Summer Jazz Festival

 

The traditional Summer Jazz Festival and the Bulgarian Folk Festival are also held here during the summer months.

 

Mineral baths

 

These exist all over Bulgaria and the nearest to Bansko (6 km south), in the village of Dobrinishte, are 17 mineral springs with water temperature between 30-43 degrees C.  Scientific studies rank Bulgaria among the foremost in Europe for hydrothermal, bioclimatic and mud treatments, sea cures and other health resources. Bulgaria is a world leader with its exceptional diversity of medicinal herbs and the excellent curative properties of its apian products.

 

Rafting

 

Go rafting with your own personal guide along two of Bulgaria’s most beautiful rivers - the Struma and Mesta Rivers.  Instructor, equipment, and lunch included.

 

Horseback Riding

 

Visit the horseback riding school and check out the numerous riding routes. Enquire about the horseback riding tour which includes transport, lunch, and a personal guide.  The trip takes you through breathtaking scenery in the Kresna gorge on horseback.

Hiking/walking

 

Pirin Mountain is a tempting site for every hiker. The mountain offers magnificent scenery, numerous crystal clear lakes, and interesting species of flora and fauna!  If you are planning to go hiking independently you should visit the Bansko tourist office for hiking maps, advice, and a personal guide should you wish.  

Mountain Bike Trips

 

Enjoy the magnificent scenes of Bansko and surrounding area by mountain bike; all levels of experience welcome.  Experience unforgettable and breathtaking scenery along specially marked trails.  The tourist office and various other places in Bankso have a range of imported models available for hire.  From a climatic standpoint mid-June to late September is the ideal time for biking in the Pirin, while in the Rhodopes it's feasible until mid-October.

 

Day Trip to Rila Monastery

 

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rila monastery, played an important role for the preservation of the national spirit and faith during the Ottoman rule.  Day trips are available for you to explore this amazing and beautiful site. 

 

Paragliding

 

Paragliding can be organised locally and costs around ₤35 (52 EUR) as opposed to ₤350 (520 EUR) in other parts of Europe!  Contact www.skynomad.com

 

Rock Climbing

 

Bulgaria's mountainous terrain means that the opportunities for climbing are practically limitless. The most popular areas with mountaineers and rock climbers are Mt Malyovitsa in the Rila Mountains, the karst region to the north of Mt Vihren (in the Pirin range), and the Blue Rocks outside Sliven. At the time of writing no foreign operator offers package trips for rock climbing however you can hire equipment and a personal guide from Odysseia-In in Sofia at a cost of approx ₤12-15 (18-22 EUR) per person per day.  See Links page on this site for Odysseia-In contact info.

 

Cave Exploring

 

Of the hundreds of caves in Bulgaria (mostly in the Stara Planina and western Rhodopes), several have been fitted with walkways and lighting and are open to the public. The most famous are the Magura Cave with its... read more

 

Bird Watching

 

Bulgaria is great for bird watching and is a nesting ground for most European species in spring (May–June) and on the migratory path of many Asian ones in autumn (Sept to mid-Oct).  In total there are around 400 species. There's plenty to see at any time, owing to the diversity of ecological niches and the fact that farmers use less pesticides and insecticides than in Western Europe.  For further information contact the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds which can recommend local guides and advice on all matters ornithological.

 

Zoology, Botany and Geology

 

Aside from birds, Bulgaria's fauna includes most of the Balkan and Mediterranean reptiles (over fifty species) and mammals. Mountainous areas are the habitat of bears, boars, wolves, wild cats, deer, foxes and badgers, while... read more

 

Dancing Bear Park

 

Visit the world’s largest and most sophisticated rehabilitation park for bears.  The park is located near the small town of Belitsa.  Learn more about the “Four Paws” charitable foundation for the protection of animals.  Thankfully the bears are not paraded around by chains attached to their noses any longer as done for 300 years; now they are respectfully cared for in the park.  18 bears in total to see.

Paintball

 

A fun game for the whole family!  Contact us for a wide range of games and activities on offer.