Golf Elevated by the Spirit of Sofia.
There are European cities that host golf. And then there’s Sofia—a capital that wears its heritage like an embroidered sash while quietly serving up some of the most spectacular golf backdrops in the Balkans. Imagine teeing off with the snow-dusted Vitosha Mountain watching from the wings, or playing through rolling parkland where every drive echoes history older than Rome. Yes, Sofia is a city break with teeth: cobbled streets that whisper Ottoman tales, buzzing boulevards where café culture meets craft cocktails, and a golf scene that fuses championship pedigree with raw natural theatre.
Golf holidays in Sofia aren’t just about the fairways—they’re about experiencing Bulgaria at its most textured. One minute you’re standing in front of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral’s golden domes, the next you’re sinking a birdie putt designed by Ian Woosnam himself. The rhythm is intoxicating: morning golf, afternoon spas, evening rakia toasts, and—because this is Bulgaria—dinners that linger like long par-fives.
For those seeking more than just another round, Sofia is where golf and city life dance together, offering a holiday that is as cultured as it is competitive. Golf Holidays in Bulgaria rarely come with such a potent mix of mountain air, modern luxury, and medieval intrigue.
Getting here is easy. Sofia Airport connects directly with major European cities, with flight times averaging 2–3 hours from most hubs. Transfers to golf resorts are short—Pravets is under an hour’s drive, while city-based courses are practically on your doorstep.
Golf in Sofia is about diversity: from Woosnam’s demanding championship design to gentler resort layouts. Expect par-72 challenges, lake-side signature holes, and the occasional mountain wind to keep you honest. Equipment hire, caddie services, and modern clubhouses are standard, with Bulgarian hospitality turning every round into something warmer than expected.
For golfers who like their breaks to mix business-class travel ease with cultural depth, Sofia hits the sweet spot: quick to reach, effortless to navigate, and endlessly rewarding once you’ve arrived.
Expect lavish properties that know how to balance city energy with countryside calm. Think marble lobbies, oversized suites, spa sanctuaries, and panoramic mountain views—just far enough from the bustle to feel like a retreat, but close enough to dip back in at will.
For travellers who prefer everything wrapped in a neat bow, Sofia’s all-inclusive hotels deliver—gourmet dining, wellness facilities, poolside cocktails, and—naturally—proximity to fairways.
Charming townhouse conversions and stylish boutique hotels that feel like a friend’s sophisticated pied-à-terre. Personalised service, design flair, and an intimacy that contrasts the capital’s grandeur.
Ideal for golf groups or more extended stays. Fully equipped, offering freedom and privacy, often with generous terraces and easy access to both city and greens.
From urban hotels with kids’ clubs to countryside resorts with outdoor adventure programmes, Sofia caters effortlessly to multi-generational travellers.
Pravets Golf Club, crafted by former Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam, is a par-72 parkland beauty framed by the Balkan mountains and a vast lake. Expect water features that demand precision and finishing holes that tempt you into boldness.
Nestled just outside the capital, St. Sofia Golf Club offers a more relaxed round with tree-lined holes, tranquil scenery, and the backdrop of Vitosha—a course that combines accessibility with satisfying technical play.
Woosnam’s Pravets is the star, but the Sofia region also welcomes international influences, blending modern course architecture with Bulgaria’s natural drama. Strategic bunkering, rolling greens, and generous landing zones make them playable yet intriguing for all levels.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – Golden domes shimmering in sunlight, an icon of Orthodox majesty.
Boyana Church (UNESCO site) – Frescoes from the 13th century that still glow with medieval artistry.
Vitosha Mountain – A ski haven in winter, a hiking and picnic playground in summer.
Roman Ruins of Serdica – Scattered through central Sofia, whispering the city’s ancient origins.
National Palace of Culture – A Soviet-era colossus that now stages everything from concerts to film festivals.
Thermal Mineral Springs – Once used by Romans, still bubbling in the city centre, free for anyone to taste.
Sofia is a four-season stage, and each one brings its own rhythm to a golf holiday. Spring (March–May) warms gently, with temperatures between 15–22°C—perfect for golfers who like their greens fresh and their city walks blossom-framed. Summer (June–August) rarely scorches, hovering between 25–30°C, with mountain breezes cooling the afternoons. Autumn (September–October) might be the sweet spot: golden foliage, crisp mornings, and a gentle 18–24°C range that makes golf irresistible. Winters (November–February) see snow-dusted peaks and temperatures dipping below zero—less for golf, more for après-ski.
What makes Sofia stand out is its balance: reliable sunshine across much of the season, dramatic mountain light that changes with the hours, and a climate that keeps both fairways and travellers in high spirits. Golf here feels seasonal in the best sense—each round shaded by nature’s changing palette.
Because golf is rarely just golf, in Sofia, it’s golf framed by mountains, followed by spa rituals, capped with a city dinner where centuries-old recipes share tables with contemporary flair. Few destinations let you play a Ryder Cup captain’s design in the morning, sip rakia under cathedral domes in the afternoon, and end the night in a jazz bar that wouldn’t look out of place in Paris.
Sofia offers authenticity without austerity, luxury without pretence, and golf without compromise. It’s a capital city with a countryside soul, where every fairway feels like part of a larger story—one that fuses tradition, modernity, and a quietly wry Balkan charm.
Your next Golf Holiday in Bulgaria could well begin here, in Sofia—where every swing comes with a view, and every evening feels like a well-earned 19th hole.
Turkey Golf was once again a fantastic experience. The service is first class in every way. Transport is clean, comfortable and was always on time. Special mention to the staff (Especially Cihan And Riza) in arranging the trip and the drivers in the resort. Helpful, courteous and always willing to help and look after us.
We have just returned from another wonderful golfing holiday organised once again to perfection. Cihan at Golf Turkey makes all necessary arrangements - competitive price, airport transfers, hotel accommodation, tee times and offers any assistance required whilst in the resort. I would have no hesitation in recommending this company to plan a great Belek golfing experience .
Trustable gold agency. Better than holder agency in Belek. Comfortable and detailed arrangement.
Golf Turkey and Cihan have been absolutely fantastic from the booking process, answering any questions before we travelled and making sure everything was perfect when we were there. It’s our 2nd time booking with Golf Turkey and I would highly recommend anyone else to book with them. Their service is incredible and the price is the best I’ve found on the market for Turkey golf trips. Huge thanks to Cihan and the team!
