Palheiro Golf is an 18-hole, par-72 course on the Palheiro estate above Funchal, Madeira, designed by Cabell B. Robinson and opened in 1993. Set around 500 metres above sea level among pines and sub-tropical gardens, it looks out over Funchal Bay and the Atlantic. On this page you can check live tee time availability, compare green fees and book instantly, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your round.
Palheiro Golf lies on the Palheiro estate in the hills east of Funchal, an estate famous for its botanical gardens and home to the Casa Velha do Palheiro hotel. It is the best-known course on Madeira, an island where mild temperatures make golf possible all year.
Cabell B. Robinson laid the course across steep, wooded terrain, with maritime pines, eucalyptus and flowering plants lining the fairways. Elevation changes are part of every hole, and the views over the city, the bay and the ocean are some of the most dramatic in European golf. The slopes and the sea breeze make club selection the real test.
What makes it different: the views. From many tees you look straight down over Funchal and the Atlantic, 500 metres below.
Green fees at Palheiro Golf change with the season, the day of the week and the time of day, so the best way to see the exact price is to search your date in the booking box. As a general guide:
| When you play | What to expect |
|---|---|
| High season (Oct–May) | The busiest months on Madeira, when many visiting golfers arrive. Book early. |
| Low season (Jun–Sep) | Usually lower green fees. Summers are warm but rarely hot at this altitude. |
| Afternoon and twilight | Often cheaper than morning slots and ideal if you want a quieter round. |
| Weekdays vs weekends | Weekdays tend to have more availability; weekend slots fill up faster. |
Madeira has a mild climate all year, so golf is possible in every month. Spring and autumn offer the most stable weather; winter is the busiest season. At 500 metres the weather can change quickly, so bring a light layer even on sunny days.
The course is at Rua do Balancal 29, on the Palheiro estate in the hills east of Funchal. Parking is available at the clubhouse.
| From | Approx. driving time |
|---|---|
| Funchal city centre | 10–15 minutes |
| Madeira Airport (FNC) | 20 minutes |
| Caniço | 15 minutes |
| Santo da Serra Golf | 25 minutes |
Choose your date, number of players and holes in the booking box on this page and press Search. You will see all available tee times with their green fees. Select a time, confirm your details and you will receive instant confirmation by email.
Green fees vary by season, day and time of day. Search your date in the booking box to see the exact live price per player, with no booking fees.
Yes. Bookings made through Reserve Tee Time can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before your tee time.
The course was designed by Cabell B. Robinson and opened in 1993.
It is strongly recommended. The course is set on steep terrain with large elevation changes.
Palheiro Golf is on the Palheiro estate above Funchal, about 20 minutes by car from Madeira Airport and 10–15 minutes from the city centre.
Yes. The mild climate means golf is possible in every month, although the weather can change quickly at altitude.
