Visit Bansko, Bulgaria – No Matter the Season
Nestled within the picturesque Pirin Mountains of Bulgaria, Bansko boasts a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and loads of adventure activities. The exceptional Bansko Ski Resort gives Bansko the title of the “Balkans’ Winter Capital.” Its beautiful old town may make you think you woke up in Switzerland – without the Swiss prices! The town’s cobbled streets wind through the historic quarter, where traditional Bulgarian architecture mingles with vibrant restaurants, cozy taverns, and local artisanal shops.
Beyond the winter allure, Bansko’s surrounding landscapes offer hiking and mountain biking trails, mineral springs, and stunning panoramic views, making it an enticing year-round destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation in equal measure. Let’s get into the best things to do in Bansko in the summer!
Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase.
The 8 Best Things To Do In Bansko in the Summer
1. Explore Old Town
Bansko’s Old Town is a charming maze of cobbled streets, traditional Bulgarian houses, and churches. Bansko’s Holy Trinity Church is definitely a stop worth taking. Wander around and take in the sights and sounds, or stop for a coffee or meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants. Exploring the old town is one of the best things to do in Bansko in the summer!
2. Take a Trip Down Europe’s Longest Inflatable Water Slide
A summer trip to Bansko is not complete without a trip to Banderishka Polyana. Take a gondola ride from town up to this meadow where there is no shortage of activities. From paragliding to a shooting range to human foosball, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Did I forget to mention Europe’s longest inflatable water slide is up there? Although it was only 70 degrees, going down the 400 meter slide was a refreshing experience. We also enjoyed spiked hot chocolate at the lodge’s restaurant with a beautiful view of the paragliders over the mountains. The theme park takes card, so no cash is necessary!
3. Go Paragliding
Bansko is a popular destination for paragliding, thanks to its stunning scenery and perfect flying conditions. Paragliding is a popular summer activity here, but unlike many spots, Bansko also offers paragliding in the winter! The various paragliding companies also offer a variety of launch sites with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
4. Go Hiking in Pirin National Park
Pirin National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Bulgaria. There are hiking trails to suit all levels, from easy walks to challenging treks. Some of the most popular hikes include:
- Vihren Peak: This is the highest peak in the park, and the hike to the summit is challenging but rewarding. The views from the top are stunning, and you can see for miles in every direction.
- Okato Lake: This beautiful lake is located in a glacial cirque, and the hike to the lake is relatively easy. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Bezbog Valley: This valley is home to several alpine lakes, and the hike through the valley is a great way to experience the diversity of the park’s landscape.
5. Visit Mineral Baths in Banya
Did you know that Bulgaria has the second most hot springs in the world after Iceland? Banya – the town next door to Bansko – has tons of hot springs. When we visited Bansko, we went to Regnum Banya Thermal where we paid 20 BGN each (~$11) for 4 hours of access to 5 pools (including two hot tubs), a sauna, and steamed baths. They also had a swim up bar and massages for an extra fee. This was a great place to relax after recovering from our Seven Rila Lakes hike. There are a bunch of hot springs you can visit in Banya, so we recommend visiting a few if you have the time!
6. Take a Day Trip to Rila Monastery
The Rila Monastery is one of the most important religious sites in Bulgaria. It is located in the Rila Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Bansko. Here you can tour the Ethnographic and History museums, go up in Hrelyo’s tower, visit the Cave of St. Ivan Rilski, stop at the monastery’s bakery, enter the Church of Roxbdestovo Bogorodichno, eat at the Drushliavitza restaurant, or just wander the courtyard!
Read our post on the Rila Monastery: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
7. Attend a Summer Festival
Bansko hosts a number of summer festivals, including the Bansko Jazz Festival and the Bansko Film Festival. These festivals are a great way to experience Bulgarian culture and enjoy some live music or cinema. The Bulgarian Wine Association hosted a wine and jazz festival when we went, where we got to do a wine tasting of delicious Bulgarian wines.
8. Go Mountain Biking
There are a number of mountain biking trails in the area, ranging from easy to challenging. This is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the scenery. Check out this tour that takes you through Bansko and the Pirin Mountains!
Best Time to Visit Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko is a great destination year-round. The best time to visit Bansko depends on your interests. If you’re into skiing, visit the Bansko Ski Resort in the late fall, winter, and early spring. If you prefer mountain biking and other outdoor activities that do not include skiing, visit in the late spring, summer, or early fall.
Where to Stay in Bansko
How to Get to Bansko
Bansko is easiest reached by flying into Sofia International Airport (SOF) and taking one of the transportation options listed below to Bansko.
Book your cheap flight to Sofia here!
How to Get to Bansko By Car
Renting a car to get around Bulgaria was extremely convenient and fairly cheap. We were able to stop at Rila National Park and Rila Monastery without relying on taxis and public transportation. This is definitely the easiest way to explore all that Bulgaria has to offer! Driving from Sofia to Bansko will take about two hours.
This is the best rental car service for renting a car in the Balkans!
How to Get to Bansko By Private Transfer
There are various buses to and from Bansko, but if you have a larger group, a private transfer may be better. Many of these will pick you up at the airport and have you in Bansko in two hours!
Book your private transfer here!
How to Get to Bansko From Sofia By Bus
Buses run from Sofia, (both the main bus station and the airport) a few times a day and takes 3 hours. This is the fastest mode of transportation you’ll find to Bansko.
Check the bus schedules and book your tickets here!
How to Get to Bansko From Sofia By Train
The train from Sofia leaves 4-5 times a day and takes 7 hours. It is a long and scenic ride, but if you would prefer to spend less time traveling, we recommend going by bus.
Check the train timetables and book your tickets here!
How to Get Around Bansko
Bansko is fairly walkable and we used our car to get to and from Banya. If you don’t have a car and want to visit the thermal baths in Banya, it’s easy to get a taxi for a good price. Bansko is a relatively small town so getting around is easy. You can also rent bikes to explore at a faster pace!
Day Trip to Bansko from Sofia
Though we highly recommend spending a few days in Bansko, it is possible to explore this are on a day trip from Sofia. If this is all you can fit into your schedule, check out this tour, which will give you a chance to hike around Pirin National Park for a few hours, enjoy a typical Bulgarian meal, and partake in a walking tour of Bansko. This definitely hits all the big attractions, so it’s a good option for those with limited time.
Keep Exploring Bulgaria….
- The Best Things to do in Plovdiv
- 7 Rila Lakes Hike: The Best Outdoor Adventure in Bulgaria
- Rila Monastery: Everything You Need To Know Before You Go
- The Best Things to Do in Nessebar and More
Our Favorite Travel Resources
Accommodations: We use Booking.com for hotels and HostelWorld for hostels. We also use VRBO or TrustedHousesitters for longer stays.
Flights: We recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest and best flights.
Ground Transport: We use 12Go and Omio for buses and private transfers, and rentalcars.com and Discover Cars for rental cars.
Activities: GetYourGuide and Viator are the best websites for booking organized tours.
International Medical Insurance: We highly recommend SafetyWing for Digital Nomads and HeyMondo for those not traveling full-time, or who frequently engage in higher-risk adventure activities.
eSIM: We recommend Airalo or Holafly for getting data internationally.
Check out our Travel Resources Page for more of our favorite travel-related products and services!
Pin It For Later!
Things to Do in Bansko FAQs
What is Bansko Known For?
Bansko is primarily known for its amazing ski resort and being the best winter destination in the Balkans. However, it has amazing activities in the summer months!
Is Bansko Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Whether you want to go in the winter or the summer, it is always a great time!
Is Bansko Expensive?
For Europe, the skiing is extremely cheap. For Bulgaria, the accommodations and dining options are definitely on the more expensive side.
