Places of Interest and Things To Do
There are many interesting places to visit and explore within a short distance of Bansko, here are a selection of some.
St. Petka of Bulgaria
This memorial temple was built close by to the temple in which the prophetess Vanga lived.
Yundola Market
Yundola market is open everyday and is located in the village of Yundola, it is a one hour drive from Bansko on the road to Velingrad.
further details to follow
Rare Breed animal Centre
The rare breed centre is located in the village of Vlahi in the Pirin mountains, it is about an eighty minute drive from Bansko.
Here you will see Karakachan sheep, Karakachan horses and Karakachan dogs living and breeding in their natural environment.
St. George's Monastery
Zoo Park
Hadjidimovo Monastery and Zoo Park
The Hadjidimovo monastery "St. George the Victorious" is a Bulgarian male monastery, it is the largest in the valley of Mesta and third in Southwestern Bulgaria after the Rila and Rozhen. The monastery is situated on a hill south of the town of Hadjidimovo.
The Zoo Park is located close to the Monastery, here the animals and birds are not in cages and people are encouraged to walk freely amongst them to stroke and feed them. Set in thirty acres, there are many types of animals including ducks, peacocks, geese, deer,sheep, squirrels, swans, rabbits and even kangaroo.
Fifty metres from the zoo is the spa Hotel Katerina, the hotel's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a sunny summer garden and a children's playground.
Belmeken Dam
Belmeken Dam is the highest reservoir in Balkans and thus will worth a visit in the summer months.
Besbog Hut & Lake
Bezbog lake is situated above the town of Dobrinishte which is 8 km from Bansko.
Krinets Dam and Restaurant
Located on the outskirts of Bansko, Krinets Dam has a traditional restaurant over looking the reservoir.
Melnik Wine Town
Melnik is officially the smallest town in the country and has long been known for its wine. The town is surrounded by the white Melnik earth pyramids. Melnik is known as one of the best wine regions in the country with local grape varieties unique to the area. Local wine can be tasted all over Melnik.
The town of Melnik is of architectural importance and ninety six of its buildings are cultural monuments.
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Caves
There are some interesting caves in Bulgaria located in the the Rhodopes mountain range, they are between 2-3 hours away from Razlog. There are organised excurions to some of them or you may like to find your own way and explore.
Yagodinska cave
The Yagodinska cave is located south-west from the village of Yagodina at the end of Buynovsko Gorge. The cave contains a large number of cave formations or speleothems including stalactites, stalagmites, stalagnates, flowstone, draperies and cave pearls. Read more...
Haramiyska cave
The Haramiyska cave is located in the Trigrad Gorge in the Rhodope Mountains, near the famous Devil's Throat cave. The entrance is difficult and is only reached after climbing a 20 metre vertical wall. Read more...
Devil's Throat cave
The Devil's Throat cave is located in the Western Rhodopes, 17 km from the city of Devin. Read more...
Snezhanka cave
The Snezhanka cave is one of the most beautiful caves in the Rhodope Mountains, located 5 km away from the town of Peshtera. To reach it requires a half an hour uphill. The cave is 145 metres long with a constant annual temperature of 8°C, and was formed by the Novomahlenska River 3.5 million years ago. source: wikipedia
Lepenitsa cave
The Lepenitsa cave is located in the Western Rhodope mountain, 11 km from the town of Velingrad. The 1525 meters long cave is rich in stalagmites, stalactites and stalactones. Read more...
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