Balchik & Kavarna – Black Sea Luxury
On Bulgaria’s shimmering Black Sea coast, where chalk-white cliffs tumble into turquoise waters, Balchik and Kavarna have quietly positioned themselves as Europe’s best-kept golfing secret. It’s a landscape where ancient Thracian history lingers in the breeze, rose-scented gardens perfume the air, and golf courses cling daringly to dramatic headlands.
This corner of Bulgaria golf holidays is not about brash spectacle but about understated grandeur. The sea is always at your shoulder, whether you’re teeing off at sunrise or sipping rakia as it slips below the horizon. Balchik, with its royal palace and botanical gardens, offers a touch of regal nostalgia, while Kavarna hums with a more contemporary energy, blending fishing-village roots with modern resort life.
Here, luxury is woven from contrasts: clifftop villas with infinity pools gazing over the sea, boutique retreats tucked into cobbled streets, and five-star resorts where golf and gastronomy go hand in hand. It’s a region that rewards both the golfer’s competitive spirit and the traveller’s curiosity—a place where you can drive a ball across the horizon in the morning and wander through medieval fortress walls by afternoon.
For golfers, the Balchik–Kavarna coast is a revelation. Just 45 minutes north of Varna Airport (well-connected with flights across Europe), you’ll find three signature courses within a few minutes’ drive of one another—each designed by a legend, each carved into the dramatic Black Sea landscape.
Gary Player’s Thracian Cliffs and BlackSeaRama offer two sides of the master’s genius—one wild and theatrical, the other measured and sweeping. Ian Woosnam’s Lighthouse adds a welcoming counterpoint with its strategic par-71 layout. Together, they form Bulgaria’s “Golf Triangle,” a compact but world-class destination that rewards repeat rounds.
Add in clifftop villas, all-inclusive resorts, and boutique stays, and you’ve got the perfect formula for an unforgettable golf escape. The best months? May–June and September–October, when the weather is sublime, and tee times are plentiful.
Your next golf holiday in Bulgaria is closer than you think—book it, play it, and let the sea frame every shot.
Along the coast, sleek seaside resorts offer all-inclusive indulgence, where every detail is taken care of—think spa sanctuaries, infinity pools, and menus that drift between Mediterranean elegance and Bulgarian tradition.
Perfect for those who want golf mornings followed by sun-soaked afternoons, these hotels deliver panoramic sea views and direct access to sandy bays.
In Balchik’s old town, boutique properties charm with historic architecture, intimate courtyards, and a slower pace of life.
For those who crave freedom, private villas and modern apartments perch above the cliffs, often with sweeping sea views and outdoor terraces ideal for sunset barbecues.
Resorts with kids’ clubs, vast pools, and flexible dining ensure families can combine golf with carefree beach holidays.
Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, designed by Gary Player, is the showstopper: a course so dramatically etched into cliffs that every hole feels like it belongs on a postcard. Holes 6 and 7, clinging to the edges of sheer limestone drops, are as breathtaking as they are challenging.
BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas, another Gary Player design, stretches as a par-72 links-style course with endless Black Sea panoramas. Wide fairways and signature par threes make it a course that tests precision and tempts bold play.
Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort, created by Ian Woosnam, balances playability and strategy. With rolling greens, resort-friendly fairways, and a par-71 layout, it’s a welcoming introduction to the region’s golf triangle.
Balchik Palace & Botanical Gardens – A royal summer residence surrounded by terraces of rare plants cascading to the sea.
Cape Kaliakra – A narrow headland fortress where legend and history collide, and dolphins sometimes shadow the cliffs.
Kavarna Town – Known as Bulgaria’s “rock capital,” its summer festivals and lively portside atmosphere offer a different tempo.
Varna – The region’s cosmopolitan hub, with Roman baths, museums, and a lively sea garden promenade.
Aladzha Monastery – A medieval cave monastery carved into cliffs, echoing centuries of devotion.
Wine Routes – Boutique wineries scattered inland where crisp local whites pair perfectly with seafood feasts.
Balchik and Kavarna enjoy a mild Black Sea climate, where seasons slide into each other with subtle grace. Spring arrives early, painting the hills in green, with daytime temperatures hovering between 15–22°C—perfect for long walks through botanical gardens and crisp morning rounds of golf.
Summer brings the big blue: hot, dry days averaging 26–30°C, softened by sea breezes that keep coastal fairways comfortable. Golfers here tee off early, retreat to shaded terraces by noon, and return for golden-hour play when the sun dips low over the sea.
Autumn lingers indulgently, with September and October often offering sunny, 20–25°C days—arguably the sweet spot for golf, when the courses are quieter and the sea still warm enough for a swim. Winters are cool but rarely harsh, with temperatures rarely falling below 5–8°C, making it a year-round escape for those who prefer bracing walks and uncrowded towns.
The climate here doesn’t just accommodate golf—it elevates it, shaping a rhythm of play that feels both indulgent and sustainable.
Because nowhere else in Europe gives you this blend: three designer golf courses within a few kilometres, cliffside fairways that flirt with the sea, and a cultural backdrop rich in history and charm. Here, you can walk in a queen’s gardens in the morning, tackle Gary Player’s cliff-hugging par threes at noon, and dine on freshly grilled Black Sea mussels by night.
Balchik and Kavarna are not just golf destinations—they’re lifestyle escapes, balancing high drama with quiet pleasures. The affordability compared to Western Europe is a pleasant surprise. Still, it’s the setting that lingers: the sense of discovery, the way the sea appears at every turn, the way golf here feels raw and exhilarating.
If you want your next golf break to feel less like routine and more like revelation, this corner of Bulgaria is waiting.
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!
