Palheiro Golf has given a further boost to the reputation of Madeira as a world-class golf destination after strengthening its place in an influential new list of Europe’s elite golf resorts.

The resort, just a 10-minute drive from the island’s capital, Funchal, scored strongly across the four categories that venues were assessed on – golf courses, accommodation, setting and non-golf amenities – to be placed 79th in Golf World magazine’s updated rankings of the ‘Top 100 Resorts in Continental Europe.’

At nearly 1,640ft above sea level, Palheiro Golf enjoys dramatic views of Madeira’s mountainous skyline and the ocean, while its par-72, 6,656-yard (6,086m) course was designed by renowned golf architect Cabell Robinson and is situated within the magnificent Palheiro Estate, which is more than 200 years old.

Announcing its verdict, the magazine’s Top 100 panel said: “The course offers expansive views over Madeira’s capital and the Atlantic from fairways set among the hills. Colourful native flora makes the quirky course a scenic delight. The wonderful cosy hotel mixes super service and excellent food with unobtrusive luxurious touches.”

Palheiro Golf and the other two-18 hole courses in Madeira and her islands, Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golf, have enjoyed a steady increase in overseas bookings this autumn with growing numbers of European golfers eager to experience the many benefits of playing first-class golf in a safe and secure environment.

And the popularity of Madeira is set to increase further next month when the Portuguese island stages its inaugural Madeira Golf Week.

Taking place from November 7-14, the busy programme of events offers golfers the chance to play all three courses and compete in a 54-hole tournament, as well as enjoy an array of cultural and leisure activities including wine tasting, local gastronomic delights, cocktail evenings and a gala prize-giving dinner.

Airport and course transfers are also included and seven-night bed-and-breakfast packages start from €784 per person, with a range of four and five-star hotel accommodation on offer at Sentido Galosol, Melia Mare, Porto Mare, Casa Velha do Palheiro, Savoy Palace and Reids. All prices are based on two people sharing a room while there is the extra option of staying in a one-bedroom apartment at Palheiro Village.

Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – Madeira enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity, making it the perfect year-round destination for a golf break.

For more details about the Madeira Golf Week and to book, please contact Rodrigo Ulrich ([email protected]) or Maria Melnikova ([email protected])
www.madeiraallyear.com