City Guide

Bansko

Bansko is a unique small mountain town that combines elements of an international ski resort with a rich cultural heritage and a local identity.

The combination of reasonable prices with a high standard of mountain facilities has turned Bansko into the hottest property spot in the European skiing world. With luxury ski homes a tenth of the prices in the French Alps the trend seems set to continue.

Location

Bansko is only a two hour drive (160 km) south of Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. Situated at the foot of the Pirin Mountain range on the southern edge of a circular plain surrounded on all sides by mountains - Pirin, Rila and the Rhodopes - Bansko offers spectacular views and is ideal for excursions in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Winter resort

Currently, Bansko offers by far the best skiing in Eastern Europe. The Pirin Mountain has a predominantly Alpine character with three peaks towering above 2900 m. However the slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers, from novice to the experts, while the ski runs are maintained to an excellent condition.

Summer resort

Summer in the Bansko area can be just as exciting as the winter. Activities include hiking, caving, mountain biking and horseback riding. Visitors can also enjoy the area's lakes, mineral springs and medieval villages and monasteries.

Entertainment

The Bansko taverns, with their unique charm and style offer superb local cuisine and a good selection of Bulgarian wines. Live music, discos and nightclubs usually close early in the morning.

There is much to explore in the town of Bansko itself with around 120 cultural and historic monuments. Various souvenir shops offer remarkable creations of the local artists and craftsmen.

Investment potential

Bansko has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past number of years as solid investment in the area has contributed to ever improving conditions. The current skiing area is over 65km and is expected to triple over the next five years. A second gondola and more lifts are also in the pipeline. The new Ian Woosnam-designed golf course near Bansko is already establishing itself as a year round investment destination.

Over 750,000 people visited the resort last winter season.