Did you know that Blagoevgrad
It is an ancient city with a rich history. The Thracians settled here as early as 300 BC, attracted by the favourable climate and warm mineral springs. They named the settlement Skaptopara and turned it into a lively commercial and cultural centre.
It is second in Bulgaria in number of young people living in the city.
The city is suitable both for recreation and cultural tourism, as well as for entertainment. Everyone's favourite Varosha Quarter is the old part of Blagoevgrad, charming with its cobbled streets and Revival houses. Many of them have been turned into museums and galleries.
Bachinovo Park is the natural pride of Blagoevgrad. The park is located at the foot of the Rila Mountains and offers stunning natural landscapes in all seasons. In the centre of the park, there is an artificial lake inhabited by beautiful swans and ducks. You can go around on foot or rent a pedal boat.
Kokolandia Adventure Park – It is established in the Bachinovo area and has three levels of difficulty, as well as a bungee with two trampolines. It is intended for both adults and children (minimum 5 years old).
Bodrost Resort Area is located among vast meadows and hills with natural mixed coniferous and deciduous forests. The Blagoevgradska Bistrica River, which flows through the area, has numerous small waterfalls and pools inhabited by Balkan trout. The resort offers extremely good conditions for recreation and tourism in all seasons. People who love winter sports can enjoy the Kartala ski pistes with a total length of 4 km and 750 m, a ski lift with a capacity of 1,400 people/hour, a length of 3,000 m and an elevation of 900 m, Pomagalski ski lift with a capacity of 900 people/hour and length 1500m, ski lift for beginners with a capacity of 500 people/hour and length 300 m.
Did you know that Bansko
It is the ski capital of Bulgaria.
Its territory was inhabited by Thracians, Byzantines, Slavs and Romans. Thracian tribes, Romans, Byzantines and Slavs lived here and they all left their mark.
A number of archaeological sites has been discovered in the city and its surroundings, which are evidence of this fact:
Sitan Kale – A fortress built and inhabited by the Thracians, then conquered by the Romans and finally ruled by local Bulgarian rulers.
Yulen locality - This is a very beautiful locality in Pirin, on the territory of which an ancient fortress was discovered.
Lisicha Locality – Two Thracian mounds were discovered here, one of them is completely preserved, and the other, unfortunately, was destroyed by treasure hunters.
Saint Nicholas Locality – In addition to the unique discovery of the Nameless City, which is known to have been most likely created by the Thracian tribe of the Medes, many ancient utensils and ornaments from the Thracian era have been found in this locality
Staroto Gradishte Locality – The locality is situated about 4 km away from Bansko. An ancient fortress and Thracian mounds are located near the fortress.
There are over 100 historical and archaeological sites in Bansko and its surroundings that are worth visiting.
Velyanova House – The house is one of the oldest in Bansko and impresses both with its architecture and with its mural decoration.
Sirleshtovata House – This house is another impressive example of the fortress houses that the people from Bansko built during the Revival period.
Museum House of Nikola Vaptsarov – To honour the life and memory of one of the greatest Bulgarian poets, the people of Bansko have preserved in its authentic form the house where he was born and grew up and turned it into a museum.
Museum House of Neofit Rilski – Also called the Benina House, this is the birthplace of one of the greatest Bulgarian Revival scholars and writers, Neofit Rilski.
Holy Trinity Church – The three-nave domeless church rises almost in the very centre of Bansko and is one of the historical sites that is an absolute must when visiting the city. The church was built in the period 1882-1885 and is one of the symbols of the city.
Did you know that Gotse Delchev
It is the southern jewel nestled in the Pirin Mountains. It offers extremely diverse places for people who love nature
By the bank of the Delchevska River is the Chinarbey natural landmark.
1.5 km west of the city of Gotse Delchev grow the ancient Bliznatsite chestnut trees.
On the territory of this municipality is the picturesque gorge of the Mesta River – Momina Klisura Gorge, 25 km in length, connecting the Razlozhka and the Gotsedelchevska valleys and separating Pirin from the Dabrash part of the Western Rhodopes.
Here is also the Orelyak Nature Reserve known for its native beech forests. The Popovi Livadi resort area (1430 m above sea level) is a convenient starting point for Orelyak and the ridge of Debeli Rid, surrounding the three cirques.
Did you know that Dupnitsa
The city has existed since the Middle Ages, with earliest known records about it from 1451. However, it is believed it had existed before that.
In the outer part of the city is Rila Park, included in the "Top 10 Most Beautiful Parks on the Balkan Peninsula" ranking. Its area is 280,000 m2 and its length is 2 km.
The Clock Tower is another historical and touristic site of the city. It is located in the centre of Dupnica and was established in 1782 as a distinctive mark of the presence of an active Balkan population.
Did you know that Kostenets
Is a place where Nature heals. The climate, mineral waters, natural and historical sights turn this municipality into a wonderful place for tourism and recreation, as well as for treatment of various diseases.
Curious tourists can visit Trajan's Gate – a monument from the Roman era, as well as from the First and Second Bulgarian states, declared a national cultural monument. At this place in 986, Tsar Samuel defeated the army of the Byzantine Emperor Basil II.
Wine enthusiasts will be glad to know that in this district, in Momin Prohod, there is a boutique cellar producing high-quality white and red wines.
Did you know that Petrich
The city is located near the borders with North Macedonia and Greece.
A curious fact is that the Petrich Peak on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, is named after Petrich.
About 7 km from the city are Rupite, where the Church of St. Petka of Bulgaria – the temple of Baba Vanga, is located. Baba Vanga used to say that this land is charged with special energy.
The Stanchinars (the local kukeri) are of interest. The games are held every year on the 1st of January on the Surva holiday. The event attracts many tourists not only from Bulgaria, but also from abroad. Groups from different neighbourhoods take part.
Did you know that Razlog
Many, many years ago, back in the time of the Thracians, a settlement was established on the territory of today's city, which was called Mehomia. From Meo Mia, Mahi Mia, Meomia, Mehomia to Razlog. According to one of the historians, the name of the settlement comes from "meh" (a bag made of animal skin). It was named so because of the skins in which the tar that was produced in the area was transported. According to other theories, its name has nothing to do with the produced tar or the skins with which it was transported, but is associated with a legend according to which a great Thracian general won a great victory over enemy troops and in honour of this victory, a settlement, originally called Meo Mia, was established. (Meo Mia or Mahi Mia translated from Greek means "my victory"). Over time, the name was transformed from Mahi Mia to Mehomia, as it was easier to pronounce.
For the first time the name of the settlement is mentioned in a donation document signed by Basil II the Bulgar Slayer in 1019. In the document, the settlement is mentioned as part of the Velbazhd Diocese.
Mehomia is also mentioned in the Rila Charter of 1378, where Tsar Ivan Shishman, when listing the settlements subordinate to the Rila Monastery, also mentions the "Priests from Razlog".
At the end of the 18th century, the first church school was established in Razlog, churches, shops were built, and the Sunday market in the town became one of the most visited trading places in the region.
Did you know that Samokov
Samokov – the town of samokovs (prominent people), painters and skiers
One of the leading artistic schools of the Revival period was established here in the middle of the 18th century. Hristo Dimitrov is considered the founder of the Samokov Art School. He is the forefather of the largest and most important family of painters – the Dospey family. Hristo Dimitrov mastered the craft almost as a child, in Mount Athos. Later, he travelled to Vienna, where he gained even more knowledge. His icons are in the Metropolitan Church in Samokov. Hristo Dimitrov had and educated two worthy sons who surpassed him in their mastery – Dimitar Hristov Zograf and Zahari Hristov Zograf. The family was joined by Kosta Valyov (son-in-law of the family), and so these artists created some of the most significant wall paintings in the Rila Monastery.
Samokov master painters, engravers, icon painters and carvers leave the mark of high creativity on the walls of dozens of churches and monasteries. They invested Chistian love in the temples of other religions, and marked the beginning of a secular painting school with works, unsurpassable to this day. These artists remain one of the most significant Bulgarians of the era.
The longest river in Bulgaria, Iskar, passes through Samokov.
The town is located 12 km northwest of the Borovets ski resort.
Samokov is a city of skiers. One of the most successful Bulgarian skiers of all time, Petar Popangelov, was born here – a multiple winner of world awards in alpine disciplines.
It is famous for its delicious potatoes, which are grown in the surroundings. They were imported from Greece in 1835 by the revivalist Dimitar Smrikarov. Smrikarov set a personal example by not only starting to grow potatoes, but also giving valuable instructions on how to do it. His notes have been preserved, such as: "How to plant a potato...", "What does a potato give...", "From kompir, barboy, patatis fritters..." and many other culinary recipes for potato dishes.
Did you know that Sandanski
Due to its geographical location and mild climate, it is known as one of the warmest places in Bulgaria. The average annual temperature is +14 degrees, which is extremely favourable for year-round tourism.
Apart from its mild climate, Sandanski is also known for its clean air.
The land of Sandanski is rich in mineral deposits. The springs have been known since ancient times. Today, Sandanski is considered a modern resort town of primary importance for the development of Bulgarian tourism.
Sandanski undoubtedly leaves every visitor, if not the lasting taste of the wonderful red wine, then at least the desire to be visited once more, because the city has that atmosphere that makes us want to see more, feel more.
Sandanski is a small part of the beauty of the Pirin area, but it is undoubtedly one of those must-see destinations.
Did you know that Sapareva Banya
At its very centre is the emblem of the city – the fountain geyser. It is the only one of its kind in the whole of Europe. Some say it rivals Iceland's geysers. In this mineral geyser, the water reaches 103°C and comes directly from the bowels of the earth. Its jets are regularly ejected every six seconds, forming beautiful shapes. Clouds of steam rise from the falling warm water, creating a sense of a master artist's work. In addition to its beauty and charm, the water enchants with its magical composition. It is rich in minerals, smells of sulphur and is very healthy.
The fact that the people of Sapareva Banya grow their vegetables with the healing mineral water sounds no less curious. They spray the leaves and soil in the garden to make their fruits and vegetables healthier, tastier and more protected.
Another amazing fact about the miraculous mineral water of Sapareva Banya is that it can cure eye diseases. According to dozens of claims, it helps people cope with vision problems.
The very name of Sapareva Banya once was Germania. It comes from "varm", which means warm mineral water.
Did you know that Melnik
It is a town museum and the smallest town in Bulgaria.
As soon as you enter the town, you feel as if you are taken years back and find yourselves in the distant past – small, beautiful picturesque houses with the typical tiled roofs, mysterious streets, stone roads with horse-drawn carts passing by and loaded with the famous Melnik wine. Well, isn't that a fairy tale! Visiting Melnik truly is as if being part of a fairy tale.
The town is proud not only of the Melnik wine, but also of its sights. Among them are Pashov's House (national museum), Kordopul's house (private museum), Bolyarska House (the oldest preserved house in Bulgaria) and the ruins of medieval houses.
The Rozhen Monastery can also be found in the vicinity. It is one of the well-preserved medieval centres of faith in Bulgaria.
Here are the well-known Melnik Pyramids – a real miracle of Nature. No one can remain indifferent to the beauty that this place has to offer.