Bansko Hotels

Bansko, located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria, is beloved by ski bunnies and naturalists alike. The mountains provide an excellent landscape for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Bansko is a very popular ski area with plenty of ski rental shops for visitors who do not want to travel with equipment and friendly and patient instructors waiting to teach beginners. If you go during the warmer months, you can hike to Vihren,which is the highest point on Pirin Mountain.Summer is also the time to catch Bansko’s International Jazz Festival,which takes place every August.

If you need to take a break from all the outdoor fun, you can relax in one of the many Bulgarian taverns or eateries. Whether you want to sample local delicacies or a simple slice of pizza, you can enjoy laid-back evenings at Tavern Matsurev Hanor Friends Pub. If you plan your trip during the later part of the ski season, you will find the prices a lot more. Bansko also has plenty of cafés and nightclubs for your entertainment after a day on the slopes.

When to Go

Bansko has four seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. The fall and spring months can be mild to chilly. It can rain during any of the seasons, but the peak time for wet weather is during the later summer and early fall months. The winter brings plenty of snow, which is why Bulgaria is a popular resort area. Bansko can receive as much as 6 cm (2.4 in) of snow per month, so skiers and snowboarders will be happy visiting from November until February. Warmer water temperatures keep the beaches full from June through August, which is also an ideal period for hikers.

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Four distinct seasons for various resort activities

Summer highs of 26°C (79°F); winter lows around -5 to -6 degrees C (23 to 21 degrees F)

Summer sees 4-5 cm (1.6-2 in) of rain per month; winter snow 4-6 cm (1.6-2.4 in) per month

Getting There

The two major airports closest to Bansko are Sofia, which is 160 km (99 mi) from the city, and Plovdiv, which is 180 km (112 mi) from Bansko. There is also a train that runs from Athens to Blagoevgrad nightly. You can take a bus from the airport or train station to town. If you choose not to rent a car during your stay in Bansko, you will have no problem getting around using local transportation options. You can walk to many areas of interest in town or take a taxi. To visit surrounding cities, you will want to take a bus or rent a car. If you drive during the winter months, beware of ice and snow on the roads.

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Airports are 160-180 km (99-112 mi) from Bansko

Buses are cheapest option from the airport or train station and between towns

Rental cars are convenient; be prepared with snow chains

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