Razlog: an underrated destination in the Bulgarian mountains

Razlog is a picturesque town in south-west Bulgaria, located in the Razlog valley between three mountain ranges: the Rila, Pirin and Rhodopes.
Razlog is just 6 km from the famous ski resort of Bansko, where you can enjoy excellent ski slopes and après-ski in winter. In addition, Razlog municipality has its own ski resort: Kulinoto.

In addition, the Razlog and Bansko area is one of the most important spa areas in Europe. The hundreds of mineral water springs and thermal baths provide a unique experience and ensure that many tourists enjoy a well-earned relaxing holiday.
This warm water can be found everywhere and is wonderful to drink and bathe in, even in winter. The water is often as warm as 40˙C!

The central square in Razlog

The combination of a ski resort and a spa resort is unique in the world. Within five minutes you are in the warm pool water or on the slopes!

Finally, Razlog has a lot of historical architecture and a very cosy centre with shops, terraces, parks and fountains.

All this makes Razlog an ideal destination for nature lovers, skiers, adventurers and spa guests.

Yet Razlog is often underrated and even forgotten by tourists in Bansko. They don't come there at all or only for the Lidl.
A shame as far as we are concerned, because Razlog is a special town and has so much beauty to offer that you will discover here!

The history of Razlog

Razlog, located in south-west Bulgaria, has a rich and varied history dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological finds indicate habitation from 700 BC onwards, with settlements of Thracians, Romans and Slavs. In 847, the area became part of the Bulgarian Empire under Han Presian, and in 1382 it came under Ottoman rule.

The city was first mentioned in a charter by Byzantine emperor Basil II in 1019. During the Ottoman period, Razlog was known as Mehomia.

Its inhabitants played an active role in the struggle for Bulgarian independence, notably during the Kresna-Razlog uprising in 1878 and the Ilinden uprising in 1903. After liberation from Ottoman rule in 1912, the town was renamed from Mehomia to Razlog in 1925.

Razlog is proud of its preserved architecture from the Bulgarian National Rebirth. Along Macedonia Square and Vazrazhdane Street, there are many houses in the typical Razlog style. One example is the Parapunov House, which now serves as a historical museum.
This museum houses more than 5,000 objects from different eras, including old weapons, books, traditional clothing and crafts.

Today, Razlog is a town that combines tradition and modernity. It has developed into a centre for both winter and summer tourism, thanks in part to its proximity to the Pirin, Rila and Rhodope mountains. There are also several villages in the area with their own unique charm and cultural attractions.

Its rich history and cultural heritage make Razlog a fascinating destination for visitors interested in both Bulgaria's past and present.

What to do in Razlog? These are the best activities

Razlog is located in an incredibly touristy region, where many tourists come all year round. Not surprisingly, there is a lot to see and do in the area.
Read on and you'll find a comprehensive overview of sights, fun activities and more.

3 fun activities for everyone

1. The watchtower

The Razlog watchtower is one of the main attractions in the region. It might be a bit tricky to reach via streets through the city, but once you arrive, you have to climb 365 steps.
Once you reach the top, you will enjoy the best view you could wish for!

With low-hanging fog or clouds, it is magical when you look over the cloud cover at the mountain peaks, as if you were in heaven!

At the top of the hill are benches, information boards, a cross and an observation tower with a platform where you can look down into the valley, over Bansko and Razlog and onto the peaks of the Pirin!

View from the tower over Razlog and Bansko

Several hiking trails also depart from this hill. For example, you can walk through the forest to Razlog or Bachevo.

2. Skiing in Kulinoto.

Kulinoto is a small ski resort in Razlog municipality. It is located near the town of Boykov Rid along national road II-19.
Created by volunteers and local residents, it was originally a quiet and remote place for locals to ski and relax.

In recent years, more tourists have been coming to Kulinoto and there were even plans by Balkanstroy to modernise and expand this ski area into a real resort, linked to the nearby Pirin Golf complex.
These plans unfortunately fell through due to environmental restrictions and so it is still the small and friendly ski resort as it was once intended.

Kulinoto is the only ski resort in Razlog municipality, with one slope about a kilometre long.
It is a very small resort with two ski lifts. It is known as a cheap ski resort. A single lift ticket will not cost much more than one euro!

Facilities include a restaurant, a tea house, a barbecue and the slopes are well maintained by two bullys.
Ski equipment can also be bought or rented here. There are also some overnight places to stay in the village of Predela, which is about 2 kilometres from the slopes.

The resort is particularly intended and equipped for families with children and novice or inexperienced skiers. It is quiet, small-scale and the slopes are relatively flat. For children, this is a good place to stand on skis for the first time!
Here you will find the perfect practice conditions before you start the real thing!

3. Outdoor activities and spa

The Razlog and Bansko area is one of the most important spa regions in Bulgaria, even Europe. The combination of mineral springs and ski resorts is unique in the world, making Razlog the ideal holiday destination for many types of travellers!

There are hundreds of hot springs in the region with hot water of up to 40˙C. Ideal, of course, for spa sessions, steam baths and swimming pools, for example.
In the villages of Banya and Dobrinishte alone, there are dozens of springs with fresh hot spring water. It is therefore not surprising that especially in these two villages there are many spa hotels that eagerly take advantage of this.

Dobrinishte even has an outdoor swimming pool (Alfa Spa & Pool) with hot spring water that is open all year round!

But that's not all. There is plenty of nature in the area where you can enjoy hiking and mountain biking. And how about a buggy or horse ride through nature?

Sights in Razlog

Razlog is known for its unique architecture, many of whose buildings are still preserved. The centre of Razlog is therefore a major attraction.
But there is even more. For both culture and nature lovers, there is plenty to see in Razlog!

1. Pirin Golf. A beautiful golf course where you can enjoy a round of golf amid breathtaking nature, luxury hotels and cosy chalets.
2. Historical Museum in Razlog. This museum - located just outside the city centre - offers insight into the rich history and culture of the region, with various exhibitions and artefacts.
3. 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.
4. Hiking trails. Razlog lies between three mountain ranges: Rila, Pirin and Rhodopes. Consequently, there are many beautiful hiking routes through nature and in the mountains. One example is walking from Pirin Golf to Yavorov Hut.
5. Villages in the region. There are many beautiful historical villages in the Razlog area, for example Banya, Godlevo and Dobarsko. You can read more about these villages later in this article.
6. Thermal baths. Razlog and its surroundings are known for its thermal baths. Everywhere are pools and water springs with unique compositions of the water, providing many health benefits.

Events and traditions

Razlog is known for its rich folklore and traditions. One of the most famous events is the Starchevata Kukeri festival on New Year's Day, where men in colourful, traditional costumes and masks dance to chase away evil spirits. This festival attracts many visitors every year and is one of the most authentic Bulgarian traditions.

Different groups march through the streets with large masks, drums and bells and end in the central square. Every year, it is a big, special and joyful celebration that you should definitely have seen once!

Other villages in the municipality of Razlog

There is much more to see in Razlog municipality than just the city. Below is a list of villages that are great fun to visit or drive through on a road trip!

1. Dobarsko. Located 18 km from Razlog, Dobarsko is a great getaway because of the beautiful medieval church it contains. It has beautiful old murals and it has stood the test of time.
2. Bachevo. 5 km north of Razlog is Bachevo, a cosy village. With its terraces, beautiful houses and fine climate, it's a nice trip close to home!
3. Banya. Banya, one of Bulgaria's richest villages, is about 10 minutes' drive from Razlog and has a rich history as a spa town. With dozens of mineral water springs, Banya is an excellent place for a wonderful spa treatment, massage or a day by the pool!
4. Dolno Draglishte and Gorno Draglishte. Two villages on the road to Dobarsko. The villages are known for their historical character, with pretty churches and houses in a wooded setting.

The best restaurants and accommodation in Razlog

There are several restaurants, pavement cafes and hotels in the centre of Razlog (and beyond). There is even a campsite near the village of Banya.
Here you will find the best restaurants and accommodation in the municipality of Razlog!

3 top restaurants in Razlog

1. Casa di Papi: good Italian restaurant

With branches in both Bansko and Razlog, Casa di Papi is a household name in the region. It serves mainly Italian dishes such as fresh pizza, pasta and risotto.

Casa di Papi Razlog is also in a cosy location in a downtown shopping street with comfortable seating.
Both inside and outside on the terrace, this restaurant offers a cosy ambience and good and quick service.

All dishes are fresh and you can taste that. Everything here is of high quality and prepared with love and attention.
Casa di Papi is definitely recommended!

2. ETHO Restaurant ‘Mechomiya’: cosy restaurant in an old bathhouse

Restaurant Mechomiya is a cosy restaurant on the edge of Razlog's city park. Housed in an old bathhouse from the Ottoman era, this restaurant offers a unique and unforgettable experience. And then the food is just really good and fresh too!

Mechomiya is a restaurant serving mostly Bulgarian dishes, like shopska, kavarma and more, but you can also just get delicious pizzas or burgers!

Finally, the location of this restaurant is perfect. It has a cosy courtyard garden and it is located at the edge of the city park in a quiet location.
That combined with the unique atmosphere and the delicious fresh food this restaurant offers, Mechomiya is definitely recommended for a dinner party!

3. Fish restaurant Lotos: fresh fish in a beautiful location

In the same city park as Mechomiya, you will find Lotos. Lotos is a restaurant that serves mainly fish. But of course, they have much more to offer than seafood and fish dishes!

Lotos is a cosy restaurant in the city park where every dish is prepared with passion, and you can definitely taste that. It is not for nothing that almost all reviews are very positive.
The portions are good and the service is quick and attentive.

Lotos is definitely worth a try for a nice dinner in a cosy setting!

3 top accommodations in Razlog

1. Katarino SPA Hotel

Katarino SPA Hotel is hidden among the forests of the Rila Mountains, about 4 km from the centre of Razlog.
The Katarino SPA Hotel complex is more than just a hotel. You can also spend the night in a brand-new bungalow and you can de-stress in a hot mineral water bath. There are also two restaurants, four bars, a swimming pool, saunas, a gym, a panoramic steam bath, an ice fountain and a relaxation area with campfire.
You get free access to all this when booking accommodation!

Finally, it is possible to book spa packages. Think massages, facials and cold therapy.

In short: a real spa hotel in natural surroundings where you can unwind to the max!

2. Pirin Golf Hotel & SPA

The Pirin Golf complex is Bulgaria's first major golf resort. The area has seen considerable investment in the past, resulting in accommodations and more tourists.
Amid the many hotels and golf courses stands the flagship of the complex: the five-star Pirin Golf Hotel & SPA.

The Pirin Golf Hotel also has a lot to offer. These include a gym, a wellness centre and several restaurants, such as an Asian restaurant, Italian, European, Greek and an Alpine restaurant.

It is possible to rent or buy ski equipment here and get lessons from professional instructors!

3. Regnum Banya Thermal Hotel & Thermal Complex

Located in the neighbouring village of Banya (one of the richest villages in Bulgaria), Regnum is a well-known ‘luxury’ hotel in the region.

Regnum is also known as a spa hotel. As such, there are several swimming pools, a hot-tub, a jacuzzi, a sauna and steam bath. There is also a wide range of massage treatments.

Finally, there is the Pura Vida Restaurant, the Rooftop Sunset Bar and the Forest Bar, which serves delicious drinks and snacks.

Like the Pirin Golf and Katarino, Regnum is an excellent choice for a stay in the Razlog region!

Practical information

Here is some practical information for a worry-free holiday in Razlog:

• Best travel time: Winter (December - March) for skiing; summer (June - September) for hiking and festivals.
• Accessibility: Razlog 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: Razlog is a very safe destination, but in crowded places keep an eye out for pickpockets or scammers.

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

Razlog is relatively easy to reach by car in 2 hours' drive. Coming from Sofia Airport, you only need to follow the ring road (II-18) to enter the Struma motorway (A3). This you follow south, passing places like Pernik, Doepnitsa and Blagoevgrad.
At 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.
This road was completely resurfaced in 2023 and 2024.

Public transport is also an option. By train, you're about 7.5 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 to do this, you can of course book a taxi. These are also affordable in Bulgaria and will take you to Razlog 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 Razlog are generally of good quality. Even the motorway is fine.
So you will definitely be able to drive comfortably, with beautiful views of the mountains!

Conclusion: is Razlog worth visiting?

Besides preserving its cultural heritage, Razlog has also developed as a modern tourist centre. Thanks to its proximity to Bansko, the town attracts many visitors who enjoy both winter sports and relaxation.
Moreover, it is an attractive destination for spa and wellness trips because of its nearby mineral springs.

Razlog uniquely combines history, culture and nature, making it a great destination for travellers who want to discover authentic Bulgaria!