Our take

You play Palheiro as much for the views over Funchal and the ocean far below as for the golf, though its hills and raised greens make you earn every one of them.

• Serious golfersApproach play decides everything; the greens sit above you and anything short falls away, so pick a club and commit. It is usually calmer down here than up at Santo da Serra, which puts the emphasis squarely on precision.
• Higher handicapsTake the buggy without a second thought. The hills are tiring on the legs and the raised greens are hard work, but there is no shame in playing for bogey and admiring Funchal below.
• CouplesFive miles from Funchal with the ocean beneath you the whole way round. Play it slowly, stop for the views, and be back in town in good time for dinner.

Tell us who’s coming and how you like to play, and we’ll shape the right trip around you.

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