To be honest, golf would not be the main attraction to the Portuguese island of Madeira, even though it can boast two fine courses. Situated off the coast of Morocco, a three-and-a-half hour flight from Dublin, the steep, volcanic Atlantic island offers few locations for a golf course. What it does offer is spectacular scenery, as the mountains drop abruptly to the fishing villages dotted around the coast. Just west of the capital, Funchal, is Cabo Girao, alleged to be the second highest cliff in the world.

Because of its location Madeira has no extremes of climate. When we were there in February it was about 15C; in the summer it would rarely top 25C. Funchal has a busy nightlife, including casinos. There are a number of top-class hotels, the food is excellent and the people, as is generally true of the Portuguese, are a delight.

As for the golf, Santo de Serra, venue for Des Smyth's recent record-breaking win on the European Tour, is a Robert Trent Jones design: small greens, tightly bunkered. If it's good enough for the Tour, it's good enough for the likes of us.

On our trip we played the other course, Palheiro, high in the hills to the east of Funchal. Again, not long, but narrow and hilly, with small, well-bunkered greens. The course is in fine shape, and the clubhouse offers marvellous views over Funchal Bay.

Panorama Holidays runs regular packages to Madeira most of the year.