Perfect Climate for Golfers
Bulgaria's climate is an essential factor in attracting golf tourism to the country. Often, Mediterranean golf destinations become too hot during the summer, making it a less than pleasant experience. Similarly, there are courses in parts of Spain and Cyprus which can become very uncomfortable during the hot summer months. Bulgaria's summer temperatures are less severe, although even the most ardent sun-lovers cannot complain about the amount of sunshine.
Bulgaria's warm, sunny weather can extend well into November. This gives golfers a long season in which to enjoy the delights of the fresh, unpolluted air and spectacular views. Property developers are taking advantage of this opportunity and are constructing high-quality apartment complexes and apart-hotels close to the golf courses. In the mountain regions, the golf resorts are close to famous ski resorts such as Bansko. This means that, in the summer, these developments will attract golfers, hikers, cycling groups, as well as those who simply want a relaxing holiday in a stunning location. Golf resorts along the coast, such as those at Kavarna and Balchik, will attract tourists who are seeking a holiday close to the beautiful sandy beaches, as well as those who come primarily to play golf. Developments in the golf resorts are designed to be all-year-round destinations. Many of them include a superb range of facilities such as heated swimming pools, spa centres, gymnasiums, medical centres, indoor and outdoor sports facilities and childcare.
Designed by Famous Golf Professionals
It is inevitable that Bulgaria will become one of the major golf destinations for British tourists. If only half of the planned courses are built, Bulgaria will still offer a seriously attractive selection of top-quality venues. Golfers will know that, in some of the popular Mediterranean golf destinations, the quality of the golf courses can vary. The indications are that Bulgaria's golf venues will all be of a consistently high quality and that they will offer a fantastic range of facilities. World-famous golf celebrities such as Ian Woosnam and Gary Player have helped to design several of these new championship-level golf courses. Over the next few years, golf tourism must surely become a major player in Bulgaria's economy.
Lighthouse Golf Resort, Balchik
This is a championship-level golf course (6,747 sq.m, par 71) which has been built on the cliff tops just outside the quaint and popular seaside town of Balchik. The course was designed by European Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam and it has stunning sea views. The resort has its own private beach, a state-of-the-art clubhouse and the Lighthouse Golf School - a golf training ground that includes a putting green, a "pitch and putt" course and a bunker area. Lighthouse Golf has a Wellness Centre that provides both traditional and alternative therapies. Other sports facilities include indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, a sports centre with outdoor pitches and tennis, plus basketball and volleyball courts. A wide variety of water sports are available at the resort and horse riding is offered at the equestrian centre. The golf complex also includes shops and cafés.
Black Sea Rama, Balchik
This championship-level golf course (7,218 sq.m, par 72) was designed by Gary Player and has a fantastic location, sitting on the cliffs at Balchik. The clubhouse includes restaurants, bars, lounges, a pro-golf shop and locker rooms. Due to the location, the restaurant provides panoramic views. There is also a large outdoor seating area, where you can sit and enjoy a snack or a meal whilst watching the golf.
Thracian Cliffs, Kavarna (near Balchik)
This Gary Player golf course is located slightly north of Balchik, at the small town of Kavarna. This is also a championship-level course (7,008 sq.m, par 71). Once again, it has beautiful views and is within a few minutes' drive of some of the most popular beaches on the Black Sea Coast and just 40 minutes north of Varna. The course forms part of a large leisure park that will include a 5-star hotel with hydrotherapy spa, a private yachting marina, and a driving range. There is a beautiful new residential complex which offers luxurious apartments and villas.
Air Sofia Golf Club, Ihtiman
The first golf course to attract international attention was Air Sofia Golf Club, Ihtiman. This is still a favourite venue with many golfers.
Properties near Air Sofia Golf Club include...
St. Sofia Golf Club & Spa
Ideally situated just 20 minutes drive from Sofia, St. Sofia Golf Club & Spa offers world-class facilities for golf enthusiasts.
Visit the official website for St. Sofia Golf Club.
Other Golf Courses in Bulgaria
Further down the coast, a new golf course is to be constructed at the town of Avren, approximately half an hour's drive south of Varna. Avren Golf is planned to be started during 2010. For the residents in the Yambol area, a golf course opened in Sliven in 2006. Another international golf course is being constructed at Dolna Banya, between Sofia and Plovdiv. In the south west of Bulgaria, a top-level golf course is being built at Bansko -the Pirin Golf Holidays Club- and at least two more golf courses will be built in the same region. (Many golfers like to try their hand on more than one golf course, so the investors have deliberately clustered these courses in a particularly beautiful part of the country.) Several more potential golf courses have reached an advanced stage in the planning process.
Further information
Avren
The municipal town of Avren is located approximately 20 minutes' drive from Varna City, 15 minutes' drive from the Black Sea coast, and 30 minutes' drive from Varna International Airport. Avren Municipality is a collection of small and friendly villages. It has a population of around
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Balchik
Balchik is a pretty town that nestles at the foot of white chalk hills. Cobblestone streets, twisting up the side of the hill, provide views across the rooftops and down to the sea below. The bright red roof‑top tiles stand out colourfully against the whiteness of the cliffs. Although
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Bansko
Bansko is situated in the South of Bulgaria and it is the gateway to the Pirin mountain region. Bansko offers a spectacular combination of picturesque mountains and ancient history. With its combination of cobbled streets and traditional alpine‑style houses, it truly is a delight
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Kavarna
Kavarna is an attractive and peaceful resort on the northern Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. For many years, Kavarna town has been known as a centre for culture and music. On 1st July each year, people from all over Bulgaria travel to the coast to greet the first rays of the sun at the
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Sofia
Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, is situated at the foot of the Vitosha mountain. It lies in the Sofia Valley, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Sofia city is well known for its mineral and thermal springs. In fact, Sofia was settled by the Thracians during the 18th
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Yambol
The city of Yambol (or Jambol) sits along both sides of the Tundja River. It is built on the site of a Roman fortress, although there are indications that there were settlements here in the neolithic, eneolithic and \"bronze age\" periods. There are still many indications of the Roman
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The Black Sea Coast
The Bulgarian coast (otherwise known as the Bulgarian Riviera) is washed by the calm waters of the Black Sea. There are 380 kilometres of marvellous beaches. The sea is calm and safe, with clear water. Here you will find healthy, clean air, fine golden sand and natural dunes, mineral
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The mountains of Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers both rugged snow‑capped mountains and gentle, rolling hills covered with lush forests. Sparkling rivers tumble down the mountain sides to form picturesque lakes and health‑giving mineral springs. The mountains of Bulgaria are home to a huge variety of plants and animals,
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Schools & Universities
Education in Bulgaria is compulsory for children between the ages of 7 years and 16 years. The school year comprises two terms. It starts in September and ends in May or June. Education is free for children with Bulgarian citizenship. However, parents with children from other countries
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Skiing In Bulgaria
Bulgaria is blessed with magnificent mountain scenery and an excellent climate for both summer and winter tourism. In the winter, the mountains are covered with deep, crisp snow which is ideal for skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding. The three most famous ski resorts in Bulgaria
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Viewing Trips
Many people are happy to buy new or off‑plan properties without visiting them. However, most people who intend to buy a property in Bulgaria (or any other country) want to view the property and the area around it.
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