Palheiro Golf Course
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.
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 oldPalheiro Golf Course - latest comments and 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
Neil Blatch
2026-03-25
Enjoyed the course, but I still say The overall buggy fees in Madeira as a whole are too expensive
Neil Blatch
2026-03-15
Enjoyed a Good day of golf, weather was fine, although greens were very fast, staff were very friendly and helpful
Stephen Griffin
2026-01-09
The course was in good condition considering the winter weather and staff were excellent. Very nice and friendly club house. Would definitely play here again.
Andreas Mitterer
2026-01-06
holes 1-9 very relaxed golf, holes 10-18 very tricky
Dennis Meredith
2025-10-17
Staff were excellent, we had a 90 minute delay due to fog but they got everyone out and made it a lovely day.
Chad Polowich
2025-09-04
Great course, scenery is top notch. Tight fairways, lots of elevation making it challenging. Staff treated us very well.
Stephen Melrose
2025-08-29
Friendly, helpful staff
Stanislav Cekovsky
2025-08-07
Beautiful mountainous amateur course in reasonable technical condition. Very nice appearance and excellent service at the club.
Tecnicals
*Undulated -
*Dogleg -
*Tree Lined -
*Buggy Recommended -
*Parkland -
Use our interactive map to choose and book your preferred golf courses.
