Location
  Bansko enjoys a picturesque situation in a valley surrounded by Pirin, Rila and the Rhodopi Mountains in the South-West of Bulgaria. It is situated at 925 m. a.s.l. at the North-eastern foothills of Pirin Mountains beneath the highest and the most beautiful Karst part of the mountain. The town of Bansko (population: about 12 000) is just 160 km South from Sofia and 6 km South-east from Razlog. Bansko is one of the most important gates for routes, heading to Pirin Mountains and its giant Mount Vihren (2914 m. a.s.l.).
Click here to view a map of Bansko.

HOW TO GET THERE

  · from SOFIA
  There is a public transport to Bansko from “Ovcha Kupel” Bus Station and from the Central Bus Station (by the Central Train Station) also. Depending on the traffic and the road conditions it takes about 3,15-4,00 hours to get there (2-2,45 with a car). However during the high season it is hard to get a ticket without purchasing it a few days earlier.

  · from PLOVDIV
  You can take again public transport to Bansko from “Iug” Bus Station (meaning “South”). The duration of the trip is about 4,00 hours. Buses are not numerous and problems with finding tickets could also occur.

  · OUR RECOMMENDATION
  The best option to reach Bansko is by car. This is how you could visit many interesting sites en-route and also a nice possibility to make your stay independent as regards to transport etc. Chauffer driven services are also quite popular, but not the services offered by taxi companies, as they are inadequately high!

Check the opportunities to rent a car from the cities of Sofia, Plovdiv and elsewhere to Bansko with 10% discount.

Check our rates for transfers to Bansko from Sofia and Plovdiv.

  Weather conditions
  Winters in Bansko are mild with heavy snowfall in the mountains with average January temperatures of -1,9°C in the town itself and up to -20°C on the high peaks. Snow cover usually lasts for five or six months (December to April) on the Northern slopes and is over 2 m thick. Mean July temperatures is 18,9°C.

  Where to stay
  Being the biggest ski resort of Bulgaria, practically Bansko offers great variety in this respect satisfying tourists of different financial means.
There are many luxury and middle-class hotels, holiday apartments as well as more than 40 small family hotels and pensions. As they are usually fully booked in advance for the duration of the ski season, it would be good if you book a place there at least few months before arrival.

Check the opportunities for hotel accommodations in Bansko.

  Apres ski
  Bansko has been declared a unique town of international importance to commercial tourism (1979). Apart from the beautiful Pirin Mountains (declared a National Park) and the numerous spots of natural beauty the town also boasts many historic sites. Remains of ancient fortresses have been preserved in the Staroto Gradishte (Stankale) locality about 4 km southwest of the town and also in the Julen locality (downstream Demyanitsa River). Thracian tumuli have been uncovered in the vicinity of Staroto Gradishte. Archaeological works have unearthed a 2-nd century B.C. burial site containing a set of bronze surgical instruments, remains of medicinal preparations etc. in the centuries-old Dobrokyovitsa locality (west of Bansko). Scientists assume that a medieval settlement used to exist in the Sveta Troitsa (Holy Trinity) locality (northeast of town). Southeast of Bansko are remains of the late-medieval single-nave churches "St George" and "St Elijah".
  In recent days almost every house has its own tavern (called "Mehana"), still housing the exceptional charm and style of the local atmosphere by their cuisine and good selection of Bulgarian wines. Most of the local "Mehanas" even offer live music and folklore programs. Discos and night clubs work without time limit, and usually close early in the morning.
Today Bansko has preserved more than 120 cultural and history monuments. The Holly Trinity Church (1835) is a masterpiece of architecture with the ensemble of old buildings of the same name beside it. Another highlight nearby is the Rila Monastery. It is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria and also one of the most remarkable monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. A visit to the smallest Bulgarian town – Melnik, would be a perfect choice for a recovery day without skiing. It is not only known for its history and architecture but for it is wine too. Original cellars are excavated in the sand pyramids, which surround the town on all sides, and there the famous Melnik wine ripens, matures and is preserved. Nowhere else one can find this technology.

  Medical and dental services
  At the moment, certain vaccinations or inoculation may be recommended (although are not compulsory) for Bulgaria. Nonetheless, regulation are subject to change, and passengers are reminded that they are responsible for complying with entry and health requirements for all countries they intend to visit. Also, we feel we should point out in some foreign countries general standards of hygiene, safety, public services and efficiency may differ from those in your country, and changes in climate, diet and food preparation can lead to incidents of stomach upsets. Please therefore exercise greater care for your own protection and health in matters of hygiene and choice of food and drink. All the resort we feature in Bulgaria have well equipped polyclinics. However, charges for first aid, treatments courses and medication can be substantial, and in the unfortunate event of you requiring medical treatment during your holiday, and incurring costs, it is well worth ensuring that you have adequate insurance.

  The Emergency SKI PATROL service is available 24 hours a day. Ambulance and clinic (with doctor and nurse) are available, as well as first aid, on all ski slopes. Highly qualified dentists are available at the resorts too.
  Pharmacies are available at the resorts.
  Some medical and all dental services must be cash to the doctors (clinics). They should provide the necessary bills, receipts and invoices describing the service and the cost, so that you can claim back the expense to your insurance company. It's recommended you call your insurance company and inform them in case of injury.