Bansko

Nestled between the Pirin, Rila and Rhodope mountain ranges, Bansko is ideally positioned for skiing in the winter and for golfing and hillwalking in the summer. The Pirin mountains are both spectacular and beautiful and are one of only 112 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, areas of outstanding natural beauty throughout the world. The region is famous for its cuisine and colorful folklore and offers various entertainment opportunities. Bansko is only 160km from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. There is a new 3 lane motorway connecting Sofia to Bansko. The access to Bansko is convenient even in winter conditions.

The Pirin Mountain beside Basko

Bansko is a climatic mountain resort with a short hot summer and long mild winter. Snow falls are abundant, providing a constant winter snow cover up to 2 m thick. Bansko is the youngest and the best developed ski resort in Bulgaria. The skiing conditions are excellent. The slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers, from starters to experts, and the ski runs are maintained in excellent condition.

The beautiful Rila Monastery near Bansko.

Its a great place to visit during the warmer months from May through October. The Pirin National Park combines breath-taking views with excellent opportunities for hiking and sightseeing, including plethora of lakes, waterfalls, caves and historical sights. There is a brand new golf course beeing built for 2007, designed by Ian Woosnam. The town and the nearby villages are known for their healing mineral water springs, providing opportunities for rest and relaxation.

The town of Bansko attracts visitors with its 120 cultural monuments. It is famous for its fortified and artistically decorated houses, museums and the Bansko School of Art. A very interesting site is the Holy Trinity Church, with its 30 m high bell-tower and clock, splendid murals and woodcarvings. Every August Bansko hosts the National Jazz Festival.

Getting there

Cheap flights available from all UK airports. Use a search engine and write “cheap flights to Sofia"

For instance return flights from UK -> Sofia are from £14 per person from wizzair.com http://wizzair.com/index.shtml (plus taxes). Also try www.bulgariaflights.com.

Car hire is available from www.bulgariacarrent.com or www.rentacarbulgaria.com. It costs approximately £11 per day including unlimited miles and full insurance. Both companies also offer a cheap chauffeur driven transfer service for those not wishing to drive. A regular public bus runs every hour from Sofia.

We can also arrange inexpensive transfers.

Prices in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is much cheaper than most of Europe. A typical 3 course meal will cost about Ј5 including drinks. A pint of beer costs about 50p. The lift pass is less than Ј100 for a week. These cheap prices mean that it is possible to have a Ski holiday, all costs included for under Ј500. Less than almost anywhere in the world. Have a great trip!