Living in Bansko: an adventurous life in Bulgaria's mountains

Bansko, a charming town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria, is known as a popular destination for winter sports and nature lovers.

But it is not just a place for a holiday; more and more people are considering Bansko as a permanent or temporary residence.

What makes this region attractive and what can you expect from living here?

Living in Bansko means living in the midst of adventure. In winter, you can ski, snowboard or enjoy thermal baths in nearby villages.
In summer, there are endless opportunities for hiking, cycling and climbing.
Throughout the year, you can take part in local festivals and enjoy traditional Bulgarian food.

Bansko combines a rich history with modern facilities and breathtaking scenery. The city has a vibrant cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and a wide range of outdoor activities for all seasons.
Whether you are a passionate skier, love hiking, are looking for an investment or just looking for a quiet place to live, Bansko has something for everyone!

The history of Bansko

Bansko has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages.
The town developed as an important centre for trade and crafts, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. This era is often considered the Golden Age of Bansko, during which the town flourished thanks to trade with countries such as Austria, Italy and the Ottoman Empire.

The town has many architectural monuments from this period, including stone houses and Orthodox churches typical of the Bulgarian Revival period.

The Holy Trinity Church in Bansko

Bansko's rich history can be seen in its many monuments and over 100 archaeological sites and studies.

One of these is Sitan Kale; a fortress still inhabited by the Thracians that reached its peak during antiquity and during the early Middle Ages.
This is where the locals offered their last resistance against the Ottoman invaders, after which it fell into Ottoman hands.

Until the 18th century, the inhabitants of Bansko were mainly cattle breeders and artisans who depended on the vast pastures and rich forests.

During the National Revival period, Bansko developed into an urban trade and craft centre. Many mills, sawmills, etc. were established along the Glazne River.
Enterprising inhabitants maintained trade relations with settlements along the Aegean coast, from central and western Europe.
Caravans carrying carpentry, leather and iron goods leave for the Aegean region - Serres and Drama, to bring back cotton, fish, tobacco, opium, olives, raw and worked leather.
Trade offices of citizens of Bansko open doors in a number of European cities - Budapest, Vienna, Leipzig, Marseilles, London.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bansko was the largest settlement in Razlog district. Some 6,500 Bulgarian Christians lived there.
During this period, Bansko became a centre of the national struggle for liberation. The Kresna-Razlog Uprising (1878 - 1879) is an attempt to liberate the Kresna-Razlog valley that remained within the borders of the Ottoman Empire under the decisions of the Congress of Berlin (1878).

Almost the entire local population participated in the uprising, which was temporarily successful - the so-called ‘Kingdom of Razlog’ was founded with its centre in Bansko. However, this lasted only a few days.

The highlight of the national liberation movement in the region was the Ilinden Uprising (1903). The citizens of Bansko took an active part in the liberation process.

Excavation site between Dobrinishte and Bansko

Why Bansko? 4 reasons why residents find Bansko attractive

Bansko is a picturesque town in south-west Bulgaria, situated at the foot of the majestic Pirin Mountains. The town lies at about 925 metres above sea level and is part of the Blagoevgrad region.
Bansko has about 8,000 inhabitants and is best known as one of the largest and most popular ski destinations in Eastern Europe.

But that is not the only reason why more and more people decide to go to Bansko. You will discover it here.

‘Living in Bansko means living amid adventure, beauty and opportunity’

1. Unspoilt nature: the Pirin Mountains

Bansko lies on the edge of the beautiful Pirin Mountains, famous for its rugged peaks, deep valleys and crystal-clear lakes.
The Pirin Mountains are part of the Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering an area of more than 400 km². This area is home to enormous biodiversity, including rare plants such as the edelweiss and animals such as bears, wolves and ibexes.

The Pirin Mountains offer numerous hiking and trekking routes. One of the most famous destinations is Vihren peak, the highest peak of the mountain range (2,914 metres), which is challenging for experienced hikers.
Bezbog and Polezhan are also well-known peaks that are widely climbed.

The Pirin is a piece of pure wilderness and a must-see if you are in Bansko.

2. Winter sports and tourism

Bansko is especially famous as a winter sports destination. The Bansko ski resort has modern infrastructure with around 75 kilometres of slopes and lifts suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers.
Its annual snow security and relatively low prices attract winter sports enthusiasts from all over Europe.

In summer, Bansko turns into a hotspot for nature lovers and adventurers, with activities such as mountain biking, horse riding and mountain climbing.

The region is also known as a major spa destination. You can find numerous (hot) water springs, each with a different composition of minerals that are good for your skin, for example.

3. The climate

The climate in Bansko is continental, with warm summers and cold winters. In the winter months, temperatures range from -10°C to 10°C, while summers are pleasant with average temperatures around 25°C.
Snow usually falls from November to March/April, which is ideal for skiers.

The sun also shines here on around 300 days a year, even in winter. This means the weather can be lovely all year round with plenty of sunshine and little wind.

Of course, we are not used to this in the UK.

4. Cultural and social activities

The Starchevata Kukeri festival in Razlog

Bansko is also a centre for culture and tradition. The Bansko Jazz Festival, held annually in August, is one of the biggest jazz festivals in Europe and attracts artists from all over the world.
But also consider the Bansko Rock Festival, the Pirin Ultra Marathon and the FIS Ski World Cup held almost annually in Bansko.

There are also traditional folk festivals and culinary events where visitors can experience Bulgarian culture. For instance, on 22 September every year there is a folklore festival in the central square in Dobrinishte and on New Year's Day there are Kukeri risings to chase away evil spirits for a prosperous New Year.

Digital nomads in Bansko: a growing international community

Bansko has a growing community of digital nomads and several coworking spaces. And for good reason.
You have just read about why Bansko is attractive and about its rich history. This attracts many people from all corners of the world who move here, temporarily or otherwise.

Its mountain location, activities, beautiful weather, opportunities, facilities and the presence of high-speed internet and fresh spring and mountain water make Bansko a true digital nomad hub.

Nowadays, there are many coworking spaces available where you can work remotely with like-minded people. The Digital Nomad Fest is also organised every year, where hundreds of digital nomads gather for lectures, activities and events.

There are currently so many nomads in Bansko that it is known all over the world. This ensures that there is a large international community in Bansko that is still growing. And you can be part of this too!
This community brings many new ideas, visions and money. So it is no surprise that these people are nurtured by the government and the area is developing.

You can read why Bansko is the ideal place for these people in our extensive article on digital nomads.

Housing in Bansko: everything you need to know about looking for a property

The property market in Bansko is attractive, with options ranging from modern flats and traditional houses to large hotel complexes. Prices are affordable compared to other European ski resorts, making it an ideal place for those looking for a holiday home or permanent residence.

Important information and requirements

Buying a house in Bansko can be a great investment, whether you are looking for a holiday home, a permanent home, or a property for rental.
Here is an overview of what you need to know:

Required documents

1. A valid passport or identity card.
2. A Bulgarian tax number (EAN), which can be easily obtained through a local notary or tax office.
3. Possibly a bank account in Bulgaria for payments.

Cost

Flats start from as little as €20,000 for a studio, depending on location and facilities. However, prices are rising fast, so looking for flats as an investment or to live in yourself? The best time is always today!
Also, Bansko city centre is naturally a lot pricier than in, say, Razlog or Dobrinishte.

Luxury flats and houses can go up to €100,000 or more.
Even some (unfinished) hotels can be bought for less than a tonne. Especially outside the city of Bansko, as Bansko itself is relatively expensive by Bulgarian standards.

Keep in mind additional costs such as notary fees (around 3-5% of the purchase price), registration fees, and any estate agent fees.

All in all, it costs a lot less than in other European countries, while taxes are also a lot lower in Bulgaria.

The possibilities

1. New construction. Modern flat blocks with facilities such as swimming pools and fitness rooms.
2. Traditional houses. Authentic Bulgarian houses in the city or surrounding villages such as Dobrinishte and Razlog.
3. Holiday homes. Flats or bungalows that can be rented out immediately. Often already fully furnished.

3 tips you should look out for when finding a property

1. Find a local estate agent who understands the market

Of course, you can search online for houses that suit you.
Each estate agent has its own website with properties for sale through them. Examples are BulgarianProperties.com, Property.bg and OKBulgaria.com.

It is a lot easier to contact an English-speaking estate agent who can answer your questions and knows the area. You can then ask if he can show you some houses that meet your needs. This will give you a clear idea of what is available in the Bansko area and, of course, this says a lot more than a few pictures online.

But contacting a local estate agent has many other advantages, such as knowing what it takes to buy a house, what is going on in the region and any future plans of the government or municipality.

A local estate agent understands the housing market and therefore probably knows more than you do. Take advantage of this knowledge; it will save you a lot of time and effort!

2. Consider properties outside Bansko for more tranquillity and more favourable prices

Bansko is the heart of the region in several ways. Economic and tourist. Unsurprisingly, rental and house prices here are a bit higher than other villages in the area - and especially other areas in Bulgaria.
Bansko is the largest ski resort in Eastern Europe, bringing thousands of tourists to this beautiful town every year. As a result, Bansko has become one of Bulgaria's wealthiest cities.

So for affordable housing, you're better off looking in other areas, although Bansko is also relatively cheap compared to other European countries.

View of Dobrinishte

And do you still want to be in (near) Bansko? Then I recommend considering the nearby villages as well. Here, houses are usually a lot more affordable and there is more room for new construction or expansion.
For example, Dobrinishte is just a five-minute drive from Bansko.

The downside is that many villages in Bulgaria are dilapidated these days. All the young people leave for the big cities and the elderly spend their old age in these villages only to leave no one to maintain the house.
So, unfortunately, many villages are abandoned and neglected, including in the Bansko region. Examples are Obidim, Eleshnitsa and Kremen.

Here you can pick up a big house or a piece of land for very little money. You also live here in peace close to nature.

Yet there are also many beautiful villages where there is still plenty of hustle and bustle. Think Dobrinishte, Banya and Razlog. Although the houses here are a bit pricier, it is nicer to live in neater surroundings.

In Bansko, you really can find everything. It's just what you're looking for; whether it's a flat in the city, a house in a lively village or a hotel in the countryside!

3. Beware of rising prices and seasonal fluctuations in rental prices

As mentioned earlier in this article, Bansko depends mainly on winter tourism. This automatically causes costs to be higher in winter than the rest of the year. You can ultimately take advantage of this yourself, but if you're looking for a property, it doesn't affect you as much. Unless you want to rent.

Some other costs are also temporarily increased during the winter sports season, for example at certain restaurants.

Cost of living

In general, the cost of living in Bulgaria is relatively low. However, prices are rising rapidly.
Below is a detailed overview of the average prices in Bansko of various topics related to living.

Please note that this chart does not contain exact prices and is only meant to give you an idea of what to expect. These prices are averaged and are snapshots of the period December 2024.

Of course, you also have to deal with fuel costs. According to the latest data as of 29 December 2024, average fuel prices are as follows:

• Petrol (A95): about €1.30 per litre
• Diesel: about €1.31 per litre
• LPG (Autogas): about €0.66 per litre

As for schools: there are primary schools in every village. These are free to attend if it is government-run. If the kids go to a public school, you do pay a monthly or annual fee.
Secondary education in Bansko, Razlog or another town also costs money. The same goes for university or another higher school, where you usually pay tuition fees and buy your own books or learning materials.

Eating out is also a lot cheaper in Bansko. Dinner for one person in a cheap restaurant or takeaway will cost you around €6.65.
Dinner for two in a good restaurant can cost as little as €30 if you don't go too crazy.

A day out is much cheaper in Bulgaria than in the UK or in the US. There are even zoos where you can walk in for free and other outings don't cost too much either.

On the other hand, salaries in Bulgaria are quite a bit lower than in the UK. The average net monthly salary in Bulgaria is around €1,000. However, this varies greatly by region.

Overall, the cost of living in Bansko is lower than in many Western European cities, making it an attractive destination for tourists and expats alike.

In the video below, digital nomads from the US share their experiences in Bansko and the costs from a digital nomad's perspective.

Got your eye on a property? Important info about the buying process

• Work with a reliable estate agent and notary to ensure legal security.
• Have a structural inspection done of the property before purchase to discover any defects.
• Investigate any VvE fees (for flats) and maintenance costs.

What about employment opportunities in Bansko?

If you are going to live in Bansko, you will obviously need to work.
Especially during the ski season, there is an increased demand for staff in hotels, chalets and restaurants. There are also specific opportunities in Bansko's ski resorts. Positions range from ski monitors to technical support and catering staff.

Vacancies include positions such as:

• Resort Representatives
• Front desk staff
• Housekeeping staff
• Bar staff
• Waiters/servers
• Cooks
• Ski instructors
• Drivers

But there really is much more in the region that you can do.

Bansko has developed into a hub for digital nomads, thanks in part to initiatives such as Coworking Bansko, a popular coworking space in the city. This can also make it a good option to work on your laptop or start your own business.
There are so many possibilities!

Pros and cons of living in Bansko

There are many advantages of living in Bansko:

1. Beautiful nature. Bansko is located in a picturesque setting with the Pirin Mountains and offers numerous outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pirin National Park is nearby.
2. Growing community of expats and digital nomads. Bansko is attracting more and more digital nomads and expats, creating an international community and co-working spaces. The internet is also very fast and stable, and there are an increasing number of high-quality tents, shops and facilities.
3. Skiing and winter sports opportunities. It is one of the best ski resorts in Eastern Europe, with modern ski lifts and well-maintained slopes; 75 km in total. Lots of winter sports fun guaranteed!
4. Affordable cost of living. Living in Bansko is relatively cheap compared to other European ski resorts or big cities. Housing, food, and entertainment are affordable. Insurance and taxes are also very cheap.
5. Accessibility. It is just a 2-hour drive from Sofia, where you will find an international airport.
6. Historical charm. The old town has a rich history and traditional architecture, combined with modern facilities.
7. Low taxes. Bulgaria is known for its low tax rates, which is attractive for entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Disadvantages of living in Bansko:

1. Seasonal crowds. In the winter months, it can get very crowded with tourists, affecting tranquillity and prices. Outside the ski season, it can be relatively quiet, but never actually boring.
2. Limited job opportunities. Local jobs often focus on tourism, hospitality, or seasonal work, which can be challenging for those without experience in these fields.
3. Infrastructure and healthcare. Although the city is modernising, infrastructure is still less developed than in western countries. There are hospitals, but specialised medical care often requires travelling to Sofia.
4. Cold winters. The climate can be harsh in winter, with heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures.

Practicalities: what do you need to know?

1. Visa and residence permit: EU citizens do not need a visa to live in Bulgaria, but must register with the municipality and local authorities for a residence permit and BG license plate. You do this in Blagoevgrad.
2. Language: Although many people in Bansko speak English, learning basic Bulgarian is a great help in integrating.
3. Healthcare: The national healthcare system is cheap, but consider additional insurance to access private clinics.
4. Schools: There are schools in Bansko and the surrounding area. There is a primary school in every village and even several in Bansko. In addition, there is a higher school in Bansko and Razlog. For further education or university, you have to go to the bigger cities, such as Sofia or Plovdiv.
5. Shops: All kinds of shops are nearby, from big supermarkets to weekly markets and from cheap clothes shops to an Adidas store. There are many sports shops, souvenir shops and shoe or clothing shops in Bansko.
6. Transport: A private car is a must, especially if you want to explore the surrounding regions. There are no bicycle paths in Bansko, so cycling is very dangerous. However, you can get everywhere on foot as well.

Read more about practical matters and important information about emigrating on the emigrate page.

Are you ready to emigrate to Bansko? 5 tips

Emigrating to Bansko can be an exciting and enriching experience. Here are five tips to make your emigration smooth and successful.

1. Research the local culture and language

Although many younger residents and expats speak English, learning basic Bulgarian helps immensely with integration. Understanding simple phrases like ‘blagodarya’ (thank you) and ‘dobur den’ (good day) shows respect for the local culture.
An app like Mondly or taking local language courses can be a good start. You can also take language classes online.

Bulgaria has unique traditions, such as Baba Marta in March and Orthodox holidays. Learn about these to more easily fit into the community and attend fun celebrations.

2. Arrange your paperwork carefully

Check the requirements for long-term residence. For EU citizens, the process is simpler, but it can still be administratively intensive. This is why it might be useful to hire a local lawyer who will arrange this for you and know the rules and laws.
Hiring a lawyer does not have to be expensive at all, but will save you an extreme amount of time and research.

Bulgaria has a favourable tax climate (10% flat tax), but it is essential to fully understand your tax liability in both countries. Again, a lawyer or someone who understands this is recommended.

Also, if, for example, you want to get your driving licence in Bulgaria, there are certain rules for this that do not apply in the UK. For example, you must be able to show proof of education; in other words, you must have completed at least secondary school with a diploma.

So it is important to carefully collect and keep all important documents before departure.

3. Integrate into the community and connect with others

Join expat groups and events to meet people with similar interests. Participate in festivals and traditional gatherings to make local friends.
You can also sign up to volunteer in the community or participate in cultural exchanges to integrate quickly.

Tip: Use social media and forums to expand your network in Bansko and connect with Dutch people in the region. Consider the Facebook group ‘The Bansko Notice Board’.

4. Don't be fooled

If you are going to live in Bansko, chances are that you still have to do some work (read: renovate) on your house. Chances are that you do not know exactly how to do this, as both the building style and the materials used are different from what you might be used to.

Whereas in the Netherlands houses are built with bricks as standard, in Bulgaria you will see much more variation with different types of natural stone, wood and brick. There is also no cavity wall insulation, instead materials like glass wool and Styrofoam are used.

What I am getting at is that you are probably going to hire a construction company or a contractor to outsource certain jobs. This is where you need to pay close attention. Not all companies deliver the same quality and are equally careful.
And then you also have the differences in prices.

Because you are a foreigner who does not speak the language and is ‘from the rich West’, they may still sometimes pass this on in the price. Be alert to this and if possible, arrange for someone you trust to act as an interpreter so that the contractor also understands better what you want.
This will prevent misunderstandings and problems!

5. Read the purchase contract carefully!

This is a story we experienced ourselves in 2023 during our buying process.
We had our eye on a house in Chokmanovo in the Smolyan region. We had done two viewings and wanted to buy the house.
We made an offer and received a slightly increased counter-offer. We agreed to this. The estate agent drew up a purchase contract and everything seemed fine.

After months of searching, we had finally bought a house. Or so we thought. Because we noticed something about the contract that didn't seem right and had it read to an acquaintance who speaks both Bulgarian and Dutch. She confirmed our suspicions and said that although the house was on the contract, not the land it was on!
Had we signed this contract, we would have bought a house without land. And this could have caused problems later when selling or we had to pay extra for the use of the land.

We had pointed this out to the estate agent and he would amend it. Later, we were sent the contract again and what did we find out? It was still excluding the land!
This damaged our trust in the estate agent and the owner of the property and we stopped the process.

Through the good actions of an acquaintance, we were saved from disaster. And so this is what we want to warn others about.

Always read the purchase contract carefully and never sign for something you don't know what it is or what exactly it says.

That goes without saying, of course, but now it has become even clearer why this is so important.

Curious and want to read our whole story? Check out the Our story page and get inspired!

Conclusion

Living in Bansko offers a unique blend of natural beauty, affordability and a relaxed lifestyle. It is a perfect choice for adventurous people who want to enjoy a mountain environment without the high costs of traditional ski resorts.
Whether you are a digital nomad, want your own hotel or guest house in a ski resort, want to start a family, or are just looking for a quiet retirement, Bansko has something for everyone.

Want to know more? Contact us!

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