Santo da Serra Live Webcam - Golf Course and Mountain Plateau Madeira
Discover Santo da Serra through our live webcam. Watch the 27-hole golf course, century-old eucalyptus forest and panoramic views of the mountain plateau.
📹Santo da Serra Live Webcam
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⛰️About Santo da Serra
Mountain Plateau
Santo da Serra is situated on a mountain plateau in central-eastern Madeira, at about 660 metres altitude, offering spectacular panoramic views over the island and ocean.
Golf Destination
The region is famous for its 27-hole golf course, considered one of Europe's most beautiful, harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape with stunning views.
🏌️Golf and Recreation
Golf Course
27 holes with panoramic views
Forest Park
Recreation area with century-old eucalyptus
Walking Trails
Nature walks
🌿Natural Features
Eucalyptus Forest
Santo da Serra is known for its impressive forest of century-old eucalyptus trees, which create a fresh and aromatic environment, ideal for walks and picnics.
Natural Viewpoints
The elevated location offers multiple natural viewpoints with 360-degree views over Madeira, including views to Pico do Areeiro and the east coast.
Temperate Climate
The altitude provides a cooler and more temperate climate, especially pleasant during summer months, offering a natural refuge from coastal heat.
Biodiversity
The region is home to rich biodiversity, including endemic Madeira birds and a variety of plants adapted to the mountain climate.
🏛️History and Tradition
Historic Estate
The region was originally a historic estate belonging to noble Madeiran families, who took advantage of the mild climate for summer residence and leisure activities.
Tourism Development
The transformation into a tourist destination began in the 20th century, with the creation of the golf course and leisure infrastructure that respects the natural environment.
Rural Traditions
The area maintains Madeiran rural traditions, including mountain agriculture and traditional forest management practices that continue today.
Regional Architecture
Local constructions reflect traditional Madeiran architecture adapted to the mountain climate, with stone and wood houses integrated into the landscape.
ℹ️Visitor Information
How to Get There
Santo da Serra is located in central-eastern Madeira, accessible via regional road ER102. The journey from Funchal takes approximately 30 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Santo da Serra can be visited year-round. Summer offers ideal climate for golf and outdoor activities, while winter provides greener landscapes.
Recommended Activities
- • Golf on the 27-hole course
- • Forest walks
- • Picnics in the park
- • Bird watching
Visit Tips
Bring warm clothing as it can be cooler due to altitude. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Take advantage of viewpoints for panoramic photography.
Santo da Serra: Mountain Refuge and Centuries-Old Traditions
The Golf Course in the Clouds
The Santo da Serra Golf Course, situated at 660 meters altitude, is considered one of Europe's most spectacular golf courses, offering a unique experience where sport meets panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and Madeira's mountains. Designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1991, this 27-hole course extends over 2,403 hectares of mountainous landscape, combining challenging fairways with the natural beauty of slopes covered with laurissilva and endemic pines. Our HD webcam captures not only golfers but also the dramatic change of weather conditions typical of this altitude, where clouds frequently dance between trees, creating a unique visual spectacle.
The unique climatic conditions of Santo da Serra, with average temperatures 5-8°C lower than on the coast, create an ideal microclimate for golf year-round. Morning fog, frequently visible on our webcam between 7:00 and 10:00, gradually dissipates, revealing spectacular views extending from Pico do Areeiro to the island's east coast. The course offers three distinct courses: "Machico", "Desertas" and "Funchal", each with unique characteristics that challenge golfers of all levels. During winter, it's common to see players wearing jackets while playing, a unique tropical peculiarity in Madeira. The webcam allows visitors to check visibility conditions before traveling to the course, especially important during November to March months, when fog can persist until midday.
Ecological Park and Biodiversity
The Santo da Serra Ecological Park constitutes a 13.4-hectare natural reserve dedicated to preserving and studying Madeira's endemic flora and fauna. Opened in 1999, this park represents a living laboratory where rare species like the trocaz pigeon (Columba trocaz), Madeira partridge (Alectoris rufa), and various endemic bat species find refuge. Our webcam occasionally captures wildlife in its natural habitat, especially during dawn and dusk when animals are most active. The interpretive trails, totaling 3.2 km in length, allow visitors to closely observe more than 140 native plant species, including centuries-old specimens of til (Ocotea foetens), vinhático (Persea indica), and barbusano (Apollonias barbujana).
The park also functions as a scientific research center, collaborating with European universities on species conservation and reintroduction projects. The botanical nursery, partially visible through our webcam, annually produces about 15,000 native plants used in reforestation programs throughout Madeira. The climate-controlled greenhouses reproduce the specific conditions necessary for germinating rare seeds, some of which hadn't germinated for decades. During guided tours (available by reservation), specialists explain the complex laurissilva ecosystems and demonstrate techniques for propagating endangered plants. The environmental education center annually receives more than 5,000 students, contributing to awareness about the importance of island biodiversity.
Experiences and Practical Information
⛳ Golfe
Golf course with complete facilities. Equipment rental and carts available. Golf lessons offered. Dress code applicable.
🌲 Parque Ecológico
Entrance with applicable fee. Open: 9-17h (Tuesday-Sunday). Guided tours available. Trails: 3.2km, 1.5h duration.
🍽️ Gastronomia
Local restaurants with gourmet cuisine and regional specialties. Picnic areas available in park.
🚗 Acesso
25 min from Funchal via ER102. Free parking. Bus 77: Machico-Santo Serra connection (€2.05). Taxi: €30-35 from Funchal/Machico.