Circolo Golf Villa D'Este
Province of Como
Nestled near Lake Como, Circolo Golf Villa D’Este is one of Italy’s most prestigious and picturesque golf courses. Established in 1926, the course sits in a wooded estate once favoured by European nobility. The layout is relatively short by modern standards but incredibly technical, with narrow tree-lined fairways, small greens and significant elevation changes. Accuracy and course management are essential to score well here. The setting is serene and elegant, with a charming clubhouse that reflects the course’s rich history. Villa D’Este frequently ranks among Europe’s top courses and remains a must-play for those seeking a traditional Italian golfing experience in a breathtaking setting.
Malpensa Airport
19km


England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
Time Zone:
GMT+1
Currency:
€ (Euro)
Temperature:
0°C - 31°C
Cost of a Beer:
£5.20
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£35
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About The Area
Appiano Gentile, located in the province of Como in northern Lombardy, offers golfers refined Italian club golf set within elegant woodland just a short drive from Milan and Lake Como. It’s a destination that blends understated prestige, traditional course architecture and sophisticated Italian lifestyle appeal.
The centrepiece is Golf Club La Pinetina, one of northern Italy’s most respected parkland layouts. Designed by John Harris and later refined by Gianni Albertini, La Pinetina winds through pine and birch forest across gently undulating terrain. It’s not overly long by modern standards but demands positional play from the tee and precision into compact, subtly contoured greens. The tree-lined corridors reward accuracy and course management, making it particularly appealing to strategic golfers. Within an hour, Golf Club Monticello offers two championship courses and a strong tournament pedigree, while Circolo Golf Villa d'Este, one of Italy’s most historic clubs, provides classic inland golf close to Lake Como.
Golf in this region is typically immaculate in presentation, with manicured fairways and a traditional members’ club atmosphere. Rounds are sociable and unhurried, with strong clubhouse hospitality central to the experience. The prime season runs from April to October, when Lombardy’s mild climate provides ideal playing temperatures.
Away from the course, Lake Como is just 30 minutes away, offering boat tours, elegant lakeside villages such as Bellagio and fine Italian dining overlooking the water. Milan is also within reach for fashion, architecture and vibrant evening options. Local trattorias around Appiano Gentile serve regional Lombard cuisine, including risotto and fresh pasta dishes paired with northern Italian wines.
For golfers seeking classic Italian club golf, woodland tranquillity and access to Lake Como’s timeless elegance, Appiano Gentile delivers a refined and distinctly northern Italian golf escape.



















