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Bansko: Bulgaria's top tourist destination
Bulgaria is one of Europe's lesser-known gems. Yet you will probably have heard of its beautiful Black Sea coast and seaside resorts such as Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Burgas and Varna. Or Europe's oldest city; Plovdiv, aka the European Capital of Culture.
But you can also ski beautifully in Bulgaria! In places like Pamporovo, Borovets and Bansko, beautiful slopes await you!
Bansko is the largest ski resort in Bulgaria and even in the Balkans.
Bansko is a small town in southwestern Bulgaria, located next to the Pirin Mountains. Known for its excellent ski resort, rich history and vibrant culture, Bansko attracts thousands of tourists every year, both in winter and summer.
In winter, you can enjoy excellent ski slopes and cosy après-ski, and in summer, beautiful hiking trails and lovely warm weather.
Bansko was recently named one of the trending travel destinations for 2025 by Lonely Planet, thanks in part to its affordable prices and combination of traditional and modern attractions.
In addition, the area around Bansko is one of the most important spa regions in Europe. The dozens of thermal baths provide a unique experience and ensure that many tourists enjoy a well-deserved relaxing holiday.
The combination of a ski resort, golf resort (Pirin Golf) and spa resort is unique in the world. Within five minutes, you can be in the thermal spring water or on the slopes!
Bansko offers a unique combination of nature, adventure and culture. It is the perfect destination for travellers who love winter sports, nature, thermal baths and the authentic Bulgarian atmosphere, architecture and cuisine.
Bansko's history: from historic mountain village to world-famous ski resort
The first traces of human habitation in the region of Bansko date back to Thracian times, some three thousand years ago. Archaeological finds indicate settlements and sanctuaries established by this ancient civilisation. Later, the area was influenced by the Romans and Byzantines, who used trade routes through the Pirin Mountains to spread goods and ideas.
During the Middle Ages, Bansko grew into an important trade and craft centre. Its strategic location along trade routes between the Byzantine Empire, the Slavic kingdoms and later the Ottoman Empire ensured economic prosperity. Artisans and merchants in Bansko were known for their craftsmanship, especially in woodworking, icon painting and textile production.
Like many other Bulgarian towns, Bansko fell under Ottoman rule in the 14th century. Despite the repression, Bulgarian identity flourished in Bansko, with secret schools and Orthodox churches preserving its culture and language. The town became an important centre for Bulgarian National Rebirth in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Bansko produced some prominent figures, including Paisii Hilendarski, the monk who in 1762 wrote the first Bulgarian national history: the ‘Slavic-Bulgarian History’.
After Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878, Bansko remained an important economic and cultural centre. In the 20th century, the city began to develop as a tourist destination, thanks to its spectacular nature and convenient location. The construction of modern infrastructure and ski facilities in the 1990s and 2000s transformed Bansko into the main winter sports destination in Bulgaria.
What to do in Bansko? Our tips for the best activities
Bansko is a destination that offers plenty of activities all year round. In the winter months it is known as Bulgaria's largest ski resort, while in the summer months Bansko transforms into a paradise for nature lovers.
Here you will discover all about the best activities in Bansko.
1. Winter sports: skiing and snowboarding in Bulgaria's largest ski resort
Bansko is the largest, best-known and most modern ski resort in the Balkans. In total, there are 75 kilometres of slopes and 14 lifts in Bansko.
The resort has modern ski lifts and facilities, including the Gondola lift that connects the town to the ski area.
The ski season runs from early December to mid-April.
The Bansko resort ranges from 990 to 2,600 metres and, due to its high altitude, is very snow-sure.
Bansko is known for being ideal for all levels: beginners, families and advanced skiers alike.
Combined with a lively après-ski culture, skiing in Bansko is an experience not to be missed!
2. Discover nature: hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and safari adventures
Bansko is also known for its beautiful unspoilt nature.
The nearby Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers countless hiking and mountain biking trails through mountain meadows and ancient pine forests.
Popular hiking destinations in Pirin include the peaks of Vihren, Bezbog and Todorka, or the steep Koncheto ridge.
Is this a bit too much for you? Then you can simply walk to a mountain hut, such as the Yavorov Hut. Or how about one of the oldest trees in Europe: Baikuchev's Pine?
Although there are few specifically marked mountain bike trails, mountain biking is becoming an increasingly popular activity in Bansko. In the valley and in the forests, you can enjoy cycling with beautiful views and challenging trails.
A beautiful route, for example, is to cycle (or walk) from Bansko or Dobrinishte to the St. Nicholas waterfall and enjoy nature in this magical place.
In Bansko, there are options for renting a bike if you don't have your own.
Horse riding through nature is also a popular activity in the region. There are several riding schools where you can go on a guided horse ride through nature. A unique and unforgettable experience!
Not so keen on horses and would you rather explore nature on a quad bike, buggy or Jeep? This is also possible in Bansko!
At Bansko ATV, for example, you can go out with a guide on quads to drive around the countryside.
3. Culture and festivals: discover music festivals, celebrations and folklore
Bansko is a major cultural player in Bulgaria. Many traditional celebrations and traditions have been well preserved and are an important part of the lives of the local population.
For example, a strong dialect of Bulgarian is spoken in Bansko.
Many festivals are organised in Bansko every year. The best-known example is the Bansko Jazz Festival, but the Rock Evenings and the Opera Festival also attract many visitors every year. But in the summer, there are many more fun events and festivals.
On New Year's Day, there is a Kukeri parade, just like in Razlog.
Are you a digital nomad or do you aspire to become one? Then be sure to visit the Bansko Nomad Fest, which is organised every year in June.
Here you can meet new people, exchange ideas and gain many new skills and knowledge to grow your business.
Would you like to know more about upcoming events and festivals in Bansko? Then take a look at our events page.
4. Wellness and relaxation: unwind in spas and thermal baths
Bansko is one of Europe's most unique spa destinations. The region is renowned for its thermal baths and mineral water springs. There are dozens of them in the area, particularly in Banya and Dobrinishte.
Banya and Dobrinishte are villages a few kilometres from Bansko that have been frequently visited since ancient times for their thermal baths and the health benefits they offer.
Several bathhouses from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods have been found here.
In Bansko itself, there are many luxury spa hotels that have natural thermal baths at their disposal and offer spa facilities such as saunas, mud treatments and massages.
Examples include Regnum Ski Hotel & Spa and Grand Hotel Bansko.
The thermal baths in Bansko are ideal for relaxation, especially after a day of skiing or hiking.
5. Visit the charming old town of Bansko
The old town of Bansko is perhaps the most beautiful and photogenic part of the city.
Here you will find numerous narrow cobbled streets and beautiful old houses in traditional Bulgarian style.
This part of town is also home to almost all of the traditional Bulgarian restaurants, known as mehanas. All these terraces create a cosy atmosphere that invites you to come back again!
The Holy Trinity Church (built in 1835) is the centrepiece of the old town and is considered the most important sight in Bansko, which is not surprising. It is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Bulgaria and has a unique architecture.
The tower stands separate from the church itself, which makes for a beautiful view from the street.
Or visit one of the museums, such as the Velyanova House, the Neofit Rilski Museum or the Nikola Vaptsarov Museum.
The old town of Bansko is a charming and historic place that contrasts beautifully with the modern ski resort.
Our favourite restaurants in Bansko
Bansko is known for its traditional Bulgarian cuisine. Discover Bulgarian cuisine in one of the many excellent restaurants in Bansko.
- Chevermeto: a cosy traditional Bulgarian restaurant. View location
- The House: an atmospheric restaurant made of tree trunks. View location
- Steak house Lazur: the place to be for meat lovers! View location
Try local specialities such as:
- Banski Starets: A dried meat delicacy.
- Kapama: A slow-cooked stew with meat, cabbage and rice.
- Shopska salad: A fresh salad with red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and Bulgarian white cheese.
- Local wines and rakia: Bulgaria has a rich wine tradition that you should definitely taste. Melnik is fun to visit in this respect.
Accommodation in Bansko: our recommendations
There is a huge range of hotels and other accommodation options in the centre of Bansko (and beyond).
Here are our recommendations for hotels in Bansko.
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena
The Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko is located right next to the gondola and is the place where your holiday feeling begins immediately. Enjoy spacious rooms with breathtaking mountain views, gourmet restaurants and an exclusive spa where you can completely unwind.
Grand Hotel Bansko
Casa Karina Hotel & Spa
Practical information
Here is some practical information for a carefree holiday in Bansko:
- Best time to visit: Winter (December to April) for skiing; summer (June to September) for hiking and festivals.
- Accessibility: Bansko is located approximately 160 km from Sofia and can be reached by car, bus or train.
- Temperature and weather: The average temperature in winter is around 5°C, with a total of about one month of snow cover (in the valley). At night and on the mountain, the temperature can drop to as low as -20°C. In summer, the average temperature is between 25°C and 35°C during the day, but it cools down sufficiently at night.
- 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.).
Arrived in Sofia: how to get to Bansko?
Bansko is located approximately 160 kilometres from Sofia and is therefore easily accessible from the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whether you are coming for skiing, hiking, thermal baths or simply to enjoy the mountains, the route there is easy and comfortable.
Flying to Sofia
Most travellers arrive at Sofia Airport.
From London for example, you can fly with Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air or Ryanair. Flights are regular and often surprisingly affordable.
From Sofia to Bansko
Once you land, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to drive to Bansko. The route is mostly on good (motor)ways and is doable in any season – in winter through a beautiful snowy landscape, in summer along green hills.
These are the possible transport options:
- Rental car – the most flexible way to explore the region.
- Shuttle / Airport Transfer – ideal if you don't want to drive yourself; you will be dropped off at your doorstep.
- Bus – affordable and direct from Sofia bus station to Bansko.
- Train – a unique route through the mountains, but with transfers it takes about 8 hours.
Prefer not to drive yourself?
Then you can opt for an Airport Transfer. A local driver will take you to your accommodation safely, comfortably and without hassle. Especially nice if you arrive late at night or are travelling with children.
Car hire: discover Bansko at your own pace
Many travellers choose to hire a car. This is useful if you want to explore the surrounding area, such as Dobrinishte, Razlog, the thermal baths, or simply discover Bansko at your own pace.
We recommend Top Rent A Car: Bulgaria's most reliable car hire company for many years.
- Transparent prices
- New and well-maintained cars
- Unlimited kilometres
- Option to cross the border, for example to the Greek coast
Below you will find the current prices and available cars at Sofia Airport for your travel dates.
We work with reliable partners such as Top Rent A Car. If you book through our link, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Will you be coming to enjoy Bansko this year?
Bansko is a versatile destination that has something to offer every type of traveller. Whether you are a winter sports enthusiast, a nature lover or a culture vulture, this charming town in Bulgaria is sure to surprise you.
Contact us to discuss the possibilities for an unforgettable holiday. We are happy to help you arrange suitable accommodation or a mountain tour, for example.
Or plan your trip yourself and discover why Bansko is such a popular tourist destination!