Did you know that Bulgaria ranks second in Europe after Iceland in terms of the number of hot springs? The country’s geothermal springs vary in their chemical and physical composition and are suitable for relieving stress, as well as for the prevention and rehabilitation of a number of health conditions.
Bulgaria does not have an adequate advertising campaign aimed at making it a recognizable tourist destination among the leading countries of the EU. This is also the opinion of Sika Katsarova, Deputy Chairwoman of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Tourism and a member of the board of the European Spas Association. According to her: “Bulgaria has all the conditions necessary for developing spa tourism all year round. We have traditions dating back to Roman times. We have a natural resource – warm mineral waters, a wonderful climate, and modern spa hotels and centers with qualified staff.”
After a long and stressful week, or even year, there is nothing better than relaxing in a hot spring. There are many advantages compared with ordinary pools. The springs do not contain harmful chemicals used to clean the water, while natural minerals penetrate the skin naturally, restore the balance of cells, and have a positive effect on a number of organs.
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Ognyanovo and Dobrinishte
Winter sports enthusiasts can choose outdoor mineral pools near the villages of Ognyanovo and Dobrinishte, not far from Bansko.
Ognyanovo is a small settlement with a population of just under 2,000 people, located 70 km from the city of Blagoevgrad.
Ognyanovo springs & Dobrinishte on the map:
You can reach the springs from Sofia by intercity bus from the Central Bus Station. Buses run 2–3 times a day depending on the season. The route passes through Blagoevgrad and Bansko.
Korali Complex
Korali Complex is located 12 km southeast of the capital, at the end of the Iskar River’s Kanchana. The hotel has two pools, a small one and a large one, a water cave, and cold pools. The temperature of the mineral spring water is 47° C, cooled to 30° C in the pool. This has a positive effect on the nervous system, while alternating cold and hot baths improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system.
You can check the prices and book your dates (if everything is not already fully booked) on the official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/korali
Korali Complex on the map
Shipkovo and Chiflik
If you want to spend a few days relaxing surrounded by the beautiful nature of the Balkan Mountains, you can choose the hot springs near the town of Troyan, close to the villages of Shipkovo and Chiflik. The resort has three mineral springs with temperatures ranging from 18° C to 35° C, which help improve conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, digestive system, nervous system, and eyes.
Shipkovo and Chiflik on the same map:
The village of Chiflik is located in the picturesque valley of the Beli Osam River. An outdoor mineral pool along the upper part of the river has a water temperature of more than 30° C and is open all year round. There is also a hot jacuzzi nearby, and when the air temperature is lower, you can relax indoors. Guests can also take a walk to the Kozya Stena nature reserve, one of the few places in Europe where the beautiful edelweiss flower can be found.
Sapareva Banya
The hot springs of Sapareva Banya are located near the winter resort of Borovets, where you can relax after an active day of skiing.
Keep in mind that if you suffer from certain cardiovascular conditions, hot water may not be suitable for you.
Sapareva Banya on the map:
You can reach Sapareva Banya from Sofia (about 90 km) by bus from the Western Bus Station. Buses run 2–3 times a day, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There is also one bus a day from Blagoevgrad, with approximately the same travel time.
Pchelinski Hot Springs
The Pchelinski Hot Springs are located a little farther away, 70 km from Sofia, near the town of Kostenets. Thanks to the healing springs, a swimming pool with a beach was opened here several years ago. The entire complex has now been rebuilt as a spa hotel with two mineral pools.
The water is said to help with problems affecting the musculoskeletal system and peripheral nervous system, as well as gynecological and skin conditions. The spring temperature is 72.8° C, making it one of the hottest in Bulgaria.
Pchelinski springs on the map:
It is not possible to reach the Pchelinski springs by public transport without changing buses. From Sofia, you need to travel to the town of Kostenets, then either change to a local route or take a taxi (it is not far, about 7 km).
Dolna Banya
The Dolna Banya mineral complex is located in the same area, 72 km from Sofia. Regardless of the temperature outside, you can relax with family or friends in any of the three outdoor pools: a swimming pool, a children’s pool, and a jacuzzi, with water temperatures ranging from 28° C to 43° C.
Dolna Banya on the map:
The mineral spring water has a temperature of 67.8° C and is said to help treat rheumatic and skin conditions. It is also considered beneficial for the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, nervous, and reproductive systems.
If you have any questions or need clarification about the springs or how to get there, leave a comment and we will be sure to reply!
