Banya: the thermal pearl among the mountains

Banya is a small village in south-west Bulgaria, in Razlog municipality in Blagoevgrad province. Located just 5 km from Bansko and 4 km from Razlog, Banya is situated in a wide valley surrounded by three mountain ranges: the Pirin, Rila and Rhodopes.
The village is well-known throughout Bulgaria for several reasons: the panoramic mountain views, the thermal springs, the beautiful nature and the fresh mountain air.

Banya literally means ‘bath’ in Bulgarian - and that is no coincidence. The village has more than 70 natural hot springs, ranging between 37°C and 58°C.
The water is rich in minerals and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for rheumatism, skin conditions and muscle and joint pain, among other things.

Many hotels, guesthouses and spa centres offer access to thermal baths, saunas and massages. Very popular among locals and tourists alike.
Banya is one of Bulgaria's wealthier villages because of its thermal baths, which many tourists are very interested in. This has attracted many investors to build large hotel complexes, such as Grand Hotel Therme and Regnum Banya.
Banya is a small and friendly village; there are many hospitable families offering rooms or other services.

Banya is a perfect holiday destination for many different travellers. It is considerably quieter than Bansko, but close enough for day trips. It is also perfect for a combination of skiing and relaxing in winter, and in summer it is ideal for hiking, cycling and wellness.
With its authentic Bulgarian atmosphere, traditional architecture and local cuisine, Banya is a real gem!

History of Banya

Banya has a long history dating back to Thracian times (more than 2,000 years ago). The region was popular for its thermal mineral springs, which were considered healing. The Romans also settled in the area and built bath houses - remnants of which are still visible.

During Ottoman rule (14th-19th century), Banya remained an important village because of its springs. The name ‘Banya’ literally means ‘bath’ in Bulgarian, referring to this centuries-long bathing culture. There are several relics from this era in the form of old Ottoman bath houses.

In the 20th century, Banya increasingly became a spa and tourist destination. Thanks to its proximity to Bansko (a popular ski resort), the village has become popular for tourists looking for peace, nature as well as wellness.

What to do in Banya? Our tips for the best activities

Banya is a destination that offers plenty of activities all year round. In the winter months it is known as Bulgaria's largest ski and spa resort, while in the summer months Banya transforms into a paradise for nature lovers.

Here you will discover all about the best activities, the most beautiful sights and the best accommodation!

The best activities for everyone in Banya

1. Wellness and relaxation: unwind in spas and thermal baths

The region is famous for its thermal baths and mineral water springs.

For those looking for relaxation, Banya is an excellent place to go, as well as the nearby village of Dobrinishte, where you can enjoy natural hot springs.

Dobrinishte is also known as a spa town. Although it is not yet as developed as Banya, Dobrinishte is a popular holiday destination for many Bulgarians because of the spring and mountain water and the ski resort Bezbog.
In the village, for instance, you have the natural pool Alfa Spa & Pool. This open-air pool is full of naturally warm (!) spring water up to 40˙C, so it is open even in winter!

Banya and Dobrinishte are villages that have been frequently visited since ancient times for their thermal baths and the health benefits they offer. Thus, bathhouses have been found from Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman times.
All springs have their own unique composition that offer different health benefits. For instance, the water is very good for the skin and reduces skin complaints. Also, for example, the silver water in Dobrinishte is said to be good for the eyes.
This water comes directly hot from the ground and is therefore 100% naturally heated.

The warm water is excellent for bathing in one of the many spa hotels or one of the bath houses, even in winter.
In addition, the water is also just very tasty and healthy to drink!

Well-known spa hotels in the region that have natural thermal baths at their disposal include Hot Springs Medical & Spa Hotel, Villa Victoria and Grand Hotel Banya.

The combination of mineral water springs, pristine nature, a golf resort and ski resorts is unique in the world, making Banya the ideal holiday destination for all kinds of travellers!

2. Skiing and snowboarding in the largest ski resort in south-eastern Europe

Located just five kilometres from Banya, Bansko is known as the largest ski resort in Bulgaria and the second largest in Eastern Europe after Rosa Khutor in Russia.
In total, there are 75 km of slopes and 14 lifts in Bansko.
The ski season usually runs from December to April.
The resort of Bansko goes from 990 to 2,600 metres.

Slope map of Bansko

Skiing and snowboarding are not expensive in Bansko, compared to, say, the Alps. Near the slopes, there are plenty of opportunities to rent ski equipment.

The resort is Eco-Friendly and has modern ski lifts and facilities, including the Gondola lift that connects the town to the ski area.
Bansko is known for being excellent for both beginners and advanced skiers.

3. Adventure in nature

Since ancient times, everyone has known the natural beauty and healing powers of Banya's surroundings.
In the summer months, there are numerous hiking and cycling routes that explore the beautiful nature of the Pirin Mountains.

A short distance from Banya is Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ideal for hiking and nature lovers. Here, kilometres of hiking trails await you!
For example, how about hiking from the Pirin Golf Complex to the Yavorov Hut? This is about a two-hour outward and two return walk. Or from the Bezbog Hut to the top of Bezbog? This will take you 2-3 hours in total, including the return trip.
You can also walk to Lake Popovo, one of the largest glacial lakes in the Pirin. This is about a 4-hour walk before you get back to the Bezbog Hut.

For lovers of horse riding, Vikora Horse Riding offers tours through the picturesque surroundings of Banya. An unforgettable experience!

Not so keen on horses? Then a buggy or Jeep safari might be for you. At Bansko ATV, for example, you can race through nature on a quad bike with a group. This is a very popular and spectacular activity in the region!
There are also other organisations offering Jeep safaris or similar activities.

Sights in Banya

1. Thermal baths. The natural hot springs are a major attraction. A popular venue is the Hot Springs Medical & Spa Hotel, which offers extensive spa facilities.
2. Bansko. The nearby town of Bansko is known for its ski resort and historic centre. Ideal for a day out.
3. Rila and Pirin National Parks. Rila National Park is known for its pristine nature and the Rila Monastery. In addition, Pirin National Park also offers opportunities for hiking and nature experiences. Both nature reserves are a nature lover's paradise with impressive mountain peaks, lakes and varied flora and fauna.
4. Starchevata Kukeri festival. Razlog is known for its rich folklore and traditions. One of the most famous events is the Kukeri festival ‘Starchevata’ on New Year's Day.
5. Pirin Golf. A beautiful golf course where you can enjoy a round of golf amid breathtaking nature, luxury hotels and cosy chalets.

Food and drinks

Banya is known for its traditional Bulgarian cuisine. 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!

The best restaurants and accommodation in Banya

A wide range of hotels, restaurants and eateries can be found in the centre of Banya (and beyond). There are even several campsites in the area.
Here are the best restaurants and accommodations in Banya!

3 top restaurants in Banya

1. Kristina Restaurant: cosy family restaurant with an extensive menu

Restaurant Kristina is a cosy and atmospheric family restaurant in Banya. It belongs to the Seven Springs Hotel and is known as one of the best restaurants in the village.

Restaurant Kristina serves mainly traditional Bulgarian dishes, such as shopska, kavarma and sirene po shopski. There are also many delicious meat dishes on the menu.
But of course, there are plenty of vegetarian options available too. Finally, Kristina has an extensive menu with something for everyone!

Kristina Restaurant is an excellent choice for an affordable and cosy evening out for dinner!

2. Mehana Uncles: traditional Bulgarian in a cosy setting

Mehana Uncles is a true ‘mehana’; or traditional Bulgarian tavern. With its delicious dishes, a nice location in the village centre and extremely cosy layout, this restaurant comes highly recommended.

A mehana serves traditional Bulgarian dishes. These include shopska salad (Bulgaria's national dish), kapama and kyufteta. Mostly meat is served, as this is an important part of Bulgarian culture.

Looking for a cosy and affordable dinner in Banya? Then mehana Uncles is definitely recommended!

3. Restaurant ‘Pri Spaska’: affordable food of good quality

Restaurant ‘Pri Spaska’ is what you would call a casual eatery. Yet the dishes are deliciously fresh ánd affordable, despite its location in the village centre.

Although the menu is not much different from most restaurants (mostly typical Bulgarian and well-known dishes), it is the quality that matters most. And that's all right here!
Everything is served fresh and tastes delicious. With dishes like pizzas, hamburgers, kyufteta (Bulgarian meatballs) and shopska, there is also something for everyone!

This restaurant is a good choice if you are looking for a quick bite or an affordable dinner without compromising on quality!

3 top accommodations

1. Grand Hotel Therme

Grand Hotel Therme is a 5-star hotel and is the face of Banya. Part of the Grand Hotels by Pulse, this hotel is truly a gem that offers beautiful mountain views from every room.

Facilities are excellent and rooms are spacious and fully equipped. There are no less than 10 restaurants and bars, 8 outdoor pools, 4 indoor pools, a 10,000 m² spa resort, a cinema, a gym and playgrounds!
In addition, Grand Hotel Therme offers you unprecedented luxury in both rooms and service.
In the spa, you can get massages and other cures, and the spring water is a whopping 58˙C!

If you are looking for a luxury hotel with all the comforts, look no further and fully unwind in the healing mineral water here!

2. Regnum Banya - Thermal Spa Hotel

Of course, in a village like Banya, there is no escaping the thermal baths. Regnum Banya is also a real spa hotel that has access to this warm mineral water.

The architectural style of this hotel is not that special, but the facilities certainly are! With spacious and cosy rooms, the beautiful views and the spring water, Regnum is also highly recommended.
But that's not all. It offers you a wellness area with several swimming pools, a hot-tub, a jacuzzi, a sauna and a steam bath. You can also go here for wonderful massages and personal treatments.
Moreover, this hotel has access to a restaurant and two bars.

Regnum Banya has everything to offer for an unforgettable and relaxing holiday in nature!

3. Hot Springs Medical & Spa Hotel

Yes, of course number three is also a spa hotel. But this is not just any old one. Hot Springs Medical & Spa Hotel is a 4-star hotel that offers medical treatments. You can go here for physiotherapy, mud therapy, cold therapy and other therapeutic treatments, among others. There is a medical team at your service!

But that's not all. There is a huge spa area with several saunas, ice baths, relaxation areas, a Turkish bath and a steam bath. You can also book treatments here, such as massages, facials, pedicures, manicures and detox.

Plus, of course, you have the swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), two restaurants, a bar and even a farm!
Finally, there are plenty of facilities for children, with playgrounds and entertainment.

So plenty of reasons and opportunities to stay at Banya, especially if you want to enjoy the healing thermal baths!

Practical information

Here is some practical information for a hassle-free holiday in Banya:

• Best travel time: Winter (December - March) for skiing and spa; summer (June - September) for hiking, spa and festivals.
• Accessibility: Banya is about 160 km from Sofia and can be reached by car, bus or train.
• Accommodations: From luxury resorts and campsites to cosy guesthouses and bungalows, there is a wide range of accommodation options.
• Food & drink: Try local specialities such as ‘Banski Starets’ (dried meat) and the traditional stew ‘Kapama’.
• Currency: Bulgarian Lev; in some places paying with Euro is possible, but exchanging at the local bank is recommended. Bear in mind that you cannot pay by card everywhere.
• Culture: Bulgarians shake no when you mean ‘yes’ and nod yes when they mean ‘no’.
• Safety: Banya is a very safe destination, but in crowded places keep an eye out for pickpockets or crooks.
• Language: Bulgarian is spoken, but English is fine in most places.

How to reach Banya? Rent a car easily and quickly!

Banya is relatively easy to reach by car from Sofia in a 2-hour drive. If you come from Sofia Airport (check out cheap flight tickets here), all you need to do is follow the ring road (II-18) to enter the Struma motorway (A3). This you follow south, passing places like Pernik, Dupnitsa and Blagoevgrad.
In Simitli, get off the motorway and follow the signs for Bansko and Razlog on national road II-19 and you will automatically arrive at Razlog, where you follow the signs towards Banya.
This road was completely resurfaced in 2023 and 2024.

Public transport is also an option. By train, you're about 8 hours away (including transfers) for just a few euros, and by bus a little over 2.5 hours for a similar amount.
If you don't want this, you can of course book a taxi. These are also affordable in Bulgaria and will get you to Banya from Sofia in about two hours.
An Airport Transfer is also a good and safe option.

One advantage is that the roads in and around Banya are generally of good quality. Also the motorway is fine.
So you will definitely be able to drive comfortably, with beautiful views of the mountains!

Conclusion: Banya the ultimate spa destination?

Banya invites you to a soothing escape, where you can not only experience the benefits of thermal baths, but also enjoy Bulgaria's natural beauty, immersed in pleasant temperatures that promote a sense of well-being.
The village offers a charming setting with quaint streets and traditional Bulgarian architecture. The green surroundings and surrounding mountains create an idyllic setting for relaxation, adventure and exploration!