Lake Como is one of Europe’s most complete golf destinations — and one of its most underrated. Within an hour of the lake, there are ten courses of widely varying character: a historic 1907 layout on the hillside above Menaggio, a celebrated 1926 private club through ancient woodland at Montorfano, Italy’s largest golf complex at Monticello, and a mountain course at 1,000 metres altitude above the valley. This guide covers every one of them — what to expect, who they suit, and how to get there.

For the two courses that most visitors play — Menaggio and Villa d’Este — our dedicated article on the best golf courses on Lake Como covers both in detail including handicap requirements, booking tips, and the famous 14th hole at Menaggio. This guide covers the complete picture. New to Lake Como? Start with our complete Lake Como travel guide first.

Quick Overview: All Golf Courses Near Lake Como

1. Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club — The Classic Lake Como Round

Founded: 1907 · Holes: 18 · Par: 70 · Location: Menaggio, western shore

The oldest and most celebrated course on the lake — and for most visitors, the defining Lake Como golf experience. 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.

No handicap certificate is required at Menaggio — visitors are welcomed with genuine warmth. The clubhouse restaurant is excellent. Electric buggies are strongly recommended given the considerable elevation changes between holes. For the complete detailed guide to Menaggio including the famous par-three 14th hole and booking tips, read our dedicated Lake Como golf guide.

2. Circolo Golf Villa d’Este — Italy’s Most Elegant Golf Club

Founded: 1926 · Holes: 18 · Par: 69 · Location: Montorfano, 15 min from Como

Considered one of the most prestigious courses in Italy, Circolo Golf Villa d’Este in Montorfano offers a challenging and scenic 18-hole course. Inaugurated in 1926, the course winds its way through centuries-old woods, elevation changes and water obstacles, offering breathtaking views of the lake. The clubhouse, an elegant 16th-century villa, completes the experience with a touch of history and sophistication.

The 1926 Peter Gannon design winds through trees and was known to be a particular favourite of the great Bing Crosby. Visitor access is restricted to Monday through Thursday. A handicap certificate is required. This is the most technically demanding and exclusive option near the lake — and arguably the finest golf experience in the entire Como region.

3. Golf Club Lecco — Between Two Lakes, Below the Alps

Holes: 18 · Par: 71 · Location: Annone di Brianza, 25 min from Como

Golf Club Lecco
Via per la Poncia, 1, 23841 Annone di Brianza LC, Italyhttps://t.co/r4kmaqzjs7 pic.twitter.com/YUv6iZJa0y

— Random Golf Courses (@Random_Golf_Bot) January 1, 2022

Among the Lakes Pusiano and Annone, one of the most beautiful spots of green Brianza, at the foot of the Alps of Lombardy, the Golf Club Lecco is now an 18-hole course on which the towering backdrops of Grigne and Resegone dominate. Located between the Lecco branch of Lake Como and the smaller Lakes Pusiano and Annone, this is one of the most scenically dramatic settings of any course in the region — and significantly less well-known than Menaggio, which means easier booking and a more relaxed atmosphere.

4. Golf Club Monticello — Italy’s Largest Golf Complex

Founded: 1974 · Holes: 36 (Red + Blue) · Par: 72 · Location: Cassina Rizzardi, 30 min south

Monticello Golf Club, in Cassina Rizzardi, offers as many as 36 holes divided into two courses: the Blue, which is technical and challenging, and the Red, which is more challenging and the site of seven Italian Opens. The tree-lined Monticello Golf Club boasts two of Northern Italy’s best layouts. The Red Course has hosted the Italian Open multiple times with names such as Sam Torrance and Seve Ballesteros on the honours boards. This is destination golf — worth the 30-minute drive from the lake for serious players.

5. Golf Club Carimate — Classic Parkland, 30 Minutes South

Founded: 1962 · Holes: 18 · Par: 71 · Location: Carimate, 30 min south of Como

The Golf Club Carimate was designed by engineer Piero Mancinelli. The first nine holes were completed in 1962, followed by the second nine holes three years later. A classic parkland layout — well-maintained, open to visitors, and significantly less expensive than the private clubs. Carimate is the practical choice for golfers who want a full 18-hole round without the formality of Villa d’Este or the drive to Monticello.

6. Golf Club Barlassina — A Pearl of a Course

Founded: 1956 · Holes: 18 · Par: 72 · Location: Barlassina, 40 min south

The Golf Club Barlassina was designed by the English architect John S.F. Morrison. His design is known for its elegance and quality, making it a classic parkland course. The reclusive Barlassina with a pearl of a course and strong belief in the traditions of the game. This is one of the most traditionally minded clubs near the lake — formal dress code, limited visitor access, but exceptional course quality for those who gain entry.

7. Golf Club Varese — Parkland Golf with Mountain Views

Holes: 18 · Par: 72 · Location: Luvinate, Varese — 45 min west of Como

Golf Club Varese sits above the town of Varese with views across the foothills toward the Alps. Rated 4.3 out of 5 — „Charming!“ and „Very much worth the trip.“ Green fees run from €80 to €120 for 18 holes. Open to visitors without prior membership — one of the most accessible quality courses in the wider Como region.

8. Golf Club Lanzo — Mountain Golf at 1,000 Metres

Founded: 1962 · Holes: 9 · Location: Pian delle Noci, 45 min from Como · Altitude: 1,000m

The Golf Club Lanzo was founded in 1962 by the great architect Donald Harradine. The 9-hole course is located at a height of 1,000m and winds across the woods and clearings of Pian delle Noci with stunning views of the surrounding valleys. This is a completely different type of golf from the lakeside courses — cooler temperatures even in summer, a mountain atmosphere, and the particular pleasure of playing golf above the clouds while the lake shimmers below. A worthwhile half-day excursion for anyone spending multiple days in the region.

9. Golf Club Valtellina — Alpine Golf Above the Northern Lake

Holes: 18 · Par: 71 · Location: Valtellina valley, 60 min north of Como

The Golf Club Valtellina was designed by Fulvio Bani under the supervision of architect Fernando Grattirola. Located in the same valley that produces some of Italy’s finest Nebbiolo wines — Sforzato and Valtellina Superiore — this course combines serious Alpine golf with the opportunity to visit the region’s celebrated wineries on the same day. A full day excursion: morning golf, afternoon winery visit, return to the lake for dinner. For the complete wine guide, read our Lake Como wine guide.

10. Golf Club Lugano — Swiss Golf Above the Border

Holes: 18 · Location: Magliaso, Switzerland — 60 min from Como · Green fees: from CHF 130

Golf Club Lugano sits in the canton of Ticino — Italian-speaking Switzerland — 60 minutes from Como city. The course occupies a plateau above Lake Lugano with views across the Swiss Alps. Green fees are higher than Italian equivalents given Swiss pricing, but the course quality and clubhouse facilities are exceptional. Combining a round at Lugano with a visit to the city — excellent restaurants, the LAC museum, lakeside promenades — makes for a compelling full-day excursion from Lake Como.

Which Course is Right for You?

Practical Tips for Golf Near Lake Como

Best Time to Play

May and September are consistently the best months — warm but not hot, courses in excellent condition, and easier to book than July and August. In peak summer, book at least two to three weeks ahead for Menaggio weekends. Villa d’Este requires advance booking regardless of season given its limited visitor slots.

Getting Between Courses and Hotels

A car is essential for golf near Lake Como. The ferry system does not serve any of the courses directly. Most courses are 15 to 45 minutes from the major hotel areas. The concierge at any of the lake’s luxury hotels can arrange private transfers — our complete guide to luxury hotels on Lake Como covers every property and their sports facilities. For those staying near Bellagio, the eastern shore courses — Lecco and Valtellina — are accessible without crossing to the western shore.

Combining Golf with the Lake’s Other Experiences

Golf is one part of what makes Lake Como one of Europe’s most complete sporting destinations. The lake also offers world-class tennis courts — including Villa d’Este’s eight clay courts and the famous infinity court at Passalacqua — as well as private yacht charters, wine tastings, and the finest dining in northern Italy. A multi-day sports itinerary combining golf, tennis, and a private boat tour is the definitive Lake Como active holiday.