Championship golf at Golf Adriatic, a round on the historic links of Brijuni, and the Istrian coast of vineyards, olive groves and the Adriatic in between. A boutique golf and travel week, planned by one concierge.
Photograph: Golf Club Adriatic, Savudrija, Istria, via Google
A Croatia golf holiday is for the traveller who wants golf as part of a richer Adriatic week, not a daily marathon of 36 holes. Croatia is a boutique destination, with a handful of quality courses rather than a dense cluster, and that is precisely its appeal: you play one excellent round, then spend the afternoon among the hill towns, vineyards and seafood restaurants of Istria, the most cultured corner of the country. It suits couples, foodie golfers, and small groups who happily trade a packed tee sheet for scenery, history and a glass of Malvazija on a terrace above the sea.
The golf heartland is the Istrian peninsula in the north, an easy drive from the airports at Pula, Trieste, Ljubljana and Venice. The centrepiece is Golf Adriatic at the Kempinski resort near Savudrija, the country's leading course, and the rare and atmospheric Brijuni course on its island near Pula adds a sense of occasion. Build the rest of the week around the coast, and if your trip takes in Zagreb you can add an inland round at Dolina Kardinala or Riverside. It is a different kind of golf trip, low on volume and high on memory.
The headline round and Croatia's best, an 18 hole par 72 of around 6,360 metres opened in 2009 at the Kempinski Hotel Adriatic, laid out over Istrian vineyards and olive groves with views to the sea. Five tees per hole make it playable for every level, and the resort behind it is five star throughout.
One of the oldest courses in this part of Europe, laid out on the Brijuni islands more than a century ago and steeped in history. A short boat ride from the mainland near Pula, it is as much an experience as a test of golf, and a wonderful contrast to the modern Adriatic course.
Croatia's first 18 hole course, set in a quiet valley near Krašić within reach of Zagreb. A parkland layout that makes a natural inland addition if your trip pairs the Istrian coast with a stay in the capital.
A well regarded course on the river near the capital, the pick of the Zagreb area golf and an easy round to fold in at the start or end of a wider Croatian trip that takes in the city as well as the coast.
Designers, pars and opening years verified June 2026 from the courses and resort listings. Croatia is a boutique golf destination, so confirm tee times and access well ahead. Always confirm fees directly before booking.
Fly into Pula, Trieste or Venice, transfer to a Savudrija or Umag base near the Kempinski, and settle in with dinner on the coast and a first look at the course.
The marquee round on the championship course, then an afternoon among the Istrian hill towns of Motovun and Grožnjan, with a vineyard or olive oil tasting.
The drive south to Pula, the boat to the Brijuni islands for the historic round, and the Roman amphitheatre and seafood of Pula to close the day.
A relaxed return to Golf Adriatic or a coastal morning before the transfer back to the airport, or extend inland to Zagreb for a city and golf finale.
Istria is compact, with short drives between the coast, the hill towns and the courses. Pula airport is closest; Trieste, Ljubljana and Venice are all within a couple of hours and often cheaper to reach.
| Style | Per person, 2026 | What it usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Boutique Istria break | From around €900 to €1,300 | 4 nights, 2 to 3 rounds, good coastal hotel, breakfast, car |
| Kempinski golf week | From around €1,300 to €1,800 | 4 to 5 nights five star, golf at Golf Adriatic, transfers, spa |
| Coast and capital tour | From around €1,800 upward | Istria plus Zagreb, the best courses, premium lodging, dining |
Indicative third party operator and resort package ranges for the 2026 season, excluding flights, shown to set expectations only. We are a guide, not an operator, and never quote our own pricing. Always confirm directly before booking.
Spring and autumn, roughly April to June and September to October, are the sweet spots, with warm, dry days, the courses in good condition and the Istrian coast much quieter than high summer. July and August are hot and busy on the Adriatic and better suited to a beach focused holiday than long days of golf. Winter is mild on the coast but cool for golf, with the inland courses near Zagreb dormant. Book the Kempinski and Golf Adriatic tee times first in the shoulder season, then build the coast and any Zagreb leg around them.
Tell us the courses you want, the kind of base you like and roughly when. One concierge costs the whole trip to the head and replies within one working day, with no obligation.
Croatia is a boutique golf destination rather than a high volume one. It suits golfers who want a round or two woven into a wider Adriatic trip of coast, food, wine and history rather than a daily golf marathon. The Istrian peninsula in the north is the golf heartland, home to the championship Golf Adriatic course at the Kempinski resort near Savudrija and the historic Brijuni course near Pula. Short flights from across Europe, mild shoulder seasons and outstanding scenery and cuisine make it a memorable change of pace.
The headline is Golf Adriatic, the 18 hole par 72 championship course at the Kempinski Hotel Adriatic near Savudrija in Istria, opened in 2009 and rated the country's best. Pair it with the historic Brijuni course on the Brijuni islands near Pula, one of the oldest in this part of Europe. Near Zagreb, Dolina Kardinala, the country's first 18 hole course, and Riverside Golf Club add inland options if your trip takes in the capital.
Indicative packages run from around 900 to 2,200 euros or more per person for a four to five night Istria trip, depending on the hotel, the number of rounds and the season, and excluding flights. A five star stay at the Kempinski with golf at Golf Adriatic sits at the top. Spring and autumn carry the best balance of weather and value. All figures are indicative; always confirm directly before booking.
Spring and autumn, roughly April to June and September to October, are the sweet spots, with warm, dry days, the courses in good condition and the coast quieter than high summer. July and August are hot and busy on the Adriatic, better for a beach focused trip than long days of golf. Winter is mild on the coast but cool for golf. Always confirm tee times before you travel.
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