Best Golf Resorts in Southeastern Europe

Greece and Bulgaria are home to golf resorts such as Costa Navarino and BlackSeaRama which rival the best resorts in western Europe. Here’s our quick guide.

Greece

Costa Navarino in the Greece Peloponnese is one of Europe’s premier destinations for golfers, home to a collection of five-star resorts and world-class golf courses designed by former Masters champions. Located in the southern region of Messinia, there are four luxury hotels as well as four signature golf courses within a radius of 13km, designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, Bernhard Langer and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

W Costa Navarino

Nestled in unspoiled countryside along a stretch of coastline with panoramic sea and mountain views, one of the hotels is the five-star W Costa Navarino. It exclusively welcomes adults and young adults over 12 years old and offers 246 five-star stylish rooms, suites and beachfront villas just a short walk to a long white sandy beach.

There’s a destination beach club, a water sports centre, tennis courts, the boutique AWAY® Spa and FIT gym with a heated pool, five dining venues and a range of experiences. W Costa Navarino also features ‘Between’, the sunset bar and the brand’s signature W Lounge. Guests are able to enjoy experiences and dining at neighbouring venues in Costa Navarino including the Navarino Agora, an open marketplace with retail.

Golf courses

Costa Navarino’s two original signature golf courses, The Dunes designed by two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer which opened in 2010, was joined a year later by The Bay designed by legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. They have since been joined by two 18-hole signature courses designed by fellow double Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal, the International Olympic Academy Golf Course and The Hills.

The Dunes is set in diverse natural scenery with spectacular sea views and takes its name from the tall dunes that separate several holes from the nearby beach. The Bay Course is more hilly and offers spectacular views over the historic Bay of Navarino. The Hills and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course are set above the coastline with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the Bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea.

Bulgaria

Golf in Bulgaria is relatively new in European terms, but Gary Player courses at both Thracian Cliffs and BlackSeaRama along with Ian Woosnam’s course at the Lighthouse Golf Resort have put it firmly on the golfing map.

Boutique Hotel at BlackSeaRama

BlackSeaRama is located on top of coastal cliffs along the Black Sea Coast with views of the beautiful Cape Kaliakra and is home to a stunning Gary Player-designed championship course.

The five-star Boutique Hotel is the main hotel at the resort, with 20 large upscale rooms with spacious living areas and gorgeous sea views located close to the clubhouse and the 18th-hole fairway. There is a year-round heated indoor swimming pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, a spa, and two tennis courts. The Hotel Bar also serves the pools, while the gourmet restaurant pairs the refined cuisine with sommelier-selected wines from the special wine shop at the hotel. Three more restaurants are located within walking distance of the resort.

Gary Player said about the 18-hole golf course he designed here: “BlackSeaRama is a special golf course – you have to see it to believe it!” He’s not wrong. Set 200 metres above the sea, it’s a classic links course with fantastic views. When it opened in 2008, it was the first championship signature course in Bulgaria.

Thracian Cliffs Golf Resort

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Black Sea, Thracian Cliffs is located in the renowned golf destination of Cape Kaliakra. Facilities include 2km of private beaches, a Moroccan wellness centre and six dining venues. The accommodation is in two village-like settings divided by a lake and guests are accommodated in luxury suites. There are infinity pools and the five-star treatment includes a private butler service.

The resort’s signature championship course designed by Gary Player has ocean views on every hole. The 6th is particularly memorable, on top of a cliff with the green set 40 meters below carved into the hillside surrounded by lapping waves. This is one of the most dramatic courses you’ll ever play which in 2013 hosted the 50th Volvo World Match Play Championship.

Lighthouse Golf Resort

A five-star luxurious resort located just outside of Balchik along Cape Kaliakra, a wonderful area for golfers along the Black Sea. There are 180 rooms, a Spa & Wellness centre and a range of restaurants, beach and pool bars. The hotel features sea views and is close to the clubhouse, the golf academy and a road leading to sandy beaches. It offers luxurious rooms, suites and penthouses, some of which have private pools.

Ian Woosnam’s beautiful parkland-style championship course at the resort offers a challenging round in beautiful surroundings. The former Masters champion has made the most of the stunning scenery and natural landscapes with a brilliant selection of holes.