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Village pearls: explore the idyllic beauty of villages in the Bansko region

Welcome to Bansko, where the true treasures of the region can be found in the surrounding villages, where centuries-old traditions and pristine landscapes converge.

Each village has its own story, its own character and its own unique charm. From centuries-old churches to traditional craftsmen who pass on their skills from generation to generation.
In this article, you will discover more about the villages around Bansko, the rich culture, the warm hospitality of the locals and the breathtaking natural beauty this region has to offer.
 

 




 

Bansko: the tourist heart of the region

Bansko is located in southwestern Bulgaria in Blagoevgrad province. It has about 10,000 inhabitants and borders the Pirin Mountains. The Glazne river runs through the town and beautiful mountains are visible everywhere in the town!


Bansko is known as the largest winter sports resort in Bulgaria and even the entire Balkans.
The resort is an Eco Friendly Resort and voted Bulgaria's best resort in 2023. In addition, it is much cheaper than ski resorts in, say, Austria!


Mountain peaks, mountain lakes, the annual Bansko Jazz Festival, annual events and FIS ski races make Bansko an attractive and internationally recognised resort.
This, combined with the fresh spring water you can find everywhere, makes Bansko the ideal location to live, work and holiday!

Glazne river in Bansko with Pirin mountains in the background. The Glazne river in Bansko


Razlog: a cozy and historic mountain town

Razlog is a town north of Bansko with about 19,000 inhabitants.

Although Razlog is not as touristy as Bansko, it is definitely worth a visit. There is a nice centre with shops, restaurants and accommodation options.

It is beautifully designed with water streams, fountains and several parks. Razlog is also popular with Bulgarians who want to buy a house there or have one built in a nice location overlooking the Pirin Mountains.

There is also a lake just outside the city, with benches with a nice view of the mountains.


Also, in Razlog you have an observation tower on top of a hill, on which you can look over the whole area including the town, Bansko and the mountains!


Razlog is a cheaper alternative to Bansko, while the hiking possibilities in Razlog are endless in the beautiful nature surrounding the city!

View over the city of Razlog. The town of Razlog from the observation tower


Dobrinishte: a beautiful village with its own ski slope

Dobrinishte is a village located east of Bansko, about 8 kilometers away.


The village is known for its (hot) water springs and ski slopes.
For example, there is a swimming pool in the village with hot water of up to 40 ˙C! This water comes straight from the ground.
But not only this pool contains this hot water, as there are springs all over the village from which hot water comes.
This is why, among other things, there is also an old Roman bathhouse just outside the village, with hot water.
There is also a spring with silver water, which is said to be good for the eyes!


Dobrinishte has its own ski slope and chairlift. There is a total of 5 km of piste, which is obviously not much. But it is a lot cheaper and quieter than Bansko and you are in a of peace in nature. It's great fun to ski here once! 

Sign in Dobrinishte.


Banya: water springs and spas

Banya is a small village east of Razlog. This village is also a tourist attraction because of the water sources and spas that are located everywhere in the village.


There are many hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. There is also an old Bulgarian bathhouse that still serves as a bathhouse.
The village has a typical Bulgarian character and there are many historic houses in old Bulgarian style.


Banya is surrounded by beautiful nature with many hiking opportunities and everywhere in the village there are spectacular views of the Pirin and Rila mountains.


Other villages in the valley: Belitsa, Dobarsko and more

Belitsa is 20 km from Bansko. This is quite on the high side, and that also makes it less popular with tourists. Although the village itself is not that special, the bear park and the Rila Fun Park amusement park are located near Belitsa.


The bear park houses bears that were previously used for dancing. These bears had to spend their lives chained up and forced to dance.
So they were abused for human entertainment.
Fortunately, this is now prohibited and the bears have been given a new chance at life!
In this park they are housed in spacious, natural enclosures that you can visit.


The Rila Fun Park is a small amusement park with climbing frames, a toboggan run for adults, a children's track and lots of play equipment.


Dobarsko is a village north of Bansko and Razlog. It is located against the Rila Mountains and can be reached via the villages of Dolno and Gorno Draglishte.


The village is known for its church.
This is a special church with beautiful murals that attract many tourists, although the village itself is not that special.
There are hardly any facilities in the village, except a school and a small supermarket.


There is a beautiful waterfall and many hiking trails. The nature around the village is very beautiful!