Croara Country Club
Val Trebbia
Croara Country Club is an attractive 18-hole course in the Val Trebbia, close to Piacenza in the north-western corner of Emilia-Romagna. Its unusual setting places part of the course beside the River Trebbia, while the remaining holes rise into the first foothills of the Apennines. This creates a varied round with riverbank scenery, wooded sections and views towards Rivalta Castle and the surrounding valley.
The course began with nine holes designed by Buratti, which opened in 1975. A second nine by Studio Croze and architect Lo Cascio followed in 1983, completing the present 18-hole, par-72 layout. Measuring 6,065 metres, Croara is not built around extreme length. Instead, its challenge comes from relatively narrow fairways, changing terrain and the need to find the correct position from the tee.
Mature oaks, chestnuts, poplars and locust trees frame many of the holes, while the river and natural contours add further strategic interest. Golfers will encounter a mixture of longer shots and more delicate approaches, making thoughtful course management particularly important. Different teeing positions help keep the layout enjoyable for a broad range of abilities, although inaccurate drives can quickly leave difficult recoveries from the surrounding woodland.
Croara has a notable place in Italian golf history, having hosted the country’s first Women’s Open, as well as later professional events. Its tournament pedigree reflects the technical nature of the course without taking away from its peaceful, welcoming character.
Practice facilities include a driving range, putting green and pitching green, supported by professional tuition and a pro shop. Golf carts, clubs and trolleys are available to hire. Away from the course, the club provides a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, tennis and padel courts, changing rooms and relaxation areas.
Milan Bergamo Airport
83km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
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Time Zone:
GMT+1
Currency:
CHF (Swiss Franc)
Temperature:
2°C - 33°C
Cost of a Beer:
£8.50
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£70
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About The Area
Val Trebbia is a wonderfully peaceful choice for a golf holiday in Emilia-Romagna, combining a scenic riverside course with medieval villages, wooded hills and some of northern Italy’s finest regional food. The valley follows the River Trebbia south from Piacenza towards the Apennines, offering a much quieter experience than Italy’s major cities and purpose-built golf resorts. Milan Linate is usually the most practical airport for UK visitors, with the main golfing area approximately 80 kilometres away by road. Hiring a car is recommended for exploring the valley.
The principal course is Croara Country Club, located between the River Trebbia and the first foothills of the Apennines. Its 18-hole, par-72 layout measures 6,065 metres, with the original nine holes designed by Buratti and the second nine later created by Marco Croze and Lo Cascio. Narrow fairways, mature oak, chestnut and poplar trees, water hazards and changing ground conditions make accuracy and thoughtful course management particularly important.
The club also provides a driving range, short-game facilities, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis and padel courts. It has previously hosted the first Italian Women’s Open and two Alps Tour events, underlining the quality and challenge of the course.
Away from golf, the fortified village of Rivalta and its castle sit close to the course. Farther into the valley, Bobbio is known for its medieval centre, San Colombano Abbey, Malaspina Castle and the distinctive Ponte Gobbo crossing the Trebbia. The surrounding countryside is excellent for walking, cycling and relaxed drives between historic villages and riverside stopping points.
Local restaurants showcase Piacenza specialities including cured meats, filled pasta and wines from the Colli Piacentini. We particularly recommend Val Trebbia during late spring or early autumn, when it is ideal for combining golf with sightseeing, outdoor activities and long, unhurried Italian meals.
