Bansko in summer: sun, tranquillity, nature and lots of activities!
Many people think that Bansko comes to a standstill outside the ski season. That the lifts are closed, some restaurants remain shut and the town is quieter than in winter.
And that's partly true... but boring? Absolutely not!
As soon as the snow melts, Bansko turns into a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and bon vivants. You can hike through the mountains, swim in clear mountain water, relax in the thermal springs of Banya, mountain bike through the forests and even slide down the longest inflatable water slide in Europe.
Add to that the long, sunny days and lively terraces, and you'll understand why Bansko is becoming increasingly popular as a summer destination.
Bansko is a true all-season destination for a reason: there is something to do all year round.
Winter may be a little more fun with après-ski and white slopes, but in summer you will discover a side of Bansko that is just as special.
In this article, you will find the best summer activities to get the most out of your stay in the region!
These are the 8 best summer activities in Bansko
From stunning hikes over mountain ridges and peaks to sampling Bulgarian cuisine, there is so much to discover in the Bansko region.
Are you coming to discover Bansko in winter? Then read about the best winter activities in Bansko here!
Read on for the eight best summer activities in Bansko.
1. Experience nature your way in the Pirin
Bansko is located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Europe. This mountain range is known for its jagged peaks, clear mountain lakes, wild flowers such as edelweiss and impressive nature. There is even a bear population living here.
Whether you want to hike, cycle, raft or simply enjoy the silence of the mountains, the Pirin Mountains are the ideal place!
With so much freedom, fresh mountain air and endless views, it's almost impossible not to be outside here.
Hiking in the Pirin Mountains
The Pirin offers countless hiking trails. From relaxed mountain paths to challenging hikes to the highest peaks: there are routes for all levels.
For experienced hikers, the climb to the Vihren peak (2,914 metres, the second highest mountain in Bulgaria) is an absolute must. The route is tough, but the view from the top is breathtaking.
Tip: some paths can be steep or slippery. In fog or rain, it is wise to go with a guide.
Want to take it easy? There are also beautiful routes in the valley and lower down in the mountains. Along the way, you will pass old chapels, ruins and hidden spots such as Bulgaria's oldest conifer: Baikuchev's Pine and St. Nicholas Waterfall.
In the Pirin, there are plenty of mountain huts and (fish) restaurants where you can stop for food and drink during your hike.
Did you know that the international hiking trail E4, which runs all the way from Spain to Cyprus, passes right through this area? This makes the Pirin one of the most beautiful stages of this iconic trail!
Adventure: rafting, camping and climbing
Fancy a bit more adrenaline? In the Kresna Gorge, near Blagoevgrad, you can go rafting on the Struma River. The rapids (class 2 to 4) make it a challenging but safe activity for adventurers.
You can also camp in the mountains. There are several mountain huts and campsites, including a beautiful spot in the mountains near Bansko itself, close to Baikuchev's Den. Surrounded by nature, with a cosy restaurant.
For rock climbers, there is the Cave Area near Ski Road 1, with climbing routes up to 15 metres high. A great place for a day of climbing in the fresh mountain air.
Mountain biking in the forests around Bansko
The Pirin is also fantastic to explore on two wheels.
The Bunderitsa Trail is a popular route that starts at the Gondola mountain station and is suitable for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers. There are also several signposted trails in the forests, but you can also simply map out your own route through the valley.
Don't have your own bike? No problem! In Bansko, there are several rental companies and outdoor shops that rent mountain bikes and can help you with routes or a local guide.
3. Relax in the thermal baths and enjoy the fresh mineral water
The Bansko region is one of Europe's most important spa areas. All year round, you can enjoy warm spring water, mineral water and thermal pools with healing properties. In summer, this is a fun experience and ideal for relaxing after a long walk or a hot summer's day.
The villages of Banya and Dobrinishte, just a few kilometres from Bansko, are particularly well known in this area. In these villages, you will find thermal baths with spring water of up to 58˙C that have been used since ancient times.
In total, there are dozens of hot springs in the region.
Spa hotels with wellness areas and swimming pools abound here to give you a unique spa experience, whatever the time of year.
Even the outdoor swimming pool in Dobrinishte (Alpha Spa & Pool) is filled with this warm spring water, which means it is also open in winter.
There is also a thermal bath from Roman times in Dobrinishte, just outside the town.
Banya is also a real spa resort. It even owes its name to this, as Banya literally means “bath” in Bulgarian. This village is home to some of the best and most impressive spa hotels in the country.
Banya also has thermal springs that have been used for centuries.
These include the public bath “Izgreva”, an old Bulgarian bathhouse and an Ottoman bathhouse.
These springs and most bathhouses are free to visit. Most are open-air, such as the silver water or Roman bath, both in Dobrinishte.
There are also paid public bathhouses, where you pay a few pounds at most for admission, such as in the park in Dobrinishte.
Finally, you can go swimming at Alpha Spa & Pool in Dobrinishte or at one of the many spa hotels. You will pay considerably more for admission, but the facilities are excellent and the water is well maintained and kept clean.
3. Take the gondola lift or chairlift up into the mountains.
One of the best ways to discover the nature in the region is simply by going up the mountain!
Because Bansko is a popular ski resort in winter, there are several ski lifts available - and you can enjoy them in summer too.
The Gondola to Bunderishka Polyana
The famous Gondola lift is also open in summer and takes you from Bansko to Bunderishka Polyana, at an altitude of 1,600 metres, in about 25 minutes.
Here you will find a summer playground with activities for young and old:
- shoot on the biathlon track
- mini golf
- tube slide (see photo)
- human table football
- climbing frames
- and even the longest inflatable water slide in Europe – no less than 400 metres long!
A wonderful place to enjoy the fresh mountain air, have a bite to eat or just sit on the terrace while looking out over the peaks of the Pirin Mountains.
The Dobrinishte chairlift
A few kilometres from Bansko lies Dobrinishte, where you will find the Gotse Delchev Hut. From here, a chairlift takes you from 1,400 to 2,200 metres above sea level, to the Bezbog Hut and Lake Bezbog.
In winter, this is a small ski resort, but in summer it turns into a hiker's paradise. From the mountain station, you can walk beautiful routes with panoramic views, mountain lakes and fresh mountain air.
A climb to the top of Bezbog, Polezhan or Dzhangal is recommended for experienced hikers.
The route to Popovo Lake is a pleasant walk for families.
For a hike to beautiful lakes and climbing mountain peaks, we recommend this lift over the Gondola in Bansko.
After your hike, you can enjoy delicious Bulgarian dishes at the mountain or valley station, where you can enjoy delicious fresh fish caught to order, among other things.
4. Discover summer festivals, events and Bulgarian cuisine
Bansko is not just a winter destination; in summer, the town is also bustling with music, dance and tradition.
The rich culture of Bansko is unique: even the language has its own accent here!
But one thing is universal: the love of celebration. Bulgaria has more public holidays than the United Kingdom, and it shows. When there is something to celebrate, it is done in style, with folk music, traditional dancing and endless food and wine.
Traditional holidays
One of the most important days of the year is St. George's Day (Gergyovden) on 6 May. Military parades, folk dances and open-air parties are organised throughout the country.
In Dobrinishte, this day is extra special: the whole town gathers in the central square for a colourful folklore festival with traditional costumes, live music and lots of fun.
22 September, Bulgarian Independence Day, is also celebrated in style with folk dancing and music in Dobrinishte's square.
In the video below, you can see how St. George's Day was celebrated in Dobrinishte in 2025.
Festivals and live music
In summer, Bansko transforms into a stage for music and culture lovers. Every year in August, jazz music fills the streets during the Bansko Jazz Festival, one of Bulgaria's most famous open-air festivals. The Bansko Rock Evenings also attract music lovers from all over Europe.
But that's not all. How about the Bansko Opera Festival or the Bulgarian Music Festival?
In Dobrinishte, you can enjoy the Dobrinishtko Lyato celebrations all summer long. Every Saturday evening at 7 p.m., there is live music, dancing and folklore in the square. A wonderful mix of local atmosphere and hospitality.
It's not just music; people from all over the world come together in Bansko.
In June, the annual Bansko Nomad Fest takes place. A week full of lectures, workshops and community events for digital nomads.
A unique opportunity to network, find inspiration and combine the world of remote work with a relaxed life in the mountains.
Taste Bulgarian cuisine
There are countless restaurants and cafés throughout the region. Most of them are typical Bulgarian restaurants, called “Mehana”. These are the perfect places to discover and taste Bulgarian cuisine and culture.
But you will also find Greek and Italian restaurants, for example.
An example of a typical Bulgarian dish that you can get in many restaurants in Bansko is kavarma. This is a kind of stew with meat, vegetables and herbs.
The shopska salad can also be found in literally every restaurant. This is Bulgaria's national dish, which is also reflected in the colours of the salad, which form the Bulgarian flag: white cheese (white), cucumber (green) and peppers and tomatoes (red).
Want to know more about Bulgarian cuisine? In our article on Bulgarian cuisine, you will find the most delicious dishes, the best restaurants and more!
5. The Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway: an authentic and nostalgic train experience through the mountains
The Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway is a historic narrow-gauge railway located in the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria.
It is one of the most beautiful and unique railway lines in Europe, with a rich history. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views and the breathtaking nature of Rila and the Rhodopes in summer.
The line runs from the starting station of Septemvri (between Pazardzhik and Kostenets) via Velingrad, Yakoruda, Belitsa and Bansko to Dobrinishte, a distance of 125 km, which takes 5 hours. It is not the fastest train, but it is more than worth the experience!
Tip: you can also combine the trip with the Saturday market in Yakoruda.
6: Book a unique quad bike safari through the mountains
Have you always wanted to ride a quad bike through the mountains?
Hop on a quad bike, ride through the beautiful surroundings of Bansko and enjoy the view.
This quad bike safari takes you to places you wouldn't otherwise get to see. It takes you to the most amazing places along narrow mountain roads.
Before the tour begins, everyone receives a short driving lesson and important information in a safe environment, outside of the tour time. This is, of course, to prevent accidents.
Please note that prices start at €75 per ATV for a minimum of one hour of driving.
Would you like to know more about the exact rates, the possibilities, etc. of this fun buggy activity? View the possibilities here.
7. Rila Fun Park & Bear Sanctuary Belitsa – fun and nature
Located 12 kilometres from Belitsa and an hour's drive from Bansko, in the heart of the beautiful Rila Mountains, are the Rila Fun Park and Belitsa Bear Park – a wonderful day out for young and old alike!
These two parks are within walking distance of each other and can be easily combined on the same day.
Rila Fun Park
Rila Fun Park is a small-scale mountain amusement park. The park's main attraction is the 1,400-metre-long toboggan run.
This run winds through the forest and offers breathtaking views of the Rila Mountains.
A fun attraction for young and old!
In addition to the toboggan run, Rila Fun Park also offers a number of other “attractions”, including:
- a children's playground
- trampoline park
- rock climbing wall
- cable trolley
For opening hours, prices and more information, visit: https://rilafunpark.eu/
Bear Sanctuary Belitsa: a second chance for abused bears
Bear Sanctuary Belitsa is a special and impressive place in the Rila Mountains. This large nature reserve is home to bears that were previously kept as dancing bears or in poor conditions.
Since these practices were banned in 2007, they are finally getting the peace and freedom they deserve here.
In addition to Bulgarian bears, rescued bears from Albania, Serbia and other Balkan countries also live here. During a guided walk through the park, you will walk along paths past hills and spacious enclosures.
The guides tell stories about the bears and explain why this sanctuary is so important.
The visit is educational, sometimes confrontational, but above all respectful and peaceful.
Bear Sanctuary Belitsa is therefore not a traditional zoo, but a valuable experience that fits in well with a holiday focused on nature, conscious travel and authenticity.
For opening hours, prices and more information, visit: https://www.bearsanctuary-belitsa.org/
8. Take a day trip from Bansko
Fancy a change of scenery or a day of city fun?
From Bansko, you can reach a number of charming towns that are perfect for a day trip in no time.
- Plovdiv is over 7,000 years old, making it the oldest city in Europe. The city is known for its Roman theatre, Roman stadium and charming old town.
- The Rila Monastery is located in the middle of the Rila Mountains and is the symbol of Bulgaria and the country's most important tourist attraction.
- Sofia is the bustling capital of Bulgaria, where the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, Roman ruins, Vitosha Mountain and city life await you.
- Melnik is Bulgaria's smallest town, famous for its spectacular sandstone rocks, historic houses and distinctive red Melnik wines from the region. The historic Rozhen Monastery and the Rozhen Tunnel are also well-known attractions.
- Sandanski is a sunny spa town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, known for its warm thermal springs and as the birthplace of Spartacus, the legendary leader of the slave uprising against Rome.
- Velingrad is the “spa capital of the Balkans” and has the most mineral water springs in Bulgaria. You can enjoy a wonderful day out at one of the many luxury spa hotels and wellness centres.
- Ready for a day of sun, sea and sand? Kavala and Thessaloniki are a three-hour drive away and offer sea, a lively atmosphere and delicious Greek dishes such as souvlaki.
Practical information: what you need to know for your summer holiday in Bansko
Here is some practical information for a carefree holiday in Bansko:
- Temperature and weather: The average temperature in summer is between 25°C and 35°C during the day, with plenty of sunshine and hardly any rain throughout the summer. At night and on the mountain, it cools down quickly and can be around 15°C.
- Accommodation: From luxury resorts and campsites to cosy guesthouses and bungalows, there is a wide range of accommodation options.
- Food & drink: In Bansko, you can't escape the many traditional Bulgarian restaurants. Try local specialities such as “Banski Starets” (dried meat) and the traditional stew “Kapama”. There are also plenty of Italian, Greek and other restaurants and fast food outlets.
- Culture: Bulgarians shake their heads when they mean “yes” and nod when they mean “no”. When it comes to customer service, staff can sometimes come across as a bit grumpy.
- Safety: Bansko is a very safe destination, but be aware of pickpockets and con artists in crowded places. Slippery or snowy roads are also a possibility, so drive carefully.
- Language: Bulgarian is spoken, but English is widely understood in most places (hotels, restaurants, Gondola, etc.).
- Accessibility: Bansko is located approximately 160 km from Sofia and can be reached by car, bus or train.
Travelling to the region: how to comfortably reach the Razlog Valley
Bansko is located approximately 160 kilometres from Sofia and is therefore easily accessible by plane from the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whether you are coming for hiking, thermal baths or simply to enjoy the mountains, the journey there is easy and comfortable.
On our page about travelling to Bansko, you can find important tips and information on how to easily reach Bansko and hire a car from a reliable provider.
When will you come and discover this beautiful area?
As you have read in this article, Bansko is anything but boring in the summer. Because the activities we have mentioned here are, of course, not even all of them. There is so much more to do in this beautiful region!
It is definitely worth exploring Bansko in either summer or winter. Swimming, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, city trips, museums, thermal baths: you will find it all in Bansko!
Ready to discover the charms of Bansko?