Travel expert Jürgen Linnenbürger explores an Italian region where golf, culture and Adriatic flair create unforgettable memories.
Authentic Italy Between Mountains and Sea
While Venice may evoke images of gondolas and canals, just a short drive east reveals a different Italy: rolling hills, vineyards and wide-open views. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, travelers discover a lesser-known but equally charming side of the country. About 90 minutes from Venice Marco Polo Airport lies the Villaverde Hotel & Resort near Udine, a modern four-star superior property directly connected to the Golf Club Udine.
The resort features sleek architecture with large glass facades overlooking the hills. All rooms offer balconies with views of the fairways. The 1,000-square-meter spa area includes pools, saunas and steam baths—perfect for unwinding after arrival.
Golf, History and Adriatic Charm
After a lavish breakfast, guests can tee off at the adjacent Golf Club Udine. Originally designed in 1970 by John Harris and Marco Croze, and later refined by Fulvio Bani, the par-72 championship course stretches 6,062 meters through oak and beech forests. The parkland layout is fair yet challenging, with subtly shaped fairways and strategically placed hazards.
After the round, enjoy a glass of local white wine on the clubhouse terrace, soaking in the autumnal colors and mountain views. Nearby, the ancient Roman city of Aquileia—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—offers a deep dive into history with its vast ruins and stunning 4th-century mosaics in the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.
Continuing south, the Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa awaits on the Gulf of Trieste. This five-star retreat features terraced architecture, sea views from nearly every room, and a luxurious wellness area with infinity pool. The nearby Golf Club Trieste, founded in 1954, offers panoramic views and the challenge of the region’s famous Bora wind.
Trieste and the World’s Largest Sailing Regatta
Trieste itself enchants with its Austro-Italian charm, grand piazzas and historic cafés like Caffè degli Specchi. For fine dining, Chimera di Bacco serves creative regional cuisine paired with elegant wines from the Collio and Karst regions.
Each October, the city hosts the Barcolana—officially the world’s largest sailing regatta. With nearly 2,000 boats and half a million spectators, the event transforms the Gulf of Trieste into a sea of colorful sails. Whether on board or on shore, the spectacle is unforgettable.
After the excitement, unwind at Portopiccolo’s marina, boutique shops or beach club. End the day with authentic Neapolitan pizza at L’Oro di Napoli, where the relaxed seaside atmosphere captures the essence of Italian living.
Friuli Venezia Giulia proves that golf here is more than a game—it’s a multisensory experience blending sport, history and Mediterranean lifestyle.