Lake Como — nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps — is known worldwide for its shimmering waters, dramatic mountain views, charming villages, and elegant villas. For golf lovers, it offers more than photo‑ops and lakeside strolls: it’s a surprisingly rich and diverse golfing destination. A holiday here can combine memorable rounds on scenic courses, relaxing stays, fine dining, and explorations of Italy’s culture and natural beauty.
Iconic Golf Courses in Lake Como
Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club
Founded in 1907, Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club is one of Italy’s oldest and most historic courses. Its 18-hole layout stretches across gentle hillsides above the lake, with winding fairways, well-placed bunkers, and small water hazards that challenge precision and strategy. The course is known not only for its playability but also for the breathtaking vistas at every turn — from sparkling lake views to the surrounding alpine peaks. Menaggio’s classic charm, combined with its historical significance in Italian golf, makes it a must-visit for any enthusiast seeking a mix of challenge and scenery.
Circolo Golf Villa d’Este
Located near Montorfano, Villa d’Este Golf Club is celebrated for its elegance and refined setting. Dating back to 1926, this 18-hole course winds through the woodlands of chestnut, pine, and birch, creating a secluded, serene environment. The course’s design emphasises strategic play, with natural elevation changes and subtle water hazards that test shot planning. Villa d’Este is ideal for golfers who enjoy a blend of natural beauty, history, and a peaceful atmosphere — playing here feels both challenging and meditative.
Monticello Golf Club
Monticello Golf Club is one of the largest and most versatile facilities near Lake Como, offering 36 holes across two separate courses, known as the “Red” and “Blue” courses. The club combines a modern infrastructure with classic course design elements, including wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and multiple water hazards. Monticello is perfect for golfers seeking variety — whether practising specific skills, playing two full rounds in a day, or competing in a friendly match. The clubhouse, restaurant, and practice areas make it an excellent all-in-one destination for a full golf experience.
Golf Club Carimate
Carimate Golf Club, located slightly inland, provides a more traditional countryside golfing experience. Its 18-hole parkland course features gently rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and a combination of short and long holes to test every aspect of a golfer’s game. While it may not offer direct lake views, the course exudes charm and tranquillity, appealing to those who enjoy classic course layouts, natural beauty, and a relaxed pace of play. Its proximity to Milan makes it a convenient option for combining Lake Como golf with city sightseeing.
La Pinetina Golf Club
Nestled within a large pine forest, La Pinetina Golf Club offers an 18-hole course with hilly, undulating fairways that challenge players of all levels. The natural setting — dense trees, shaded greens, and small water features — creates a peaceful, immersive golfing experience. La Pinetina is especially suited to golfers who appreciate quiet surroundings, forested landscapes, and a course that rewards strategic thinking rather than raw power.
Golf Club Lecco
Golf Club Lecco sits at the foot of the Pre-Alps, offering an 18-hole course with dramatic mountain views and lush surroundings. The course incorporates natural terrain features, including gentle slopes, streams, and wooded areas, which add both beauty and challenge. The clubhouse, set in restored historical buildings, adds a touch of heritage and elegance to the golfing experience. This club is ideal for players who enjoy combining sport with cultural ambience and alpine scenery.
Golf Club Lanzo
For golfers seeking a more intimate and rustic experience, Golf Club Lanzo is a small 9-hole course located at a higher elevation near Lake Como. Winding through mountain valleys and forested areas, it offers a quiet retreat from busier clubs, with panoramic views and natural surroundings that make each shot feel connected to the landscape. Lanzo is perfect for a short, relaxing round, or for pairing with visits to other nearby clubs for a varied golfing itinerary.
Exploring Lake Como Beyond Golf
Lake Como offers countless opportunities for exploration beyond the fairways. History and architecture enthusiasts can visit magnificent villas such as Villa Carlotta, known for its stunning botanical gardens, or Villa del Balbianello, famous for its terraced gardens and cinematic appearances in movies. Charming towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo invite visitors to wander cobbled streets, browse artisanal shops, and sip coffee in lakeside cafés. Adventure seekers can enjoy sailing, kayaking, or ferry rides across the lake, while those seeking tranquillity can simply take in the scenic vistas from a lakeside promenade. Combining golf with cultural excursions and outdoor activities ensures a well-rounded and memorable holiday.
Why Lake Como Stands Out for Golf Holidays
Thanks to the concentration of varied golf clubs within reachable distance — alpine-hillside courses, forested parkland courses, 36-hole clubs with full amenities — Lake Como gives golfers huge flexibility. You’re not limited to one course or one style. Combine sport, nature, elegance, and Italian lifestyle for a multi-faceted holiday.
Whether you love strategic alpine fairways, forested serenity, structured club amenities, or simply a relaxed round with mountain views, this region offers it all. A golf holiday around Lake Como is not just a vacation — it’s a rich experience blending sport, culture, nature, and tranquillity.
