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.
Janet
✓1 Jun 2025
The accommodation was outstanding!
Jeff
✓23 Sep 2023
Can't fault the complex. Superb from start to finish. The staff were fantastic. So helpful.
Hazel
✓10 Aug 2022
This cannot in any way be described as a hotel. It only has apartments and they are 90 percent privately owned and still trying to sell more. We were put up in the hillside as far away as possible from reception and breakfast. The roads are very steep and therefore a shuttle is required to take you to most places. To advertise this as a golfing holiday resort is a misuse of words. After finishing our round of golf we enquired where the clubhouse is to get a drink. THERE IS NOT ONE. You have to go to the beach to get a drink.which involves getting a shuttle bus in your golf clothes. I dont think so!!!!! As it was self catering something we weren't aware of I asked reception for ice trays . We dont have any was the reply. I asked for a taxi to take us onto another town only to be told we had to use their transport and would be charged . How much I asked . They couldn't tell me a price. It turned out to be €30 . The cheapest wine at the resort was 75 lev about £37. Unless you have a car you are a captive audience. The week we stayed at this resort we didnt see more than 5 groups of people on the course at any one time with the exception of Saturday where they had an open. Reception was not very helpful at all except one young lady Gabby who did her best to help us. An experience never to be repeated.
Sarah
✓18 Jul 2022
We arrived at the resort and tried to get a drink, nothing was open and when we asked for a drink, no-one really understood what we were asking for. Finally we manged to order a drink from one of the restaurants, but you could only order warm beer and a minimum of ½ a bottle of wine. I also found this was expensive to purchase. Though out the week the club house was shut, so after every game of golf, you couldn’t get a drink. Not ideal after a long game on a very tricky golf course in very hot weather. The course is very good and in excellent condition, but the whole set up is very poor. If you compere to Turkey it isn’t nowhere near for overall quality/value. My recommendation would to stay in Balchek and travel to the resort to play the course. Balchek has a number of bars and restaurants that offer good value and choices.
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.
Neil
✓21 Sep 2025
Best course I’ve played a bucket list course
Richard
✓19 Jun 2025
Fantastic golf course, unbelievable views however extremely difficult but an experience. Be aware and I was told on booking by YGT that buggies are mandatory at approximately £42, tbf it would be impossible to walk, after wound was finished clubhouse was closed and we had to a get a drink and something to eat at a restaurant on site at a cost of £50 per person...... great course thats where it ends....
Janet
✓1 Jun 2025
Absolutely stunning course, immaculate condition! Every hole has tremendous views, great challenge for all golfers.
David
✓1 May 2025
Naindra
✓25 Jul 2024
All our group was really impressed with this course! One or two even described it as the Pebble Beach equivalent of Europe! Fantastic facilities and amazing course! Lost a few balls on the day.... but we were pre-warned ....
Mark
✓30 May 2024
The most amazing golf course you will ever play, but take a lot of balls with you.
Colin
✓29 Oct 2023
This was harder than hard but a great experience with fantastic views, but one we all agreed we'd like to play again, but only once per holiday as if not on your game it could destroy you. Buggies an absolute must, walks from greens to next tees too far to walk as well as the walk from 6th tee to the green, a stunning par 3 which anyone would want to challenge themselves hitting the green (I amazingly did!), The 7th drive is stunning but if you can't carry 200yds, then play off whites or its a trip to the beach!
David
✓9 Oct 2023
The golf course is breathtaking you will never play a more scenic golf course has to be played to be believed
Alistair
✓3 Oct 2023
Most picturesque course I have played. Every hole is a challenge. Amazing par 3 down the cliffs. The course was in great condition and would recommend this course on your bucket list.
Jeff
✓23 Sep 2023
This is the most challenging yet most enjoyable courses I have ever played. The scenery is beyond spectacular. If you haven't played here yet, put it on a must do list.
