Madeira has confirmed plans to significantly expand its golf infrastructure with the addition of 36 new holes across the archipelago, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s fastest growing golf destinations.
The most high profile project is a new 18-hole championship course at Ponta do Pargo, scheduled to open in 2027.
Designed by six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo, the par-72 layout will be located on the westernmost tip of Madeira’s main island, offering elevated views across the Atlantic Ocean. The course will become the island’s fourth full golf venue.
Alongside the Faldo project, the Madeira government has also announced plans for two additional nine-hole courses at existing facilities.
Faldo project spearheads multi-course golf expansion in Madeira
At Clube de Golf Santo da Serra, an extra nine-hole loop will increase the venue’s total to 36 holes. Santo da Serra currently features three nine-hole layouts designed by Robert Trent Jones Junior and has hosted the Madeira Islands Open on the European Tour on 10 occasions.
The expansion will include the construction of two new lakes aimed at improving water collection and long term sustainability. Stored water will be used for course irrigation and made available to support regional firefighting operations.
A further nine-hole course has been approved at Porto Santo Golfe, which already boasts an 18-hole championship layout designed by Severiano Ballesteros.
The new loop will be developed by Magnolia Golf Design and will start and finish near the clubhouse, allowing for a variety of 18-hole combinations. The project will also include a new lake to help ensure water self-sufficiency.
Expansion strengthens Madeira’s appeal to visiting golfers
The expansion comes as Madeira continues to gain international recognition as a tourism and golf destination. The archipelago was named the World’s Leading Island Destination for an eleventh consecutive year at the 2025 World Travel Awards. It currently offers three golf venues, with 18-hole courses at Porto Santo Golfe and Palheiro Golf and 27 holes at Santo da Serra.
Located around 1,000 kilometres from mainland Europe, Madeira benefits from a mild year-round climate, with average temperatures of approximately 25 degrees in summer and 17 in winter, making it a consistent destination for visiting golfers.
Golf tourism is further supported by the Madeira Golf Passport, which offers three rounds at Santo da Serra or Palheiro Golf from €290 per person, including complimentary transfers between hotels and courses. Additional rounds and a visit to Porto Santo Golfe can be added.
Further information is available via the Madeira Promotion Bureau, which continues to promote the islands as a leading year round golf destination.
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Everything you need to know about Madeira’s golf expansion plans
- A new Faldo-designed 18-hole championship course at Ponta do Pargo is scheduled to open in 2027.
- Two additional nine-hole developments will expand Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golfe.
- Sustainability and long-term water management are central to all three projects.
