If you are looking to stay and play somewhere different and avoid the beaten track, then a golf holiday in Bulgaria could tick all the boxes!
The main golfing region is between the two coastal towns of Balchik and Varna, where you will find three golf resorts and some amazing scenery!
From how to get there, where to fly from, where to tee off, our top tips and best deals – this guide has it all!
Bulgaria at a Glance
- Location: Bulgaria is situated in southeastern Europe, on the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula.
- Closest Airport: Varna Airport is the closest one to the main golfing region that sits in between the towns of Balchik and Kavarna. Transfer time from the airport to the resort is approximately 1 hour.
- Flight Time: It takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to fly from the UK to Varna Airport, although it can vary depending on which UK airport you depart from.
- Best Time To Travel: Golfing season here is between April & June, and September & October – this avoids the Summer season that can be very hot.
- Climate: April sees temperatures of 16°, whilst May rises to 21° which is perfect for the fairways. September peaks at 25° whilst October falls to 19°.
Best Golf Courses in Bulgaria
Thracian Cliffs Golf Course
When you see images of golf in Bulgaria, it’s likely to be of this particular golf course! Positioned right on the clifftops, overlooking the Black Sea, this course is beautiful but very tricky due to its unforgiving positioning between water and rock. However, when the legendary Gary Player is quoted as saying, “You will not find a golf course like this anywhere else on the planet”, then it is definitely worth the experience!
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Gary Player
BlackSeaRama Golf Course
Also designed by Gary Player, this is another clifftop course which provides a Championship experience. Here you’ll also have some stunning views as well as the coastal breeze to contend with.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Gary Player
Lighthouse Golf Course
Crafted by ex-Ryder Cup Captain of the European Team, Ian Woosnam, the Lighthouse golf course is positioned next door to BlackSeaRama and offers a fantastic round of golf. Here you’ll find five lakes to contend with as well as some pretty inland scenery, plus it hosted a 2018 European Senior Tour event so you can follow in the footsteps of some of the greats!
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Designer: Ian Woosnam
Other Things To Do In Bulgaria
Beyond the stunning golf courses, there is plenty to see and do in and around the Balchik region.
- Take a wander around Balchik Palace and Botanical Gardens, which was once a royal summer residence.
- Have a stroll around the Old Town or wander down by the Marina where you can visit quaint shops, restaurants and bars.
- For those who love relaxing on the beach, there are some great spots where you can unwind or take part in some water sports.
Top 5 Travel Tips For Your Bulgaria Golf Holiday
- Check For Flight Availability: We get lots of enquiries from clients dazzled by the stunning photography of Thracian Cliffs and quickly want to tick this course off their bucket list but only Luton and London Gatwick currently provide direct routes to Varna via EasyJet and WizzAir, respectively.
- Book Tee Times Early: There are only 3 courses in this region so getting your tee times booked as soon as you can will ensure you aren’t struggling to fit 18-holes in on a twilight round.
- Plenty Of Golf Balls: Thracian Cliffs is spectacular, but its positioning on the cliff tops by the sea makes it ripe for feeding the fish! Make sure you pack plenty to avoid paying top dollar in the Pro Shop.
- Get Group Discount: You can obtain savings if you travel in a group, either by getting a space free, like the deal currently offered at Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort, if you travel as 8 or more. Alternatively, you can share accommodation between four people at Thracian Cliffs.
- Book Via A Tour Operator: Let a tour operator take the hassle of obtaining tee times, arranging transfers and booking rooms whilst keeping your money financially protected for peace of mind. Organising a golf break for a group of people can be stressful, so that is where we can help, so you can just focus on your swing.
Top 3 Golf Break Deals: Play Some of Bulgaria’s Most Popular Golf Courses
We have handpicked the top golf resorts in Bulgaria so you can find the perfect deal:
- 4* Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort
- 5* Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort
- 5* BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas
About Glencor Golf
Our experienced and friendly team can give you all the information you need to know about golf in Bulgaria as well as take all the hassle away from putting together your tailored itinerary. Whether you are looking for a golf and spa weekend away or arranging a bucket list golf tour to include the stunning Thracian Cliffs, we can help!
Call 01904 406550 or email info@glencorgolf.com so you can tee-off on some of Europe’s most picturesque fairways.
