BANSKO
ON THE WORLD'S NATURAL HERITAGE LIST FOR ITS BEAUTY
To say that this area is spectacularly beautiful would simply not be good enough. The meadows in the valleys have a huge variety of plants, animals and trees, and jutting out of the top of it all are the tall, craggy and majestic Pirin Mountains . The town of Bansko itself dates back hundreds of years, and the old buildings are an architectural delight with their carved ceilings and murals from the 19th century.
BANSKO CENTRE
The town of Bansko has developed into a modern winter resort in just few years with its excellent ski facilities. The place is also popular among foreign tourists, in the warmer months, drawn by the blend of antique Revival-time architecture and up-to-date amenities.
The town of Bansko lies in the northeast skirts of the Pirin Mountain , some 160km to the south of the capital city of Sofia . Its name comes from the old Bulgarian word of ban, meaning master. At present, the town's inhabitants make their living primarily out of tourism and accompanying services. Besides high-quality ski and winter sports facilities, the town is famous for its Bulgarian Renaissance architecture and ancient remains. To mention a few, visitors are fascinated by the St. Trinity Church, the native houses of famous Bulgarians.
LOCAL INFORMATION
A pleasant surprise to most!
Eating out is an event not to be missed; it is cheap, great value and the menus are usually printed in both Bulgarian and English.
Gourmets have long since esteemed the merits of Bulgarian cuisine with the verdict that it is tasty, spicy and varied. There is always an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits, juicy meat, grilled or served with piquant sauces, mouth-watering vegetarian dishes. The banitsa (cheese pie) simply melts in your mouth, and famous Bulgarian yoghurt cannot be missed.
Throughout Bansko you will find catering establishments (of different categories) serving traditional and continental foods, but as the food itself is influenced by Greece and Turkey there are usually delicious kebabs and shish dishes available.
Restaurants, taverns each have their own atmospheres, whilst Mehana's traditionally are build from stone and timber often with a lovely log fire and will occasionally surprise their guests with light entertainment, sometimes going on until the very early hours!
A meal for 2 adults and 2 children with wine and desert will almost certainly cost less than £25.00
Traditionally
The Bulgarians start all their meals with soup or a salad (a traditional one is shopska similar to Greek salad) also possibly a selection of local
hors 'oeuvres and accompany this with a drink (or two) 0f Rakia. They then toast “Nazdrave” (Cheers!) ensuing eye contact with the person you are toasting. (It is seen as an insult if you do not make eye contact.) After some time, decide how hungry everyone is and order the main dish with a garnish to accompany it. Main dishes are rarely served with potatoes or vegetables – this need to be ordered separately. Some local Bulgarian wine of course accompanies this! When finishing the main dish the Bulgarians usually have a beer or two to complement the meal.
For desert there are some delicious ice creams and pastries or order some nibbles such as white cheese, nuts, hors d'oeuvres and again a glass or two of Rakia, or perhaps more wine! All together the food is a delight, very reasonably priced and always served with a smile.
We have a full list of recommended restaurants in the brochure when you arrive at the apartment. With comments from other guests giving their opinion, it makes interesting reading!
Together with France , Spain , Italy and Greece , Bulgaria is one of the world's largest wine producers. The Bulgarian white and red wines such as Gumza, Dimiat, Pamid, Muscat , Misket, Mavrud and Melnik are well known to connoisseurs.
Traditionally, Bulgaria boasts five wine-growing regions, specializing in the production of typical wines.
BANSKO ACTIVITIES
Bulgaria 's mountain regions offer an excellent opportunity for either nature-oriented or activity holidays.
The sparkling lakes, awesome caves and spectacular landscapes and the ever-surprising flora and fauna make hiking through these regions an experience of a lifetime, especially when the whole region is so closely linked with the traditions of yesteryear, and have cultures that have survived the test of time.
While the nature lover has more than enough opportunities to explore the region to his heart's content, the more adventurous visitor will be amazed at what Bulgaria's mountains have to offer, and will certainly find that they simply won't have the time to try all that is on offer.
Hiking and Walking
Hiking and walking have long been a tradition in Bulgaria , and there are both one and two week trips on offer in most of the national parks, always in the company of an experienced guide. Enthusiasts will certainly want to discover the mountain regions of Pirin and Rila. The visitor has the choice of many various marked paths and routes through unspoilt nature.
Spa
Katarino complex just outside Bansko, with mineral spa where you can spend a day in pure relaxation either inside or out. A full programme of treatments is available and not too badly priced either. (Full brochure with prices is in the Apartment)
Mountaineering and Rock Climbing
It is difficult to surpass the excitement of climbing in Bulgaria , and the keen mountaineer will never forget the thrill of the many ascents the mountains have to offer. Experienced guides not only ensure that you make the most of your climb, but are also on hand should an emergency arise.
Besides the chance to follow mountaineering courses, trips are organized by specialized agencies in the areas of Vratsa , Veliko Tarnovo, Trojan, Maliovitza and Roussenski Lom. For sheer excitement and endurance, the climbing rocks of Rila, Pirin, and the Stara Planina are a must
Caving
With more than 2,000 caves still to be explored, Bulgaria 's subterranean rock formations and ancient cave paintings will delight and excite the more adventurous visitor. There are organized expeditions in the Balkan and Pirin Mountains . The National Caving Institute will be able to provide information regarding experienced guides.
info@travel-bulgaria.com
If you are an experienced rider, there is a wide choice of one and two week trekking tours. Destinations include the Balkan Mountains , Trojan, the Danube valley and the Valley of Roses . Riding along the paths on the Rila and Stara Planina mountains you are at one with nature, breathing in cool mountain air and history at the same time.
There is excellent trout fishing, along with pike, carp and bream, to name but a few in the mountain streams, and comfortable accommodation to be had with the local inhabitants. Who will ever forget being among friends, with the smell of the day's catch cooking over the camp fire, sitting around and listening to the 'one that got away' stories which last well into the night.
