The idyllic island destination of Madeira is not just making waves on the golf course but away from the fairways as well after the Portuguese archipelago was acclaimed for having two of the best three beaches in Europe by a new international survey.
The beach at Porto Santo – on the island of the same name – was named number one in the ranking by the European Best Destinations (EBD), an entity of the European Commission, with the Porto do Seixal beach on the north coast of Madeira island rated third best.
Voted for by thousands of travellers from 82 countries, the list of 22 beaches included options for all tastes, with the focus on highlighting “refuges of pure nature that offer dream beaches to disconnect from a worrying world and connect with yourself.”
Announcing the ranking, European Best Destinations said: “A safe and sunny destination which combines nature, well-being, outdoor sports, gastronomy and golf  the islands of Madeira are the ideal destination to recharge your batteries.
“Madeira offers authentic tourism, 100 per cent nature and top-notch hotel infrastructure. To avoid the crowds and connect with nature, it’s a great choice this summer.”
EBD added about Praia do Porto do Seixal: “(With the) beauty of the volcanic sand, the crystalline waters and the incredible cliffs, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.”
Named as the world and Europe’s leading island destination at the 2021 World Travel Awards for the eighth year in a row, Madeira boasts three first-class golf courses – Palheiro Golf, Clube de Golfe Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golf – as well as an array of outstanding historic, cultural and lifestyle experiences.
The islands have enjoyed a steady increase in overseas bookings in the last 18 months with growing numbers of European golfers eager to experience the many benefits of playing first-class golf in a safe and secure environment. Visiting from the UK and Europe has never been easier and Madeira. Belongs to all – the consumer-facing brand of the Madeira Promotion Bureau – has taken every step to ensure the safety of every resident and visitor since the start of the pandemic.
Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – the island destination enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity, making it the perfect year-round location for a golf break.
The best way to enjoy the archipelago’s golf is with a Madeira Golf Passport which, providing holders with an unrivalled golf experience, is available to both individuals and groups and can be booked on a three or five-round basis.
Offering a one-stop shop for visitors eager to play Madeira’s three world-class golf courses and discover why the Portuguese islands have been acclaimed as the world’s best emerging golf destination, the portal features the chance for golfers to review and book their golf and accommodation, with a selection of quality hotel, self-catering and all-inclusive options all available.
Three-round packages cost 225 per person while five-round passports are priced at 360 per person.
For further information on Madeira, please visit: www.madeiraallyear.com
