Location

Access

Bansko is situated approximately 150 klms km to the southeast of Sofia, Bulgaria, in the region of Blagoevgrad, in the foothills of Mount Pirin.

The nearest airport is the Sofia-Vrazhdebna Airport (SOF) and you can travel by car from Sofia to Bansko via highway A3 and Route 19 in approximately 2 hours (155 klmskm).

The hotel can organize private transports from the airport or any other pick-up point of your choice.

You can reach Bansko from Thessaloniki by car via highway E79 and Route 19 in approximately 3 hours (220 klmskm).

The nearest train station is located in Blagoevgrad, from where private transfers can be arranged as well.

There are also frequent bus schedules from both Sofia and Thessaloniki, as well as all major Bulgarian cities.

Distances

Here is an indication of some approximate distances from the town of Bansk

• Thessaloniki, Greece – Bansko, Bulgaria: 220 kilometres

• Athens, Greece – Bansko, Bulgaria: 725 kilometres

• Sofia, Bulgaria – Bansko, Bulgaria: 150 kilometres

• Instanbul, Turkey – Bansko, Bulgaria: 600 kilometres

Bansko area

Bansko is a picturesque town in the southwest of Bulgaria, located at the foothills of Mount Pirin at an altitude of 925 meters.

In recent years, Mount Pirin enjoys increasing levels of popularity as a winter sport destination, as it hosts Bulgaria’s largest and most modern ski resort.

The exceptional, healthy climate with the long winters and cool summers, the quality of snow coverage and the beauty of the surrounding scenery also contribute in Bansko’s recent rise to fame.

Bansko

Ski Resort

The ski resort features 70 km of ski tracks, suitable for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, slalom and giant slalom runs, as well as a 5 klm long cross country track.

A very modern Gondola lift links the town of Bansko with the ski center’s main base camp, whereas within the center itself there are a 3-seat lift, a 6-seat lift, 7 drags and 10 baby drags.

For the snowboard enthusiasts, the ski center also features one of the most modern, state-of-the-art Fun Park in the Balkans.

Throughout the year, the Bansko ski-resort hosts a number of winter sport races, cups and events that attract visitors from all around the world.

The Town

The town of Bansko offers upscale accommodation and numerous recreational opportunities to entertain you both in the day and nighttime.

From winter- sport facilities, excursions in the wild and horseback riding, to sightseeing and night clubbing, Bansko has a taste for every palate.

The town’s gastronomic horizons have expanded due to the recent influx of tourists, offering a new take in traditional Bulgarian cooking influenced by the refined tastes of neighboring countries such as Italy, Greece and France;

not to mention a wide range of high quality international cuisine. Entertainment is affluent in Bansko; traditional, scenic cafés, bars and night clubs offer suitable options for every taste, and many dining facilities offer live entertainment as well.

Shops are also in abundance, ready to cover all your needs, particularly in clothing apparel and winter sport equipment, but also in specialty traditional handiwork.

Culture

As the town of Bansko evolved, from the little merchant and farming center to a high end tourist destination, it has adopted a cultural flair that makes it even more unique and inviting. Events like the annual Bansko Jazz festival, the Opera Festival or the Extreme Sport Movie festival have found the ideal hosting grounds, and gain more loyal fans with every passing year.

Other intriguing stops include the House-Museum of Neofit Rilski, the patron scholar of the Bulgarian education system, the Velianov House, considered a national monument

both for its architecture as well as the artistic works of its owner, the alluring Church of Saint Trinity and its neighboring permanent exhibition of religious icons.

Bansko is ready to welcome you and become your new favorite winter destination!

Places of Interest

Bansko attracts visitors from all around the world for its state of the art, majestic ski resort; but Bansko is not just about skiing.

The town of Bansko – and the entire Pirin region have plenty more to offer. Here is an indication of places of interest, in and around the town of Bansko, to quench your curiosity and pamper the adventurer in you:

Holy Trinity Church

The Church dedicated to the Holy Trinity was built in the period of the Bulgarian National Revival. Its inauguration was made in 1835. It is located in the centre of Bansko and it is claimed to be the largest one in Pirin Area because of its enormous size.
Pirin region’s largest and most interesting churches, the location of Bansko’s proclamation of independence in 1912. Apart from the rich history and cultural significance that surrounds its grounds, the church’s architectural beauty and decoration make it one of Bansko’s main attractions.

Lake Okoto

The Lake “Okoto” (The Eye) is one of the most impressive lakes in the Pirin Area. Lake “Okoto” provides ideal conditions for a summer picnic or a BBQ close to Premier providing an overwhelming experience.

Nikola Vaptsarov Statue

Born in Bansko in December of 1909 to a rather militant father and protestant mother its rather unusual that he went on to become one of Bulgaria’s finest poets.
In 1952 he was posthumously awarded the International Peace Award. Subsequently in 1954 his works were translated into English with a forward from the well know British poet Peter Tempest. Since then his poetry has been further translated into over 98 languages throughout the world.

Saint Paisius of Hilendar

Saint Paisius of Hilendar (1722-1773) was a Bulgarian clergyman and a key Bulgarian National Revival figure. He is most famous for being the author of Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya, the first work of Bulgarian historiography.
The monument is located on the Vazrazhdane square in Bansko and it was created in 1976 by the sculptor Stoycho Todorov.

Rila Monastery

Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, also known as the Rila Monastery, is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is situated in the southwestern Rila Mountains in the georgeous valley of the Rilska River, 117 km away from Sofia. The monastery is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 – 946 AD).

Nikola Vaptsarov Community Center

Nikola Vaptsarov Community Center in the town of Bansko is the biggest cultural institution on the territory of Bansko Municipality. Established in 1894 and named ‘Selska Pochivka’ (Villagers’ Rest), nowadays the Community Center is a keeper of the book heritage, the traditions and customs of the locals. The Center library has around 50 000 books.