Travel expert Jürgen Linnenbürger explores an Italian region where golf, culture and Adriatic flair create a unique experience.
Authentic Italy between Alps and Adriatic
When flying into Venice, gondolas and canals come to mind. But just east of the lagoon lies Friuli Venezia Giulia, a lesser-known region offering rolling hills, vineyards and sweeping views. About 90 minutes from Venice Airport, the Villaverde Hotel & Resort near Udine welcomes guests with modern architecture and direct access to the Golf Club Udine.
The resort features floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies overlooking the fairways, and a 1,000-square-meter spa with pool, sauna and steam bath. The adjacent Golf Club Udine, a Par 72 parkland course originally designed in 1970, winds through oak and beech forests and demands precision without being punishing.
Golf, history and coastal flair
After your round, enjoy a glass of local white wine on the clubhouse terrace. Then head south to Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Roman ruins and stunning 4th-century mosaics in the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. The nearby museum showcases ancient sculptures and artifacts.
Continue to the Adriatic coast and the Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa. Perched above a private bay, this five-star hotel offers sea views from nearly every room, a panoramic infinity pool, and six restaurants. Just 30 minutes away lies the historic Golf Club Trieste, a Par 70 course with narrow fairways and scenic views of the Gulf of Trieste—often accompanied by the region’s famous Bora wind.
Trieste and the world’s largest sailing regatta
Trieste enchants with its Austro-Italian charm, grand piazzas and Viennese-style cafés. For fine dining, Chimera di Bacco offers creative cuisine with fresh seafood and local wines. Each October, the city hosts the Barcolana, the world’s largest sailing regatta by number of boats. In 2025, over 1,800 boats competed, with the Arca Sgr team taking the win.
Whether watching from shore or aboard, the colorful sails across the gulf are unforgettable. After the regatta, unwind at Portopiccolo’s beach club or enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza at L’Oro di Napoli by the marina. As you return to Venice, memories of golf, history and Italian hospitality linger—proof that Friuli Venezia Giulia is more than a hidden gem.