There is so much more than just Bansko!

Most tourists coming to the Bansko region only stay in Bansko. This is a pity, because there is so much more to see.
Besides the well-known places Razlog, Banya and Dobrinishte, there are many more beautiful spots and villages in this region.

On this page, we are going to highlight five lesser-known villages near Bansko that you could also visit.
They are all small villages where there is not necessarily much to do, but especially the surroundings of these villages are worth a walk.
This way, you will see something else of Bulgaria and perhaps meet new people!

5 beautiful villages in the region worth visiting

Although many Bulgarians might not agree with you, Bulgaria is full of beautiful and special places. So is the region of Bansko.
In this region, you will find beautiful old villages, tourist attractions and exceptionally beautiful nature.

But apart from the well-known places Bansko, Razlog, Banya and Dobrinishte, there are many more villages that are less known. So why visit these? Find out more about the 5 most beautiful villages in the Bansko region here!

1. Semkovo

At the heart of this enchanting landscape lies picturesque Semkovo. Here you will find an attractive ski resort where both beginners and experienced skiers can indulge. It is known as one of Bulgaria's oldest ski resorts.
The locals, who proudly maintain their centuries-old customs, welcome visitors with warmth and hospitality.

In winter, ski routes snake through the mountains as white powdery snow transforms the landscape into a winter paradise, while in summer the village turns into a green oasis of tranquillity.

So there is plenty to do here, besides relaxing in nature. Hiking, mountain biking and much more is what this region is perfect for.
The internet connection is excellent and the climate is also very pleasant. No wonder many digital nomads stay in Semkovo!

2. Belitsa

Belitsa, located some 22 kilometres from Bansko, exudes history and culture. The locals carefully preserve traditions passed down from generation to generation.

Every year, in the middle of winter, they organise a colourful festival celebrating ancient Bulgarian customs. Dances, music and traditional dishes are shared, and the village comes alive with the excitement of the festivities.

Belitsa is known as a quiet and pleasant village to live, work and recreate in. As such, there is plenty to do, with, for example, the Bear Park and Rila Fun Park nearby.

Belitsa bear park

The bear park in Belitsa is a sanctuary for brown bears that were forced to 'dance'. It consists of seven large outdoor enclosures where the bears live in pairs or groups.

Bears that have experienced terrible events, such as forced 'dancing', are taken in here and well cared for to give them a second chance at life. These bears were mistreated for human entertainment and had to spend their lives on a chain. Fortunately, these terrible practices have been banned since 2007.

Meanwhile, these are not only Bulgarian bears, but also contain mistreated bears from Albania and Serbia, among others.
As much as possible, the enclosures are designed in such a way that it resembles the bear's natural environment. There are grassy plains, hills, caves, forests and swimming ponds so that the bear can live a normal and good life!

You can visit this bear park from April to November for 10 BGN (€5) for adults and 3 BGN (€1.50) for children aged 7 to 18. Children aged 6 and under and people with disabilities can enter for free!

Rila Fun Park

Also located in Belitsa, Rila Fun Park is an amusement park located in the Dedovo area of the Rila Mountains 12 kilometres from Belitsa. It is also within walking distance of the bear park!

There are slides, gazebos where you can sit comfortably, swings, climbing frames, climbing walls, sandboxes and a toboggan run that is suitable for children from 7 years old and, of course, adults too. There is also a special track for younger children.
A toboggan run is a kind of long slide that you go down in a kind of sledge. Toboggan runs are a bit similar to a bobsled run.

Opening hours are every day from 10:00 to 18:00, including weekends and all year round. Children between 3 and 12 are 10 BGN (€5) and adults and children over 12 are 15 BGN (€7.50).

3. Dobarsko

Dobarsko is a village north of Bansko and Razlog. It lies against the Rila Mountains and can be reached via the villages of Dolno and Gorno Draglishte.
The village is known for the church that stands there. This is a special church with beautiful murals that many tourists visit, although the village itself is not that special. There are hardly any facilities in the village, apart from a school and a small supermarket.
However, there is a beautiful waterfall and many hiking trails. The nature around the village is therefore very beautiful!

The centuries-old church of St Theodore, with its unique frescoes, testifies to the village's spiritual heritage. In winter, Dobarsko becomes an enchanting destination, where skiers not only enjoy the mountains but also discover the village's rich culture.

4. Bachevo

Bachevo is a small village north of Razlog. It is a quiet and fine village nestled against the Rila Mountains. As a result, you can do beautiful hiking, mountain biking and even horse riding everywhere here.

Bachevo is also a very beautiful and nice village to live in. It is a fine village that has a well-kept appearance and a lovely climate.
You can also find all the necessary facilities within walking distance, such as small supermarkets, other shops, small terraces, schools and a football club.

5. Godlevo

Sandwiched between the mountains, Godlevo has a unique charm reflected in the architecture of its wooden houses and old churches. Here, visitors feel the tranquillity of the mountain landscape while enjoying the local cuisine and crafts. It is an oasis of serenity, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure on the ski slopes and nature.

Conclusion: the Bansko region is much more than just Bansko!

As you have read in this article, the Bansko region has much more to offer than many people think. Most tourists only stay in Bansko or visit Banya and Dobrinishte, for example, but that's often all.
And that's a shame, because villages like Godlevo and Dobarsko also have their charms and fun activities.

A fact is that this is one of the most beautiful regions of Bulgaria, where you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, swimming, cures and much more everywhere!