Travelling golfers can make the most of a stunning location, the famous hospitality and fabulous courses at the Madeira Golf Week, which will take place next month from November 7-14. The islands – which boast three world-class golf courses – is proving particularly popular with golfers from the UK and northern Europe seeking a sunshine break in an outstanding and safe destination. Unlike some of the travel restrictions in place on other destinations, Madeira benefits from its exempt status on the UK’s Covid-19 travel quarantine list, while there are stringent rules in place for everyone flying into Madeira airport to maintain utmost safety.
It means golfers and guests can take full advantage of a packed programme including a 54-hole competition with rounds at Santo da Serra and Palheiro Golf, as well as the chance to play at Porto Santo on the nearby island. Aside from the golf, there are cultural and leisure activities in the schedule, wine tasting, cocktail evenings, and a gala prize-giving dinner plus, of course, some authentic Madeira food to enjoy. Airport and course transfers are also included and seven-night bed-and-breakfast packages with a range of four and five-star hotel accommodation on offer at Sentido Galosol, Melia Mare, Pestana Promenade, Pestana Carlton, 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.
There is also an added bonus for golfers flying with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, with the airline charging just £1 for the cost of golf club carriage on flight bookings made before October 28.
A recent report by Post Office Travel Money highlighted Madeira as the cheapest island destination for Britons considering an autumn sunshine break abroad in eight destinations on European and Caribbean islands that are not on the UK government's quarantine list.
Safety also remains paramount as, prior to arrival, all passengers must complete the Regional Health Authority’s (IASAÚDE) epidemiological survey and will need to submit a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure. If they have not performed a test in advance, they will be required to take one upon arrival at the airport – although this is free.
Incoming visitors will also be subject to thermal screening, even if they carry a negative test for Covid-19.
Discover Madeira, the consumer-facing brand of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, has been working with the local and Portuguese authorities to put plans in place for all holidaymakers to visit safely, with the “Madeira Safe to Discover” guidelines being stringently followed across the islands to control and prevent the spread of Coronavirus and other possible infections.
Hotels, restaurants, bars, golf clubs and other tourist activities across the islands are also adopting the “Clean and Safe” stamp, created by VisitPortugal, which distinguishes tourist activities which are compliant with certain hygiene and cleaning requirements.
Madeira and her islands were last year hailed as the ‘world’s best emerging golf destination’ at the World Golf Awards, and as Europe’s ‘leading island destination’ for the fourth successive year, as well as the world’s ‘leading island destination’ for a staggering fifth year running in the 2019 World Travel Awards.
The islands’ three golf courses include two on the mainland – Santo da Serra and Palheiro Golf, as well as Porto Santo Golf, which is located on the nearby island of Porto Santo.
Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – Madeira enjoys a mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity.
The best way to enjoy the archipelago’s golf is with a Madeira Golf Passport – available from most hotels and the golf clubs – which entitles the bearer to five rounds of golf across the two ‘mainland’ tracks: Santo da Serra and Palheiro Golf.
Tags: Madeira Golf Week
