4 Nights, 3 Rounds
Perched on the dramatic cliffs of Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort is home to one of Gary Player's most ambitious designs. Every hole overlooks the water, and when the wind picks up off the Black Sea, you'll need more than just a good swing to score well here. It's regularly talked about as one of Europe's standout modern clifftop layouts, the sort of course that stays in your head long after the flight home.
The course sits less than an hour from Varna Airport, making it one of the more accessible bucket-list experiences in Europe. Beyond the golf, you'll find a resort that knows how to look after its guests, with two distinct accommodation villages, multiple dining options, a serious spa and service that feels genuinely attentive. This is a place that works equally well for a dedicated golf trip or a longer stay that mixes rounds with downtime by the pool and excellent food. The setting is spectacular, the golf is world-class and the whole experience feels refreshingly different from the usual European resort formula.
Who is this for?
Golf trips that want a true 'wow' course, couples who want golf plus spa and sea views, and groups who like having restaurants and bars on site rather than taxiing into town every night.
Who is it best for?
Golfers who enjoy clifftop drama and don't mind a bit of wind, players happy to pick the right tees to keep it fun, and anyone looking to combine a standout round with five-star downtime.
4 Nights, 3 Rounds
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5 Nights, 3 Rounds
5 Nights, 3 Rounds
7 Nights, 5 Rounds
7 Nights, 5 Rounds
The setting for the 18 hole golf course at the Thracian Cliffs Resort is truly stunning and rivals that of any other course in the world. A multitude of tee positions allow the Gary Player designed course to be sampled by golfers of all standards and everyone who tackles this picturesque course will be sure to be inspired by the dramatic coastal surroundings. The golfing experience can be further improved by hiring one of the professional caddies who will ensure their player for the day gets the most out of the course no matter the condition.
In May 2013 the course hosted the crop of professional golf as the venue of the Volvo World Match Play Championship. The tournament was eventually won by Northern Ireland star Graeme McDowell who beat Thongchai Jaidee 2 and 1 in the final. McDowell triumphed against a stellar field including Henrik Stenson and Ian Poulter, while former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy commented "It’s a stunning bit of land. I don’t know if I’ve been in a place as impressive – a bit like Torrey Pines." With Thracian Cliffs receiving critical acclaim for its design and layout it is quickly becoming a must play destination for golfers.
Thracian Cliffs is ranked as one of the best courses in Bulgaria
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Gary Player |
| Opened for play | 2011 |
| Previously hosted | 2013 Volvo World Matchplay |
| Championship | 7,291 yards | SSS 75.3 |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 6,627 yards | SSS 72.4 |
| Silver | 6,237 yards | SSS 71.2 |
| White | 5,776 yards | 68.1 |
Accommodation at Thracian Cliffs is split between two beautifully designed villages, each with its own character and both offering sweeping views across the Black Sea and surrounding landscape. The two villages sit on opposite sides of a peaceful lake, creating distinct bases depending on whether you prefer to be closer to the action or tucked away in a quieter corner of the resort.
The Marina Village sits right on top of the cliffs and houses 64 suites arranged around a central piazza. This is the livelier of the two villages, with the main collection of restaurants, bars and boutiques all within easy reach. It's the natural choice if you want to be at the heart of things, with the clubhouse and main dining options just a short stroll away.
The Hillside Village offers a more tranquil setting, with 87 suites arranged around three infinity pools that seem to spill straight into the sea below. The views here are exceptional, and the layout creates a more secluded, residential feel. If you're after a quieter base with easy access to the pools and spa, this is the one to choose.
All suites across both villages come with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception and a baby-sitting service, making the resort a practical option for families as well as golf groups. The rooms are spacious, well appointed and designed to make the most of the coastal setting, with balconies or terraces that frame the sea views properly.
Dining at Thracian Cliffs centres on the main restaurant in the Marina Village, which serves a mix of Bulgarian and Provençal cuisine using local ingredients. The food is excellent, with a focus on fresh, seasonal dishes that reflect the region's culinary traditions. For something more relaxed, the Club House offers informal meals with views over the course, while the Deli provides takeaway options and prepared picnic hampers if you want to eat on the move or enjoy lunch on one of the terraces.
After a round, the spa is the obvious place to unwind. It's a serious facility with a wide range of treatments, and the setting, with views out over the coast, makes it feel like a destination in its own right rather than just an add-on. There are treatment rooms, a fitness suite and relaxation areas that all take advantage of the clifftop location.
Thracian Cliffs is around 40 minutes from Varna Airport, which has direct daily flights from London Gatwick and Luton, plus charter services from Manchester during the season. The transfer is straightforward, and you'll be on the first tee or by the pool within an hour of landing. If you're the sort of golfer who judges a resort by the view from the first tee, you're going to have a very good time here.
Rosie
✓15 Sep 2019
We had a 1 bedroom apartment with views over the golf course and Black Sea. It was fitted out with everything you need for self catering, if you wish. There was a pool available for our apartment block with towels and beds available. If you do not have a car you are trapped on the resort, but there are numerous restaurants to choose from.
Charles
✓11 Aug 2019
We were a group of 6 golfers staying in a 3 bedroom suite (Marina) for a week. The apartment was perfectly located - right above the clubhouse and very close to reception, restaurants, ProShop and first tee. The apartment was great for us - plenty of living spaces, decent size en-suite bedrooms and 2 large balconies. We had breakfast and 4 of our evening meals in the Olivio restaurant which was very good with excellent staff. The other 3 evenings we took a taxi into nearby Balchik which was lively with a very good choice of bars and restaurants.
John
✓10 Jun 2019
We stayed in a spacious room with very large bed, sea view balcony which also over looked the golf course. There was daily room service and the mini bar was restocked each morning. The staff were excellent and couldn't do enough for you. There are 2 private sandy beaches attached to the hotel with free frequent shuttle services. Food & drink prices were reasonable given the quality of the hotel. We would have no problem in returning in the future.
Adrian
✓16 Oct 2019
All four players really enjoyed the course although the pace of play was funereal after the first two holes. Some very challenging holes even off the yellows. It is difficult to think of a poor hole. Great experience. The after play experience was a bit of a let down with the outside bar.
Rosie
✓15 Sep 2019
The course certainly sets a challenge to every golfer set in stunning surroundings and breathtaking views. We loved the quirkiness of each hole and would certainly play it again.
Charles
✓11 Aug 2019
Probably the most scenic and beautiful course on the planet. Wonderful views on every hole. The course is difficult so best not to play from back tees. Lots of challenging tee shots and unforgiving rough areas so lots of lost balls - take plenty! It’s definitely a buggy course with some long distances between greens and next tee. The greens were undulating so again a challenge. We played Thracian Cliffs 4 times and found it better and better each time - wonderful course.
Keith
✓11 Jul 2019
John
✓13 Jun 2019
Very difficult course but spectacular views and general layout.
Jamie
✓12 Jun 2019
A fantastic golfing experience that should be played before you die.... Best views I have ever seen on a golf course, 16 out of 18 holes are signature standard, our whole group was in awe of this place, wow!!!
John
✓10 Jun 2019
If you drive it straight there is enough room to hit the fairways and give you shot at the greens. If you don't trouble is lurking on every hole. No 2 of which are the same. My 2 favourites were 6 and 7. 6 is a longish par 3 which drops almost vertically to a small green. Whilst the 7th is a short par 4 with the tee shot of 200 yds from an island tee box over a beach, up a small cliff to the fairway. Once this has been found a wedge to an elevated green is all that is required. Generally the greens are sloppy with breaks that difficult to read.
Mark
✓19 May 2019
This is a course like no other I have played signature holes all over the place you’ve got to play this one!
