Dreaming of living in Italy and playing golf regularly? Discover the Italian regions where golf, lifestyle and property come together, from Tuscany and Rome to Piedmont, Lake Como, Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia and the Le Marche region.
Italy is an increasingly interesting destination for golfers looking not only for a holiday, but also for a place to live, retire or buy a second home.
The reason is simple: golf in Italy rarely exists in isolation.
A round of golf can be combined with the Tuscan countryside, a day on the coast of Sardinia, wine tasting in Piedmont, the cultural attractions of Rome, the lakes of Lombardy or the Mediterranean lifestyle of Sicily and Puglia.
But if you are considering buying property in Italy, the question is slightly different from choosing a golf holiday destination:
Where in Italy can you combine good golf with the lifestyle you want to live every day?
This guide explores some of the best areas to consider if you are looking for a home near a golf course in Italy.
Where are the best places to live in Italy for golfers?
There is no single best destination for every golfer. Italy offers different combinations of golf, property, landscape, climate and lifestyle depending on the region.
| Destination | Golf & lifestyle | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscany | Golf, rolling hills, vineyards, art and historic towns | Golf + culture |
| Rome & Lazio | Golf clubs, international events, city and countryside | Golf + city life |
| Piedmont | Extensive golf network, wine and gastronomy | Golf + food & wine |
| Lombardy & Lake Como | Golf, lakes, mountains and international connectivity | Golf + lake lifestyle |
| Sardinia | Coastal and resort golf, beaches and nature | Golf + Mediterranean lifestyle |
| Sicily | Golf, history, coast and volcanic landscapes | Golf + culture + sea |
| Puglia | Golf, olive groves, beaches and traditional architecture | Golf + southern Italian lifestyle |
| The Marche | Golf, Adriatic coast and rolling countryside | Golf + tranquillity |
The Italian Golf Federation (Federazione Italiana Golf) provides regional directories of golf clubs, making it possible to explore the golf infrastructure of different parts of Italy before deciding where to look for a property.
1. Tuscany: Golf, countryside and the Italian lifestyle
For many international buyers, Tuscany represents the classic Italian lifestyle.
It is also one of the country’s most interesting destinations for golfers.
Visit Tuscany currently lists 21 golf courses across the region, ranging from courses in the countryside to destinations close to the coast.
For a property buyer, the appeal is the variety.
You can search for a home:
- in the hills around Florence;
- among the vineyards of Chianti;
- near Siena;
- in the countryside around Lucca and Pisa;
- in the Maremma;
- close to the Tuscan coast;
- near established golf resorts.
Golf and culture
Tuscany is particularly attractive if you want golf to be part of a wider lifestyle.
A typical weekend might combine:
Morning: golf
Afternoon: Florence, Siena or Lucca
Evening: dinner in a local restaurant
The official tourism portal highlights golf destinations including Castelfalfi, Royal Golf La Bagnaia, Ugolino, Poggio dei Medici, Terme di Saturnia, Punta Ala and Argentario.
For an international buyer, this variety means that the search does not have to focus on one particular golf club.
Why consider Tuscany for a golf property?
Best suited to: buyers looking for golf + countryside + culture + wine + food.
2. Rome and Lazio: Golf close to an international capital
If you want to combine golf with life in or around a major European city, Rome and Lazio are particularly interesting.
The Italian Golf Federation currently lists 23 golf clubs in Lazio.
The region offers something unusual for golfers: access to golf and countryside while living within reach of one of Europe’s most important cultural and international capitals.
The Ryder Cup effect
Rome’s position on the international golf map was reinforced by the 2023 Ryder Cup, held at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio.
According to the Italian Golf Federation, 271,191 people from 100 countries attended the event in person.
The wider area around Rome offers several different property-search possibilities, including:
- Guidonia Montecelio;
- Marco Simone;
- the Roman countryside;
- the Castelli Romani;
- areas north and south of Rome;
- countryside locations within reach of the capital.
Why consider Lazio for a golf property?
Lazio is particularly suited to buyers looking for: golf + Rome + international connectivity + culture.
It is also an option for people who do not want to live exclusively in a resort environment.
3. Piedmont: Golf, wine and gastronomy
Piedmont is one of Italy’s most interesting regions for golfers who also appreciate food and wine.
The Italian Golf Federation currently lists 51 golf clubs in Piedmont, giving the region one of the country’s most extensive golf networks.
Golf can be combined with:
- Turin;
- the Langhe;
- Monferrato;
- vineyards;
- historic towns;
- Alpine landscapes;
- Piedmont’s renowned food and wine traditions.
A region with a strong golf heritage
The Turin area includes established clubs such as Royal Park I Roveri.
Piedmont has also hosted the Italian Open on numerous occasions, including at venues such as Royal Park I Roveri, Golf Club Alpino di Stresa, Sestriere and Castelconturbia.
For a property buyer, this makes the wider Turin and Piedmont area worth exploring rather than focusing exclusively on one golf club.
Why consider Piedmont for a golf property?
Best suited to: buyers looking for golf + wine + gastronomy + countryside + mountains.
4. Lombardy and Lake Como: Golf, lakes and connectivity
Lombardy has one of the largest golf networks in Italy.
The Italian Golf Federation currently lists 64 golf clubs in the region.
This gives buyers a wide range of possible lifestyles.
You can look for a property close to:
- Milan;
- Lake Como;
- Lake Maggiore;
- Lake Garda;
- the countryside around Monza and Brianza;
- the foothills and mountains.
Golf around Lake Como
Lake Como is particularly attractive to international buyers because golf can be combined with:
- lake living;
- historic villas;
- mountain scenery;
- restaurants;
- international tourism;
- proximity to Milan.
But a buyer should not automatically limit a search to the lakefront.
The wider area can provide access to golf while offering a broader choice of towns, property types and price points.
Why consider Lombardy for a golf property?
Best suited to: buyers looking for golf + lakes + mountains + city life + international connectivity.
5. Sardinia: Golf and life by the Mediterranean
For golfers who dream of combining their game with beaches and Mediterranean living, Sardinia is a natural destination to investigate.
The Italian Golf Federation currently lists 10 golf clubs in Sardinia.
One of the island’s best-known golf destinations is Pevero Golf Club, in the Costa Smeralda area near Porto Cervo.
Beyond the Costa Smeralda
The Costa Smeralda is only one part of Sardinia.
For property buyers, it can be useful to investigate different parts of the island depending on whether the priority is:
- resort living;
- proximity to the sea;
- year-round life;
- access to Cagliari or Olbia;
- countryside;
- privacy;
- golf.
Why consider Sardinia for a golf property?
Best suited to: buyers looking for golf + beaches + nature + Mediterranean lifestyle.
6. Sicily: Golf, history and the Mediterranean
Sicily offers a very different golf experience.
The Italian Golf Federation currently lists three golf clubs in Sicily: Palermo, Sicilia’s Picciolo and Verdura.
The number of clubs is smaller than in regions such as Lombardy or Piedmont, but Sicily offers something else: a distinctive combination of golf, culture, coastline, food and landscapes.
Golf near Mount Etna
Sicilia’s Picciolo is located near Castiglione di Sicilia, on the slopes of Mount Etna.
This means golf can be combined with:
- vineyards;
- volcanic landscapes;
- historic villages;
- the Ionian coast;
- Taormina;
- Sicilian food and wine.
Golf in southwestern Sicily
Verdura is located near Sciacca and offers another interpretation of the Sicilian golf lifestyle, with access to the coast and the historic landscapes of western Sicily.
Why consider Sicily for a golf property?
Best suited to: buyers looking for golf + Mediterranean climate + history + food + sea.
7. Puglia: Golf among olive groves and the coast
Puglia has become increasingly popular with international buyers looking for a combination of countryside, coast, historic towns and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Golf adds another dimension.
The Italian Golf Federation currently lists six golf clubs in Puglia.
The region offers an appealing combination of:
- golf;
- olive groves;
- beaches;
- trulli and masserie;
- historic villages;
- Mediterranean food;
- wine.
Acaya and Salento
Acaya Golf Club, in Salento, is an example of the kind of golf-and-lifestyle environment that can appeal to international buyers.
The surrounding area combines golf with the countryside of southern Puglia and access to the Adriatic coast.
Why consider Puglia for a golf property?
Best suited to: buyers looking for golf + countryside + beaches + traditional architecture + southern Italian lifestyle.
8. The Marche: Golf between the Adriatic and the hills
The Marche offers a quieter alternative for buyers who want golf without necessarily choosing one of Italy’s major international resort destinations.
The Italian Golf Federation currently lists 10 golf clubs in the region.
One of the best-known is Conero Golf Club, near Sirolo.
The area combines:
- golf;
- the Adriatic Sea;
- the Conero landscape;
- countryside;
- historic hill towns;
- local food and wine.
For a property buyer, the combination of coast and countryside can be particularly interesting.
You can look for a home close to the golf course while still having access to the beaches and villages of the Conero Riviera.
Why consider the Marche for a golf property?
Best suited to: buyers looking for golf + Adriatic coast + countryside + a more relaxed lifestyle.
Which Italian golf destination should you choose?
Instead of asking which region is “the best”, start with the lifestyle you want.
| Your priority | Regions to explore |
|---|---|
| Golf + art and culture | Tuscany, Lazio |
| Golf + major city | Lazio, Lombardy, Piedmont |
| Golf + wine and gastronomy | Piedmont, Tuscany |
| Golf + lakes | Lombardy |
| Golf + Mediterranean beaches | Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia, Tuscany, Marche |
| Golf + countryside | Tuscany, Piedmont, Marche, Puglia |
| Golf + resort lifestyle | Sardinia, Tuscany, Lombardy |
| Golf + a quieter lifestyle | Marche, Puglia, Sicily |
This is not a ranking. Each region offers a different combination of golf, property, climate, landscape and lifestyle.
Buying a home near a golf course in Italy: What should you consider?
Searching for a golf property in Italy is different from searching for a holiday golf resort.
If you are considering buying a house in Italy, golf should be one part of the wider location analysis.
1. How many golf courses are nearby?
One course may be enough if you have a favourite club.
But if golf is a major part of your lifestyle, having several courses within driving distance can give you more choice.
This is one reason why looking at a golf region, rather than a single course, can be useful.
2. How far is the property from the course?
Do not rely only on kilometres.
A property advertised as “5 km from a golf course” could involve a very different journey from another property five kilometres away.
When viewing a home, check the actual driving time.
3. What is the golf club’s membership policy?
Before buying specifically because of a nearby course, check:
- membership requirements;
- visitor access;
- green fees;
- tee-time availability;
- seasonal opening;
- practice facilities;
- golf academy;
- clubhouse services.
The Federazione Italiana Golf directory is a useful starting point for identifying clubs, but the individual golf club should always be contacted for current conditions.
4. Is the area suitable for year-round living?
This is particularly important when buying a second home or retirement property.
Ask yourself: What is this location like in January?
A destination that is lively in August may be much quieter during winter.
Check the availability of:
- shops;
- restaurants;
- healthcare;
- pharmacies;
- schools, if relevant;
- public transport;
- everyday services.
5. How easy is it to reach from abroad?
For international homeowners, airport access can be almost as important as the golf course.
Consider the entire journey: international airport → property → golf club
This is particularly relevant if you plan to use your Italian property as a second home.
Is it better to buy a property on a golf course or near one?
Not necessarily. A property directly on a golf course may offer views and convenience, but it is not automatically the right choice.
Consider another scenario:
Home A: five minutes from one golf club.
Home B: twenty minutes from three different clubs.
For someone who plays regularly, Home B may offer greater flexibility. This is why a Gate-away.com search can be approached from both directions: find the golf region first, then find the property, or find the property you love first, then identify the nearest golf clubs.
The right approach depends on how central golf is to your lifestyle.
Golf and the Italian lifestyle: Why the combination works
Golf is one of the sports that can naturally be combined with many of the things international buyers already associate with Italy.
Golf and food
From Piedmontese cuisine to Tuscan wine, Sicilian seafood and Puglian olive oil, golf can be part of a wider culinary experience.
Golf and culture
Tuscany and Lazio combine golf with some of Europe’s most important cultural destinations.
Golf and the sea
Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia, Tuscany and the Marche offer opportunities to combine golf with coastal living.
Golf and nature
Italian golf courses can be found among vineyards, hills, lakes, mountains, forests and Mediterranean landscapes.
Golf and wellness
Several golf destinations are also close to Italy’s thermal and wellness destinations.
This is one of the reasons why buying a property near a golf course can mean much more than simply being close to a sporting facility.
It can mean choosing a particular way of living in Italy.
Finding your Italian golf home with Gate-away.com
Once you know which type of golf lifestyle you want, the next step is to explore the property market in the regions that fit your priorities.
On Gate-away, you can explore properties across Italy, from Tuscan farmhouses and countryside villas to homes near the coast, historic properties and houses in smaller Italian towns.
If golf is one of your priorities, use the golf course as a starting point for your location search — but don’t stop there.
Consider the whole picture: golf + home + lifestyle + accessibility + local services.
That combination is what turns a golf destination into a place you can actually call home.
Frequently asked questions about golf in Italy
What are the best places to live in Italy for golfers?
Tuscany, Lazio, Piedmont, Lombardy, Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia and the Marche are all interesting destinations for golfers, but they offer different lifestyles. Tuscany combines golf with countryside and culture; Lazio with Rome and international connectivity; Piedmont with wine and gastronomy; Lombardy with lakes and access to Milan; and the southern regions with Mediterranean landscapes and coastal living.
Where can I buy a house near a golf course in Italy?
Golf properties can be found in many Italian regions. Tuscany, Lazio, Piedmont, Lombardy, Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia and the Marche are all worth exploring depending on the type of golf and lifestyle you want.
Which region of Italy has the most golf clubs?
The Italian Golf Federation’s current regional directories list particularly large golf networks in Lombardy and Piedmont, with 64 and 51 clubs respectively. Lazio lists 23 clubs, while Tuscany, Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia and the Marche offer different scales of golf infrastructure. Club numbers can change, so buyers should check the current Federation directory before making a decision.
Is Tuscany good for golfers?
Yes. Visit Tuscany currently lists 21 golf courses across the region and highlights the combination of golf, countryside, culture, coast and wellness.
Is Rome a good place for golf?
Rome and Lazio have a substantial golf network and hosted the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. The event attracted 271,191 spectators from 100 countries, according to the Italian Golf Federation.
Where can I play golf near the sea in Italy?
Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia, Tuscany and the Marche all offer golf destinations within reach of the coast, although the golf infrastructure and character of each area are different.
Can foreigners buy a property near a golf course in Italy?
Foreign nationals can purchase property in Italy subject to the rules applicable to their nationality and circumstances. Buying a property and obtaining the right to reside in Italy are separate matters. International buyers should obtain professional legal and tax advice before purchasing.
Should I buy a property directly on a golf course?
Not necessarily. A property a short drive from several golf clubs may provide more flexibility than a property directly on a single course. Location, services, accessibility and your preferred lifestyle should all be considered.
How can I find golf courses near an Italian property?
The Italian Golf Federation’s golf-club directory is a useful starting point for identifying clubs by region. You can then check the individual club’s official website for current information about membership, tee times and facilities.
Ready to Find Your Home in Italy?
Whether you are looking for a villa in Tuscany, a countryside home in Piedmont, a property near Rome, a house close to the Adriatic or a Mediterranean home in Sardinia, Sicily or Puglia, golf can be one of the factors that helps you narrow down the right location.
Start with the lifestyle you want. Then find the golf. Then find the home.
Explore properties for sale in Italy with Gate-away.com and start planning your Italian golf lifestyle.
