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Bulgaria: Europe's mineral water and wellness paradise
Did you know that Bulgaria has the highest number of mineral water springs in Europe after Iceland? Many people are unaware of this, but there are more than 700 mineral water springs and no fewer than 1,600 natural water springs throughout the country!
Many springs have a unique mineral composition, which means that each spring offers specific health benefits. In addition, the temperatures vary from spring to spring. While the water at one spring is 20°C, at the hottest spring in Europe in Sapareva Banya it can reach as high as 100°C!
Bulgaria is truly a paradise for body and soul!
The most famous spa regions in Bulgaria are Velingrad (the spa capital of the Balkans), Hisarya, Sandanski, Sapareva Banya and the Bansko region.
The thermal region of Bansko in south-western Bulgaria attracts thousands of visitors every year. This thermal area is rich in natural water sources, especially in the towns of Dobrinishte and Banya.
Although the springs in this region do not reach 100°C, they offer pleasant temperatures between 30°C and 60°C. This makes it possible to swim or bathe outdoors in the wonderfully warm spring water in both summer and winter.
Imagine:
You have spent a wonderful day skiing in the mountains of Bansko. After all that adventure, there is nothing better than relaxing in one of the luxury spa resorts. As you arrive at the thermal pool, the warm steam feels wonderful on your skin. You plunge into the clear, warm water.
After an invigorating swim, you step into the sauna, where the rustic atmosphere envelops you. It's the perfect way to relax your muscles and recharge your batteries after a day of action on the slopes.
You close your eyes and leave the worries of the day behind. This is truly the ultimate après-ski experience!
Main thermal springs in the Bansko area
Banya: village of 70 water springs
Banya has been known as a spa resort for centuries. The Romans, among others, came here to enjoy the warm spring water and built several bathhouses.
The village even owes its name to this; “banya” literally means “bath” (also “bathroom” and “bathhouse”) in Bulgarian.
Banya has no fewer than 70 hot springs! And the great thing is that each of these springs has a different temperature and mineral composition, offering different health benefits and healing properties.
Banya has a long history dating back to Thracian times (more than 2,000 years ago). The region was popular for its thermal mineral springs, which were already considered healing at that time.
There are still many remnants of these bygone times. For example, there is an Ottoman bathhouse, a centuries-old Bulgarian bathhouse and remains of Roman bathhouses.
You can still enjoy these thermal springs today. Well-known spa resorts in Banya that have natural thermal baths at their disposal include Mineral 56, Hot Springs Medical & Spa Hotel, Villa Victoria and Grand Hotel Banya.
There is also the Izgrev public bath.
Banya is only a small village in the municipality of Razlog, but there are quite a few accommodations in the village. Luxury spa resorts with huge swimming pools, but also cosy guest houses. And they all have access to the wonderful thermal spring water.
This water has a maximum temperature of 60°C, which makes it pleasant even in winter when there is a lot of snow.
Our recommended accommodation: Grand Hotel Therme Banya
Grand Hotel Therme in Banya is one of the most famous spa hotels in the region, known for its warm spring water from its own source. The hotel has no fewer than 11 swimming pools with thermal spring water, both indoor and outdoor, making relaxation a priority here in every season.
In the extensive wellness centre, you can enjoy the sauna or take advantage of various high-quality spa facilities and treatments, such as massages. In addition, the hotel offers three restaurants with varied cuisines and a bar for a relaxing end to the day.
Dobrinishte: peaceful spa centre in the mountains
Dobrinishte is a beautiful and charming mountain town that has also been a well-known health resort for centuries. There are a total of 17 mineral water springs in the immediate vicinity of Dobrinishte. Several spa hotels, such as the Ruskovets Resort and Hotel Makedonska Kruchma, make eager use of these springs.
The Romans already knew this place as an important health resort and used the water sources here as medicine. A remnant of this is the Roman bath, found in 1966 and located one kilometre from Dobrinishte along the main road to Mesta.
But the Roman bath is not the only source.
The silver water is also a well-known mineral spring and offers health benefits and healing properties. For example, this water is said to be good for the eyes and skin.
The funny thing is that this silver water, with a temperature of 40°C, comes straight out of the ground through a small pipe (see photo). You can dip your feet in it and enjoy the peace and quiet.
This spring is located just outside Dobrinishte, a hundred metres from the cross.
There is also a public bathhouse next to the silver water. It offers hot spring water in which you can wash.
There is a large bathhouse in the park. For a small entrance fee, you can also go here to wash or simply enjoy the wonderfully warm and healing water.
Finally, there is the Alpha Spa & Pool outdoor swimming pool. It is located on the east side of the town, near the silver water, and is open all year round.
The water filling the pool is warm mineral water sourced directly from the ground. There are several pools of different temperatures. With average temperatures of 30-40°C, this pool is also a great place to relax in winter!
Our recommended accommodation: Ruskovets Resort
Ruskovets Resort is located in peaceful Dobrinishte, a quiet town known as a relaxing spa resort. The resort focuses on rest and recuperation, with thermal pools fed by its own spring and a wellness area where natural relaxation takes centre stage. Enjoy a wonderful massage or unwind in the sauna!
Surrounded by mountains and silence, Ruskovets is a great base for unwinding, far away from the hustle and bustle.
Bansko: luxury spa hotels for the whole family
Although the hot springs are less prominent in Bansko, they can certainly be found here too. Large, luxury hotels such as Grand Hotel Bansko have enormous spa complexes and swimming pools with thermal water.
Popular options include saunas, steam baths and massage packages.
Our recommended accommodation: Grand Hotel Bansko
Grand Hotel Bansko is located on the outskirts of Bansko and is known for its thermal spring water and extensive, luxurious wellness facilities. The hotel has seven swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, and a wellness centre with saunas, spa facilities and relaxation areas.
With two restaurants and a gym, it is a comfortable place for those who want to combine relaxation with active recovery, in any season.
Razlog: atmospheric thermal baths in the Rila Mountains
Razlog also has a history of thermal water springs. In the central park, you will find an old Ottoman bathhouse that is now a restaurant. Here you can enjoy delicious food in a unique setting, in a converted bathhouse!
There are also several hotels with luxurious spa facilities and swimming pools with thermal spring water.
Our recommended accommodation: Katarino Spa Hotel
Katarino Spa Hotel is located in the heart of nature near Razlog, between the Pirin and Rila mountains. The hotel uses thermal mineral water and offers swimming pools with a temperature of around 30°C and a thermal jacuzzi. Its peaceful location and wellness-oriented character make Katarino a wonderful place to relax, surrounded by mountains and silence.
Want to discover more? Look a little further: Ognyano, Sandanski and Velingrad
Velingrad: the spa capital of the Balkans
Velingrad is known as the spa capital of the Balkans because of the many water sources in the area. Ognyanovo and Sandanski may be less well known to the general public, but these places also have a lot to offer in terms of spa facilities and spring water.
Velingrad is about an hour and a half's drive from Bansko, in the western part of the Rhodope Mountains. Velingrad has the largest mineral water springs in Bulgaria and the Balkans. The well-known bottled water brand Velingrad is also bottled here.
There are no fewer than 200+ water sources in the immediate vicinity of Velingrad. There are dozens of luxury spa hotels, public bathhouses, swimming pools and the “Delfin” water park.
It is truly the “SPA capital of the Balkans”!
Our recommended accommodation: Hotel Arte SPA & Park
Hotel Arte SPA & Park is located on the outskirts of Velingrad, in a quiet location bordering the forest. The hotel has its own hot spring and three swimming pools, including an indoor pool connected to a smaller outdoor pool and baths. The wellness centre offers various spa facilities, including a hot tub, a salt room and a herbal sauna.
Ognyanovo: small spa resort in the Rhodopes with luxury amenities
Ognyanovo is located near Gotse Delchev, southeast of Bansko. It is a small village with several spa hotels and is known for its mineral water springs, which are mainly located near the lake.
Our recommended accommodation: Royal Valentina Castle
Royal Valentina Castle is located in the village of Ognyanovo, known for its hot mineral springs. The hotel uses its own hot spring and has three swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor. There is also a sun terrace, a steam bath and a sauna, making it a great place to relax in peace and quiet in a serene and atmospheric environment.
Sandanski: historic mountain town with a rich history in wellness
Sandanski is a special town with a rich history. Many artefacts and remains of buildings from Roman times have been uncovered here, and the world-famous Spartacus was also born in Sandanski.
There are 80 mineral water springs in the immediate vicinity of Sandanski. These are mainly located in and around St. Vrach Park.
Many hotels offer extensive spa facilities and swimming pools.
This makes it an interesting city to visit.
Our recommended accommodation: Interhotel Sandanski
Interhotel Sandanski is located in the centre of Sandanski, a town known as Bulgaria's hottest town and for its thermal springs. The hotel has three swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, and a luxurious wellness centre with a steam bath, sauna, hairdresser and beauty salon. Interhotel Sandanski also houses one of Bulgaria's largest balneotherapy centres, with a clear focus on relaxation and recovery.
Why choose the Bansko thermal region?
- Health: good for skin, breathing and muscles.
- Accessibility: many springs are located in the immediate vicinity of Bansko, easily accessible by car or taxi.
- Variety: from luxury spa hotels to small-scale, traditional baths.
- Combination with activities: combine skiing, hiking or culture with relaxation.
Discover the charms of Bansko
The thermal region around Bansko is a gem that deserves much more attention. Whether you come in winter for the slopes, in summer for the mountains, or live permanently in Bulgaria, the hot springs of Banya, Dobrinishte and the surrounding villages offer relaxation, health and a touch of authenticity.
This makes Bansko not only a (winter) sports and cultural city, but also a top destination for wellness and recovery.
Many thermal spas are located in or near the mountains of Bansko. Bansko is often chosen as a base for thermal spas, nature and relaxation in the region.