Palheiro Golf Course

Rua do Balancal, Nº 29, 9060 - 414 Funchal

Driving Range

Locker Room

Academy

Palheiro Golf Course, high above Funchal, within the 200-year-old Palheiro Estate, this is one of Europe's most scenically dramatic rounds of golf. Designed by Cabell B. Robinson and opened in 1993, the par-72 course sits nearly 500 metres above sea level, looking straight down over the harbour and out across the Atlantic. Two holes were reworked in 2003, and the land freed up became a six-hole academy course, adding a genuinely useful practice option alongside the main event.

This is a course that rewards precision over power. Fairways are tight, greens fast and properly undulating, and four of the five par 3s play downhill, none more memorable than the 154-yard 11th, widely reckoned the most photographed hole on the island. Deep valleys and abrupt ridges keep the elevation changes coming, and bunkers have been deliberately trimmed back over the years without softening the challenge one bit. Book this if you want a proper test with a view that genuinely stops golfers mid-swing.

The clubhouse terrace looks straight down over Funchal and the ocean, with the Vista Balancal restaurant, a driving range, academy and resident professionals all on site. The course is working toward GEO environmental certification and already uses biodegradable, coffee-ground tees. One thing worth knowing before you book: buggy hire on Madeira runs higher than on the mainland, so factor that in. For golfers who want spectacular Atlantic views to go with a genuine test of golf, Palheiro is the one to book on Madeira.

At Palheiro Golf Course, we have carefully designed our Golf Packages to combine refined accommodation with access to a selection of outstanding golf courses. By including your stay and your rounds in one exclusive offer, we are able to provide exceptional value at a preferential rate — ensuring a seamless and rewarding golf escape.

Madeira Golf Passport - 3 Rounds

Golf Courses:

from
€3511st Jan 2027
31st Dec 2027

Palheiro Golf Course

Santo da Serra Golf Course

from
€3511st Jan 2027
31st Dec 2027

Palheiro Trio Experience - 3 Rounds

Golf Courses:

from
€2191st Jan 2027
31st Dec 2027

Palheiro Golf Course

from
€2191st Jan 2027
31st Dec 2027

Madeira Golf Passport - 5 Rounds

Golf Courses:

from
€4861st Jan 2027
31st Dec 2027

Palheiro Golf Course

Santo da Serra Golf Course

from
€4861st Jan 2027
31st Dec 2027

Palheiro Unlimited Golf 7 days - 7 Rounds

Golf Courses:

from
€3971st Jan 2027
31st Dec 2027

Palheiro Golf Course

from
€3971st Jan 2027
31st Dec 2027

facilities

Reception: Everyday from 8:00am to 7:00pm

Golf Clubs: Standard / Premium (right and left handed)

Club House: With Restaurant and Snack bar

With driving range

With an Academy

Trolleys: Manual and Electric

With Locker Room

Pro Shop: Everyday from 8:00am to 7:00pm

Golf Lessons: Resident professionals

Buggies: Without GPS

With Putting Green

Juniors: Up to 16 years old

Score Card

Course Map

Tecnicals

*Undulated -

*Dogleg -

*Tree Lined -

*Buggy Recommended -

*Parkland -

Experience Palheiro Golf Course at its finest with preferred High and Low Season rates and priority tee time access. Through our direct partnership with the golf course and access to the official fact sheet, we provide real-time availability, accurate course details, and premium booking conditions — ensuring a seamless, first-class golfing experience in the Madeira.

Golf Courses in Funchal

Santo da Serra Golf Course 9.97 Km
27 holes, par 72 - 3 x 36

Porto Santo Golfe 64.56 Km
18 holes, par 72+27

Hotels in Funchal

Casa Velha do Palheiro 0.72 Km

Royal Savoy 4.64 Km

VidaMar Resorts Madeira 5.42 Km

Guest Reviews

seppo kiuru 2026-06-11

Super Service, Extremely beautiful course, new rental equipment and friendly atmosphere.

Sher Boudreau 2026-04-27

A bit hilly but other than that enjoyed the golf. The views are spectacular. The clubhouse and pro shop are nice as are the staff. Course was in good condition. The clubs were great.

Gordon Fleming 2026-04-24

The course had fabulous views of Funchal, it was a short course but the greens were tricky, there was work being done possibly to create additional holes. I would definitely play it again. Only issue was at reception they were going to charge us for the buggy and hire clubs which we had already paid for but once I showed our email booking this confirmed we had already paid that part.

Kris Spruyt 2026-03-29

No remarkes, everything perfect

Palheiro Golf Course Location.

Use our interactive map to choose and book your preferred golf courses.