A 19th-century manor house set within the Palheiro Estate above Funchal, adjoining an 18-hole championship golf course and camellia gardens, run as a small country-house hotel with under 40 rooms.
Casa Velha do Palheiro occupies part of the historic Palheiro Estate in São Gonçalo, in the hills above Funchal, Madeira, roughly 20 minutes by car from the city centre. The hotel is built around a 19th-century manor house associated with the Blandy family, one of Madeira's long-established wine and trading families, and sits beside the Palheiro Golf course and the estate's camellia and exotic-tree gardens, which guests can visit separately. With under 40 rooms across Classic, Superior and Junior Suite categories plus a Palheiro Suite, the property operates as an intimate country-house hotel rather than a large resort. Dining draws on the estate's own kitchen gardens, served in a formal dining room and on a garden terrace, with a wine list weighted toward Madeira and mainland Portuguese labels. Facilities include an outdoor pool, a small spa and direct access to the adjoining 18-hole golf course, one of the highest-rated courses on the island. Service is personal and country-house in character, geared toward golfers, garden enthusiasts and couples seeking a quieter, more rural alternative to Funchal's coastal hotel strip.
| Price | €280–€750 / $302–$810 per night |
|---|---|
| Address | Palheiro Golf, 9060-415 São Gonçalo, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
Room types
- Classic Room
- Superior Room
- Junior Suite
- Palheiro Suite
Amenities
- golf course access
- gardens
- outdoor pool
- spa
- fine dining
- concierge
- wifi
- parking
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Palheiro Golf, 9060-415 São Gonçalo, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
32.6641, -16.8574 View on map
Highlights
- 19th-century manor house on the historic Palheiro Estate
- Direct access to the 18-hole Palheiro Golf championship course
- Adjoining camellia gardens and exotic-tree collection open to guests
- Dining sourced from the estate's own kitchen gardens
- Intimate country-house hotel with under 40 rooms
Tips for visiting
- Book tee times at Palheiro Golf in advance, particularly during the winter high season for golf tourism
- Combine a stay with a visit to Palheiro Gardens, which has separate opening hours from the hotel
- A car is useful given the hillside, out-of-town location above Funchal
- Request a room facing the golf course or gardens rather than the car park side
- The dining room favours smart-casual attire in the evening
Accessibility
The manor house retains some original steps and thresholds typical of a 19th-century building; ground-floor rooms and level garden paths are available on request, but guests with significant mobility needs should confirm specific room access before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Casa Velha do Palheiro good for non-golfers?
Yes, the estate's gardens, spa and country-house atmosphere appeal to guests beyond golfers, though its location beside the course makes it especially convenient for those playing.
How far is the hotel from Funchal?
The property sits in São Gonçalo in the hills above Funchal, roughly a 20-minute drive from the city centre and its historic old town.
Does the hotel have a pool?
There is an outdoor pool on site along with a small spa, though the emphasis of the property is on the golf course and gardens rather than large-scale resort facilities.