Porto Santo Golf
A challenging Seve Ballesteros-designed golf course on Porto Santo Island, offering dramatic ocean views and a unique island golfing experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Porto Santo Golf
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging Seve Ballesteros-designed golf course on Porto Santo Island, offering dramatic ocean views and a unique island golfing experience.
"The scenery on the back 9 is breathtaking, a truly spectacular course!"
🚗 Golf Cart Recommended
The course can be hilly; a golf cart is advised for comfort and to navigate the terrain.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, carry plenty of water as the island can be parched.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seve Ballesteros Design
Entire Course
Experience a challenging and strategic layout crafted by the legendary Seve Ballesteros.
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Breathtaking Back Nine Views
Holes 10-18
Marvel at spectacular ocean vistas and dramatic landscapes on the course's latter half.

Challenging Island Test
Entire Course
Test your game on a course known for its difficulty and unique island conditions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Porto Santo Golf
Island Transfer Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Golf Cart Recommended
The course can be hilly; a golf cart is advised for comfort and to navigate the terrain.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, carry plenty of water as the island can be parched.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The scenery, particularly on the back nine, is stunning.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Expect helpful and welcoming staff who enhance the overall experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Golf Cart Recommended
The course can be hilly; a golf cart is advised for comfort and to navigate the terrain.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, carry plenty of water as the island can be parched.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The scenery, particularly on the back nine, is stunning.
🤝 Friendly Staff
Expect helpful and welcoming staff who enhance the overall experience.
✈️ Plan Island Transfer
Factor in travel time and cost from Madeira to Porto Santo for your golf day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Porto Santo Golf is lauded for its challenging Seve Ballesteros design and breathtaking back-nine views, offering a unique island golfing experience. While the course presents a tough test and the landscape is arid, the spectacular scenery and friendly staff are consistently praised. Some visitors note the subdued atmosphere and question the sustainability of the course in such a dry environment, but most agree it's a must-play for golfers visiting the region.
"Being a Seve designed course it was always going to be a hard test and it was but the scenery on the back 9 is breathtaking 👏👏"
mark glover
"Speaking for the cafe, we enjoyed a tasty dessert, nothing to blow your socks off. The location is pleasant but as a whole Porto Santo is parched. The additional pictures will show the picturesque landscape, a beautiful ocean with hills that seem not to have felt water in years. Which raises questions about the sustenance of a golf course under these circumstances. Ethical and economic. Perhaps in season there is a justification for it. When we visited in June there were maybe a dozen persons wandering around. Overall the atmosphere is subdued which may be a plus depending on your taste."
Eduardo Drivon (evdrivon)
"Brilliant course, really nice & helpful staff (gave me a lift back after the taxi failed to show). Some really spectacular holes on the back nine."
Will Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Porto Santo Golf, you'll first need to travel to Porto Santo Island from Madeira. This is typically done via a short flight (around 30-40 minutes) or a ferry service. Once on Porto Santo, the golf course is accessible by taxi or rental car.
While there isn't extensive public transport directly to the golf course, taxis are available on Porto Santo. It's advisable to arrange transport in advance, especially if your flight or ferry arrives at off-peak times.
Yes, there are regular flights connecting Madeira Airport (FNC) to Porto Santo Airport (PXO). This is the quickest way to reach the island for your golf trip.
Ferry services operate between Madeira and Porto Santo, offering a more scenic but longer journey. Schedules can vary, so it's best to check the latest timetables with the ferry operator in advance.
Renting a car on Porto Santo provides the most flexibility for exploring the island and getting to the golf course at your convenience. Taxis are an alternative if you prefer not to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tee times can be booked directly through the Porto Santo Golf website or by contacting their pro shop. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred slot.
Green fees can vary depending on the season, time of day, and whether you are a resident or visitor. It's best to check the official Porto Santo Golf website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Many hotels and tour operators offer golf packages that may include accommodation, green fees, and transfers. These can often provide good value and simplify your planning.
Porto Santo Golf generally adheres to standard golf dress codes. Expect to wear collared shirts, golf shorts or trousers, and appropriate golf shoes. Specific rules can be found on their website or by contacting the club.
Yes, golf club rentals are typically available at Porto Santo Golf. It's advisable to inquire about availability and reserve clubs in advance when booking your tee time.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Porto Santo Golf is considered a challenging course, designed by Seve Ballesteros. It features undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and can be demanding, especially with the island's conditions.
Many golfers rave about the spectacular views on the back nine, particularly holes 13 and 14, which offer breathtaking vistas of the ocean and the island's landscape.
The course typically offers practice facilities such as a driving range and putting green, allowing golfers to warm up before their round.
The clubhouse usually features a pro shop, a restaurant or cafe, and locker room facilities. It's a pleasant place to relax before or after your game.
While challenging, the course can be enjoyed by golfers of all levels. Beginners might find it more manageable with a golf cart and by focusing on enjoying the unique experience and scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The clubhouse cafe offers food, with reviews suggesting tasty desserts. While not gourmet, it provides a pleasant spot to refuel.
Porto Santo Island has several restaurants, particularly in the main town. You can find local cuisine and seafood options.
Beverage carts may operate on the course during busy periods, and water stations are usually available. It's always wise to carry some personal snacks.
Expect fresh seafood, traditional Portuguese dishes, and local specialties. The island's cuisine is influenced by its maritime location.
For convenience and a pleasant atmosphere, dining at the clubhouse is a good option. For a wider variety of local flavors, explore restaurants in Vila Baleira, the main town.
📸 📸 Photography
The back nine holes, especially 13 and 14, offer incredible panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island's rugged coastline. The clubhouse and surrounding landscape also make for great shots.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the most dramatic and flattering light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the landscape's colors.
Generally, you can take photos from most areas of the course. However, always be mindful of other golfers and follow any specific club regulations regarding photography.
Drone usage is often restricted at golf courses and in protected natural areas. It's essential to check the specific regulations with Porto Santo Golf and local authorities before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on the course or distant ocean views. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the sky and sea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the golf, Porto Santo offers activities like boat trips, exploring the charming town of Vila Baleira, and enjoying the relaxed island pace. The focus for families should be on the island's natural beauty and child-friendly beaches, with the golf course being more of a scenic backdrop or a destination for adult golfers.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on food, explore local eateries in Vila Baleira rather than exclusively dining at the golf course clubhouse. When traveling from Madeira, compare prices for both flights and ferries to find the most economical option. Renting a car on Porto Santo can also be more cost-effective for groups than relying solely on taxis for transport to the course.
🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
To maximize your golfing experience, consider booking a golf package that includes accommodation and transfers. Research the course's conditions and potential wind factors to prepare your game. Many enthusiasts also combine a visit to Porto Santo Golf with rounds at other courses on Madeira, such as Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra Golf Club, for a comprehensive Madeira golf tour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seve Ballesteros Legacy
This 18-hole, par-72 course is designed to blend seamlessly with the island's natural topography. Ballesteros masterfully incorporated the undulating terrain and the island's unique arid landscape into the course's design. The result is a course that demands precision and thoughtful play, rewarding golfers who can adapt to its challenges and appreciate its strategic nuances. The course has been recognized internationally, receiving nominations for prestigious awards, highlighting its quality and appeal.
Playing Porto Santo Golf offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of a golf icon and experience a course that embodies his passion for the game. The design ensures that each hole presents a distinct challenge and a memorable golfing moment, making it a must-play for enthusiasts visiting the Madeira archipelago.
Navigating Porto Santo Island for Golf
Getting to Porto Santo involves either a short flight from Madeira Airport (FNC) to Porto Santo Airport (PXO) or a ferry service. Flights are quick and convenient, while the ferry provides a more leisurely experience with scenic views. Upon arrival on Porto Santo, the golf course is easily accessible via taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Many visitors choose to combine a golf trip to Porto Santo with a stay on Madeira, making it a dual-destination experience.
While on Porto Santo, consider exploring the island's other attractions, such as its famous long sandy beach, the Christopher Columbus House Museum, and the charming town of Vila Baleira. This allows you to fully appreciate the 'Golden Island' beyond just the golf course, creating a well-rounded holiday.
The Unique Landscape and Conditions
The conditions on the course can vary depending on the season. In drier periods, the fairways might be firmer and the rough more challenging, demanding accurate ball-striking. During wetter seasons, the course can become softer. The wind can also be a significant factor, especially on holes closer to the coast, adding another layer of strategic consideration for players.
This natural setting, while posing its own challenges, is also what makes Porto Santo Golf so special. The dramatic contrast between the golden-brown landscape, the blue ocean, and the meticulously maintained greens offers a unique aesthetic. It's a course where the environment itself plays a crucial role in the game, making for a memorable and engaging round.
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