Thermal Mineral Springs
Probably one of Bulgaria's best kept secrets, naturally occuring thermal mineral pools. Bulgaria is actually ranked as the second in Europe after Iceland in terms of the existence of hot springs.
In the area around Bansko there are many naturally occurring hot mineral springs, however non occur in Bansko itself but within a few kilometers in the nearby villages, many can be found. The waters are suitable for relieving stress as well as the prevention and recovery of a variety of diseases. The waters are popular with skiers as an aid to reducing muscle tension after a day on the slopes.
The water is clean, ordourless and is good for drinking and has a temperature between 37C and 57C, when the water temperature in the pools is too high for bathing, it is regulated by adding cool fresh spring water from the same source.
Banya
The village of Banya lies 4km to the east of Razlog and the same distance to the north of Bansko, here you can enjoy the marvellous views of the Pirin, Rila and Rhodope mountains.
Banya village has numerous mineral springs with temperatures of 37C to 57C and almost every hotel offers a thermal spa which are open to non residents, providing great opportunities for skiers to relax.
There are two old baths, Bulgarian and Turkish which add to the character of the village. There are museums to browse and several archeological sites in the village and its surrounding area. Interestingly Banya (баня) is the Bulgarian word for bath or bathroom.
Below are four recommended hot thermal pools in Banya open to the public. Admission fees apply.
Here is a selection of hot mineral pools located in Banya, Banya is only 6 km from Bansko. They are well worth a visit either under your steam or via one of the tours listed below.
Thermal Pool Experience
available from mid December through to mid April
Bathe in natural mineral water
Enjoy a great way to relax
Choose from 3 mineral thermal pools
reserve now and pay later
free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Located in the village of Banya, these thermal pools are only a 15-minute drive away from Bansko. The mineral thermal pools are open daily at 11:00AM in the morning. Your experience will begin as you depart from Bansko at a time of your choosing (after 10:30AM).
There are changing rooms right next to the pool and a restaurant at your disposal. At the conclusion of your experience you will be returned to Bansko.
The experience includes:
Transportation to and from Bansko
Entrance fee for the thermal pool complex
Mineral Pool with Dinner
Indulge in a mineral pool with warm water near Bansko with a view of the mountains. Followed by dinner at a local Bulgarian restaurant which includes a salad, main course, dessert, wine and brandy tasting.
Total time about 3 hours.
Transport and guide to and from your hotel are included.
Just imagine the hot water with snow around and afterwards enjoying a delicious Bulgarian meal.
please quote "mineral pool with dinner"
Biking from Bansko to the Mineral Pools in Banya or Dobrinishte Village.
A perfect combination of good physical effort and pleasant relaxation afterwards. The first part of this adventure is to enjoy biking on the routes passing through picturesque places at the foot of the Pirin mountains. You can expect a mini adventure and we promise it will be fun.
Secondaly you will relax bathing in hot mineral springs that are located in the neighbour towns of Banya and Dobrinishte. Water in these springs has unique chemical composition that has a healing effect on the whole body - from joints to nerves.
Included: equipment, guide and bikes
Price: 80 BGN
per personplease quote "thermal pool with bike"
Bansko Thermal Pool Relaxation Experience
Charge yourself with the power of mineral water in one of the best Thermal Spa centers. After the slopes, experience this activity, spend 2 enjoyable hours and feel the health benefits of the hot thermal springs. There is nothing better than relaxation in a hot pool after a day spent skiing. At your disposal, are large main outdoor pools where the water is not unbearably hot and ideal for swimming and indoor pools for different types.
Choose from indoor and outdoor thermal pools.
Reserve now and pay later.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
On site restaurant and changing rooms.
Included in the tour is an air-conditioned vehicle departing from Bansko and entrance fees to the pool. Please bring your own swim wear.
Price: 70 BGN
per person
Dobrinishte
Alpha Thermal Pool and Spa at Dobrinishte, 10km from Bansko, has three hot mineral pools with temperatures from 27 to 40 degrees. The complex has restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating and a spa and fitness centre with modern equipment including a gym, jacuzzi, sauna, massage room and other services for your complete relaxation.
It is open all year round imagine plunging into hot mineral water surrounded by snow, it is an experience that you will never forget. They promise you an unforgettable experience.
Alpha Spa & Pool is the largest pool resort complex in the region of Bansko and Dobrinishte. Here you can enjoy the warm sun in a combination of fresh mountain air and outdoor swimming pool in the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
The whole space around the mineral pool is organized so that anyone can have his own special moment. You can swim in the swimming pool in the warm mineral water while enjoying the nature, drinking refreshing drinks in the bars of the complex, near the water or at the pool’s tower.
Apart from the large swimming pool, the complex offers fun and entertainment for the youngest guests of the resort – a small pool with warm mineral water. The children’s pool is completely safeguarded so the kids can swim freely and enjoy the best holiday while you are having some snack and relaxing in the outdoor restaurant, without losing sight of them. Around the pool, the floor is tiled resistant to slipping.
The pools are not just for entertainment but for health, in the pool you can combine the pleasure of swimming with the healing effect of the mineral water. The immersion in the mineral water restores the strength after heavy physical activity, reduces stress levels, help with injuries and strains.
The water in the pool is filtered with modern filtering equipment and complies with the requirements.
Price: 20 BGN and is excellent value for money
Banya
Grand Hotel Therme at Banya operates year round and has:
OUTDOOR mineral pool of Olympic size
INDOOR WELLNESS pool with mineral water
2 INDOOR mineral pools with stars
INDOOR Volcano mineral pool with fireplace
INDOOR pool for Kneipp therapy
INDOOR shock pool - coming soon
OUTDOOR children's pool - coming soon
Persons under 14 years are not permitted.
Free transport from Bansko to the complex and back.
Price: 50 BGN
per person
Dobrinishte
Dobrinishte Public Mineral Baths are located in the park, for the more adventurous guests this thermal pool has separate indoor male and female changing rooms and pools, as swimsuits are not allowed and everyone bathes naked. However you can hire a private room suitable for two people where mixed bathing is allowed.
The town of Dobrinishte is situated only 6km south of Bansko at the foot of the Rila, Pirin and Rhodopes mountains. It is the end point of the narrow gauge line, with stations at Razlog and Bansko it easy to travel their by train. The town has seventeen mineral springs with water temperatures between 30C and 43C, as well as an open air mineral pool. Dobrinishte also has bus connections to Razlog and Bansko.
The settlement dates back to the Stone age. Among the tourist attractions are two churches St. Peter and Paul and Assumption of the Most Holy Mother which were both built in the 19th century. Within a short distance of the town, you can also visit the waterfall named St. Nicholas and the working monastery of St. Panteleimon located about 3 km south-east of Dobrinishte and roughly 4 km north-west of the village of Obidim.
Other attractions include the Edelweiss garden, which is the only one of its kind in Bulgaria. Also Dobrinishte is complemented by many shops and cafes, taverns and restaurants, hotels, a community centre, a museum and a well kept square in the centre.