Bansko during summer

Bansko is one of the preferred mountain resorts in Bulgaria during summer time, because of its moderate climate, beautiful nature, natural mineral springs with proven healing powers, its cultural and historic sights, alpine walkways as well as plenty of entertainment places.

Bansko lies in the skirts of Pirin - the second highest mountain in Bulgaria after Rila. There are more peaks, higher than 2 000 m. than are in Rila mountain. The highest peak is Vihren - 2914 m. Pirin rises majestically in the south-western part of Bulgaria between the rivers Mesta and Struma, one of the biggest rivers in Bulgaria. The National Park Pirin is included in the UNESCO world heritage list.

It offers a lot possibilities to people who want to drive away the stress of the strenuous days and dip into a different world – a world of adventure and recreation. In the area close to Bansko you can enjoy extreme sports as: rafting and horse riding tours, mountain biking and hiking, dry tooling, but the most popular sport is white-water kayaking. Near the river Struma, in the very beautiful natural surroundings of the Pirin Mountain, courses for beginners are organized. At this place the water reaches temperatures of about 18-22 Celsius during the summer, which makes it a suitable and comfortable place to learn more about white-water kayaking.

Not far from the place there are hot mineral waters – a great place to relax after a day full of adventure and new experiences. The Pirin region is famous for its mineral springs which have been used for balneotherapy since antiquity to present day and which have proven to have a positive effect on human body and mind. That is why a lot of well blended relaxation and treatment programmes will be offered at the Spa Centre (link to: The project>The hotel and spa centre)of St. Ivan Rilski Hotel.

In summer Bansko attracts attention with many events, devoted to modern and traditional music. Several folk festivals and a jazz festival take place in the town between June and September. The most popular are:

• Pirin Folk (festival for author’s music with traditional sounding)
• Between Three Mountains (festival for traditional music)
• International Jazz Festival.