CAPE KALIAKRA, BULGARIA

t h e wor l d’ s Gary Player’s BlackSeaRama was the first championship signature course in Bulgaria. gr e at e st GOLF ESCAPES CAPE KALIAKRA A new project on Bulgaria’s north-east coast is set to compete with Europe’s finest golf destinations. Mussel Bay in .

“This is probably Europe’s last undevel- oped coastline and when you add to that three of Europe’s finest golf courses, an area steeped in history and outstanding natural beauty, you have a product that is going to challenge the traditional destinations,” comments Seth Underwood, chairman of the Bulgarian Golf Association. The award-winning BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas Resort was the first project to open there, in May 2008. The golf course was Evocative ruins atop Cape Kaliakra’s cliffs recall its colourful history. also the first of two Cape Kaliakra projects designed by legendary golfer and designer Gary Player. ince emerging from Socialism in shops and nightlife; you can find clubs with 1989, Bulgaria has been develop- international DJs performing or Bulgarian BlackSeaRama was the first championship alongside fairways and one of its four lakes ing as a tourist destination and Chalga music clubs with their unique blend signature golf course in Bulgaria, the 18-hole, stocked with fish. has plenty to offer, from the ski of folk and modern electronic music. par 72 layout measuring 7,270 yards. The The residential complex set around the resorts of the Cape Kaliakra, 25 miles north of Varna, magnificent classical golf course has been cre- Bell Tower comprises 28 detached or semi- Sto the long, beach-lined coasts of the Black is the coast area chosen for golf ated on flat terrain perched high on the cliffs detached villas, a pool, bistro and a shop, Sea. Now golf can also be added to that list. development – and it could not offer golfers offering endless sea views to Cape Galata. The with the sport centre close by. Deluxe private The north-east coast’s capital, Varna, is a more stunning setting. A headland rich in stiff sea breeze adds to its challenge. Bulgaria’s third-largest city and is situated history, beauty and culture, the cape consists The design reflects the region’s history, and on Varna Bay. It has a long sandy coastline of limestone rocks rising high out of the sea. ancient ruins can be seen around the fairways. and offers both the latest facilities and ancient The beauty of Cape Kaliakra is said to be A replica ancient theatre in front of the club- FACTFILE history. But it is best known for its boutique the main reason why Queen Marie of Roma- house frames the panoramic view of the sea. nia had a royal residence and world-famous The project has adopted a natural and CAPE KALIAKRA, botanical gardens (home to one of Europe’s ecological approach, with vineyards planted BULGARIA largest cactus collections) built at IFD8E@8 in 1926. Nearby is the dramatic landscape Bell Tower at Time difference: GMT +2

J BlackSeaRama. < setting for Bulgaria’s Signature Golf Coast I XelY Getting there: Varna is the gateway airport for 9 ; \ X i development. @ b Cape Kaliakra. Charter flights operate to Varna from 8 9XcZ_`b X ` c X Golf is a new sport for Bulgaria, a country B several UK airports. Flight time is just over 3 hours. MXieX :Xg\ known more for its football, volleyball and 9LC>8I@8 wrestling. Designers such as Gary Player and Getting around: Car rental is good value in 9cXZb Bulgaria and major companies as well as small local 9fli^Xj J\X Ian Woosnam have found the north-east coast an ideal canvas to weave their magic. firms rent vehicles in Varna. D

8 :<; The Cape Kaliakra Signature Golf Coast Climate: Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast enjoys mild

F comprises three top-drawer golf resorts and winters and hot, dry summers, with pleasantly warm E KLIB

I<<:< three signature golf courses, situated side by side on the Black Sea coast. With a marina, Floral displays at Balchik Tourist information: For more information private airfield and five-star hotels it is quick- botanical gardens. about Cape Kaliakra, visit www.capekaliakra.com ly gaining a reputation as a golf destination.

78 Golf Escapes 2010 Golf Escapes 2010 79 CAPE KALIAKRA, BULGARIA

t h e wor l d’ s gr e at e st Thracian Cliffs enjoys a GOLF stunning cliff-top setting. ESCAPES

BlackSeaRama clubhouse.

villas provide the ultimate relaxing retreat, Villa on the Lighthouse course. combining privacy and space. The Lighthouse Golf Resort & Spa opened in September 2008. Its course was designed chance to test their skills, with some of the in 2011. The Lighthouse Resort has been by former European Ryder Cup captain Ian best and most challenging greens in Europe. designed around five main hamlets, and Woosnam. The classic clubhouse is one of the resort’s facilities will eventually include a spa, casino, Nestled on a cliff overlooking the Black main features with its beautiful interior and tennis courts, aqua park, private beach, shops, Sea’s clear waters, golf does not get any more large balconies overlooking the 1st and 18th and villas and apartments all with high-speed breathtaking than here. holes. internet access. Dubbed the “Pebble Beach of Europe”, the 18 stunning holes directly along the cliffs Challenging, yet generous, the 6,790- The Lighthouse is the area’s biggest Thracian Cliffs is the latest golf project, course forms the core of the development and overlooking the Black Sea. Opening during yards, par 71 Lighthouse Golf Course offers project. The five-star Osiris Hotel, a central and is the most spectacular yet undertaken in was designed prior to real estate components, 2010, the cliff setting, challenging fairways beginners as well as the experienced player a landmark of the resort, is set for completion Bulgaria. allowing its creator, Gary Player, to craft and sea breeze make this a golfers’ dream. The Thracian Cliffs resort is completed by the luxury Chedi Hotel, Villas and Marina, all built around the cliffs with glorious vistas of the Black Sea coast. Bulgaria may lack golfing history, but it offers charm, a rich ancient history and value for money. And with its golf developments and spectacular scenery, Cape Kaliakra has huge potential to be a significant player in Thracian Cliffs resort. Europe’s golf tourism industry.

OFF COURSE ATTRACTIONS Bulgaria is one of the oldest documented wine- Cape Kaliakra’s inaccessible cliffs. According to producing regions in the world, with evidence showing legends, the fortress was guarding the treasuries of its existence 6,500 years ago. The north-east coast is Lyzimah, successor of . Today there one of Bulgaria’s most famous vine-growing areas and are many visible remains of ancient settlements. produces good white and red wines from the Varna and The Kaliakra cape was declared a protected area Russe wineries. in 1941and is home to rare species of sea and bird Bulgaria also has high-quality beer. Its breweries life. Nearby Durankulak Lake is another protected produce award-winning brews. At less than one euro area, with more than 250 rare species – covering fish, each, they are also excellent value. Shumen, a city in reptiles, amphibians, marsh birds and plants, many of north-east Bulgaria, is a major producer and its them included among endangered wildlife in the Red Shumensko beer can be widely found around the Book of Bulgaria. area. On an island in the lake is an archaeological park Bulgaria is called the “Land of the Roses” as it known as the “Bulgarian Troy”. Its stone architectural produces 85% of the world’s rose oil used in many complex is the oldest monumental structure in Europe, perfumes. The Rose Valley, a region just south of the with a temple dating back 7,000 years. Human Balkan Mountains and the eastern coast, is famous for occupation of the region encompasses seven its rose growing industry and the sweet scent can be civilisations – Golden Prehistoric, Thracian, Roman, The challenging Lighthouse course smelt at festivals in May and June. Hellenic, Byzantium, Islamic and Bulgarian. All of them was designed by Ian Woosnam. The ancient fortress of Tirisis stands guard atop had settlements in the area.

80 Golf Escapes 2010 Golf Escapes 2010 81