 Nights + 3 Rounds)
- 5 Nights Accommodation
- 4* Vila Gale Santa Cruz Hotel
- Bed & Breakfast
- 1 x round @ Clube de Golf Santo da Serra
- 1 x round @ Palheiro Golf Course
- 1 x round @ Porto Santo Golfe
- Golf transfers
- Airport Transfers
£679
/pp
Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Gardens (5 Nights + 3 Rounds)
- 5 Nights Accommodation
- 4* Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Gardens
- Bed & Breakfast (plus 3 dinners)
- 2 x rounds @ Clube de Golf Santo da Serra
- 1 x round @ Palheiro Golf
- Private wine tasting
- Golf transfers
£959
/ppCourses Nearby
Overview
Palheiro Golf Course is one of the standout golfing experiences in Madeira. Set high above Funchal, it combines championship golf with some of the best views on the island. The setting is spectacular. The golf is even better.
Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, Palheiro Golf Course is known for its peaceful atmosphere, excellent conditioning, and clever use of the natural landscape. For us, it is a course that feels premium from the first tee to the final putt.
The Course
At first glance, Palheiro Golf Course is all about scenery. But there is much more to it than that.
This 18-hole championship layout winds through mature woodland and across rolling hillside terrain, creating a round that feels varied, strategic, and thoroughly enjoyable. Tree-lined fairways frame many of the holes, while elevation changes and Atlantic breezes add another layer of challenge. You cannot just stand up and hit it anywhere. Thought is required!
What we really like about Palheiro Golf Course is the balance. It is playable for mid-handicap golfers, yet still offers enough complexity to keep better players engaged. The greens are typically superb, the bunkering is well placed, and the routing keeps things interesting all the way through.
Signature holes
Hole 4 - One of the most memorable holes at Palheiro Golf Course, this par 3 shows off the course's dramatic elevated setting beautifully. The views are outstanding, but this is no gimmick hole. Club selection is crucial, especially when the breeze starts to swirl.
Hole 15 - A brilliant hole that captures the strategic side of Palheiro Golf Course. The elevation, shaping, and approach all ask questions of the golfer. It is visually impressive, but also demands precision. We love holes like this - attractive, challenging, and genuinely memorable.
The Clubhouse
The clubhouse at Palheiro Golf Course completes the experience in style. It is a relaxed, elegant space where golfers can unwind after the round, enjoy a drink or meal, and take in the views over the course and surrounding landscape.
There is a calm, refined feel to the whole place. That matters. Palheiro Golf Course is not just somewhere to tick off a round in Madeira. It is a course to savour, and one that leaves a strong impression long after you have walked off the 18th green.
Course Facilities
- Driving range
- Short game practice area
- Putting greens
- Pro shop
- Clubhouse restaurant and bar
- Locker rooms and changing facilities
- Buggy (golf cart) rental
- Electric trolley rental
- Pull trolley rental
- Club hire (subject to availability)
Players' Feedback
"Groupia are amazing! They took the stress out of me doing everything myself."
"Had a great time and the booking process was easy and straightforward!"
"Would definitely recommend using Groupia to arrange similar events."
"I had a fantastic time booking the weekend away. 10/10 all the way through."
More than a Game!
Getting lifelong friends together
Those hole-in-one moments!
Charity events
Celebratory nights
World class golf experiences
Celebrate the wins!
Laugh with your friends
The Location
Palheiro Golf Course is located just 10 minutes above Funchal, on Madeira's south coast, making it one of the most accessible courses on the island. Set around 500 metres above sea level, it offers cooler conditions and incredible panoramic views over the city and Atlantic Ocean. Despite its peaceful, elevated setting, you are never far from the action, with Funchal's hotels, restaurants, and nightlife all within easy reach. For golf travellers, Palheiro Golf Course strikes the perfect balance - convenient, scenic, and effortlessly enjoyable to get to.
