Golf Holidays and Golf breaks in Funchal hotels

Funchal is the capital of Madeira Island. It’s located on the main island's south shore, decking the slopes of the Central Massif as they curve down to the ocean.

Funchal became an important commercial port and an obligatory stopping point on journeys of maritime development, first with the commerce in sugar cane and bananas, and then with Madeira wine. It also quickly became a favored vacation for the European aristocracy due to its pleasant climate all year.

Where to stay in Funchal during your golf holidays

Funchal has a very diverse offer of hotels available, from hotels outside the city, like Casa Velha do Palheiro, to hotels in the busiest area of the city, like Pestana CR7 Funchal.

Casa Velha do Palheiro is a spa and golf resort located amid the historic Palheiro Gardens in Funchal's foothills. Guests who have access to the magnificent Palheiro Golf Course can also take advantage of a variety of golfing offers. Relax completely in a setting where the only sound you're likely to hear is birds singing.

Pestana CR7 Funchal is the product of a collaboration between Pestana Hotels and world-famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. The stylish hotel features an outdoor pool and is located 300 meters from Funchal Marina and near Cristiano Ronaldo Museum. During your stay, you can enjoy the infinity pool located on the rooftop (it also has a bar next to the pool), as well as the sauna and outdoor jacuzzi. You can also train in the open-air gym, and enjoy your meals in the restaurant.

Royal Savoy enjoys a spectacular location in Funchal Bay, directly beside the Atlantic Ocean. From the hotel, pleasant hikes can be taken to explore the cultural and commercial treasures of the city center. The architectural style of this remarkable complex was specifically created to enable the enjoyment of a one-of-a-kind landscape capable of holding the breath of the most inattentive.

Meliá Madeira Mare features modern rooms with a contemporary design that overlook the Atlantic Ocean, several dining venues, a stunning oceanfront lake swimming pool, and a fantastic spa. It’s located in the heart of the Lido district, with direct access to the beach promenade and the spectacular Praia de Gorgulho on the first line of the sea.

Muthu Raga Madeira is a beautiful hotel in a handy position, just a 10-minute walk from Funchal's center. All of its rooms have balconies, and some have spectacular sea views. Its extensive list of services promises to make your stay enjoyable. A swim in the pool or a cool drink by the pool before venturing out to explore the rest of Madeira are just a few of the activities available.

Where to play golf in Funchal during your golf holidays

Funchal has two golf courses: Palheiro Golf Course and Santo da Serra Golf.

Palheiro Golf Course has a location provided with stunning views of Madeira's rugged skyline and the broad Atlantic Ocean at roughly 500 meters above sea level. Funchal, the island's capital, is about ten minutes away. The course features spectacular views, fast undulating greens, well-placed bunkers, and tight fairways that reward only accurate play. Palheiro Golf Course is well-known for its pine forests, centennial trees, floral flowers, and lush environment.

The Santo da Serra Golf Club is regarded as one of Europe's most stunning golf courses, with breathtaking views of the mountains and the sea. Santo da Serra Golf was built in 1937 and was renovated by Robert Trent Jones in 1991. It is located in Santo da Serra, a short distance from Funchal. The course has 27 holes to play, all with spacious fairways and greens and a variety of tee placements to suit all abilities.

What to do in Funchal during your golf holidays

The cable car that takes you up to the perched Monte neighborhood 600 meters above sea level is one of Funchal's unmissable attractions.

You'll be hailed by groups of men dressed in boaters and white suits offering to transport you back down to Funchal at fast speed as soon as you get at the higher terminal in Monte. You'll climb onto a wicker sled with greased wooden runners and be propelled down the hillside Carro de Cesto road. The practice dates back to the 1800s, and you'll descend for two kilometers full of adrenaline before reaching Funchal's Livramento neighborhood to resume your journey.

A second cable car ride to the Botanical Garden is something to do in Monte. This second cable car also provides a scenic ride through the João Gomes Stream Valley. The garden, like most of Funchal, is carved into the hillside, and tragically, forest fires in 2016 took their toll on the orchids. There are also magnificent lookouts, plantations of tropical and subtropical fruits including papaya, avocado, coffee, and sugarcane, inventive topiaries, and a broad diversity of succulent plants to discover.

Praça do Município is another must-visit attraction in Funchal. With its volcanic fountain, it’s one of Funchal's most spectacular urban landscapes, bordered by the municipal chamber and this striking Jesuits College. This is a beautiful structure that dates back to the 16th century and features Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

You should visit Madeira's third-highest mountain, Pico do Arieiro, which peaks at 1,818 meters, is an easy day trip from Funchal. Visitors without a car can choose from dozens of firms that offer coach or automobile excursions to the summit, where there is a shop, cafe, and many belvederes accessible through paths. On clear days, you can see all the way to Porto Santo, 30 kilometers to the north. If you want to trek, you can park a short distance from the summit and follow the trail, which takes around two hours each way. You can continue on to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island, from there.

For a great view of Funchal, visit Pico do Barcelos. If you look out to sea, you can see the entire harbor of Funchal framed by the Ponta do Garajau, as well as the Desertas Islands in the distance. While inland, the sight of Funchal's whitewashed buildings spread up the increasingly vertiginous slopes of the Central Massif is stunning.

What to eat in Funchal during your golf holidays

Funchal has a unique gastronomy, and the most famous dishes are Bolo do Caco and Espetada. Despite the name bolo (cake), this is actually a sort of bread. The Bolo do Caco is a meal that bridges the gap between Madeiran bread and bread baked by the Hebrew people. Espetada is the quintessential Madeiran dish, traditionally cooked with cubed beef and pau de loureiro skewers.