While Bulgaria is well known for its skiing few foreigners are aware of the vast range of other activities available.  The following can be done alone or a personal guide/instructor can be arranged.  Contact us for further details.

Mountain Biking

 You can hire mountain bikes from Intersport which is oposite the Kemplinski hotel near the gondola. The bikes I hired were decent quality hardtails with lockable front forks. Bikes had disks on the front and V-brakes on the rear. Cost was 20 levs day. They also offered 10 levs a day for long term rental but you will need to ask. Take some photo id such as a driving license to leave as a deposit. Some of the hotels such as Perun Lodge also do bike hire.

If you fancy a challenge you can head up the mountain to Vihren Hut. This is 10 miles uphill and passes throught the skiing area. Intersport will take you and the bike up the for 15 levs if you dont fancy peddling up. Another option is to head from White Peaks towards the golf course. I have not had time to explore these yet but there seems to be miles of paths. I will be checking these out next time I get chance.

There are some maps in the apartment that you are welcome to borrow.

Summer Jazz Festival

The traditional Summer Jazz Festival and the Bulgarian Folk Festival are also held here during the summer months.

Mineral baths

These exist all over Bulgaria and the nearest to Bansko (6 km south), in the village of Dobrinishte, are 17 mineral springs with water temperature between 30-43 degrees C.  Scientific studies rank Bulgaria among the foremost in Europe for hydrothermal, bioclimatic and mud treatments, sea cures and other health resources. Bulgaria is a world leader with its exceptional diversity of medicinal herbs and the excellent curative properties of its apian products.

Rafting

Go rafting with your own personal guide along two of Bulgaria’s most beautiful rivers - the Struma and Mesta Rivers.  Instructor, equipment, and lunch included.

Horseback Riding

Visit the horseback riding school and check out the numerous riding routes. Enquire about the horseback riding tour which includes transport, lunch, and a personal guide.  The trip takes you through breathtaking scenery in the Kresna gorge on horseback.

Hiking/walking

Pirin Mountain is a tempting site for every hiker. The mountain offers magnificent scenery, numerous crystal clear lakes, and interesting species of flora and fauna!  If you are planning to go hiking independently you should visit the Bansko tourist office for hiking maps, advice, and a personal guide should you wish. 

Day Trip to Rila Monastery

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rila monastery, played an important role for the preservation of the national spirit and faith during the Ottoman rule.  Day trips are available for you to explore this amazing and beautiful site. 

Paragliding

Paragliding can be organised locally and costs around ₤35 (52 EUR) as opposed to ₤350 (520 EUR) in other parts of Europe!  Contact www.skynomad.com

Rock Climbing

Bulgaria's mountainous terrain means that the opportunities for climbing are practically limitless. The most popular areas with mountaineers and rock climbers are Mt Malyovitsa in the Rila Mountains, the karst region to the north of Mt Vihren (in the Pirin range), and the Blue Rocks outside Sliven. At the time of writing no foreign operator offers package trips for rock climbing however you can hire equipment and a personal guide from Odysseia-In in Sofia at a cost of approx ₤12-15 (18-22 EUR) per person per day.  See Links page on this site for Odysseia-In contact info.

Cave Exploring

Of the hundreds of caves in Bulgaria (mostly in the Stara Planina and western Rhodopes), several have been fitted with walkways and lighting and are open to the public. The most famous are the Magura Cave with its... read more

Bird Watching

Bulgaria is great for bird watching and is a nesting ground for most European species in spring (May–June) and on the migratory path of many Asian ones in autumn (Sept to mid-Oct).  In total there are around 400 species. There's plenty to see at any time, owing to the diversity of ecological niches and the fact that farmers use less pesticides and insecticides than in Western Europe.  For further information contact the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds which can recommend local guides and advice on all matters ornithological.

Zoology, Botany and Geology

Aside from birds, Bulgaria's fauna includes most of the Balkan and Mediterranean reptiles (over fifty species) and mammals. Mountainous areas are the habitat of bears, boars, wolves, wild cats, deer, foxes and badgers, while... read more

Dancing Bear Park

Visit the world’s largest and most sophisticated rehabilitation park for bears.  The park is located near the small town of Belitsa.  Learn more about the “Four Paws” charitable foundation for the protection of animals.  Thankfully the bears are not paraded around by chains attached to their noses any longer as done for 300 years; now they are respectfully cared for in the park.  18 bears in total to see.