It takes somewhere pretty special to make thousands of travelers settle down. The small town of Bansko in Bulgaria has managed. Thousands of expats and digital nomads now call Bansko their home base, including me.
It is a pretty magical place. It is a village with cobblestone streets at the base of a modern ski station. It is surrounded by nature, and home to thousands of digital nomads and online workers.
For those who have never heard of it, Bansko is located in the Pirin mountains. It is two and a half hours drive from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. In winter, the main draw is the Bansko Ski Area, accessible by gondola from Bansko. It is an affordable station, with some great off-piste routes.
In Summer, Pirin National Park is a vast playground for hikers. Bansko also has countless restaurants, cafes, a bowling alley, an escape room and several nightclubs.
If you can tear yourself away from all of that, Bansko also makes a great base for exploring Bulgaria. There are many great day trips from Bansko, and in this article I’ll explore my favorites!
Best Places to Visit Near Bansko
1. Have a Spa Day at the Bansko Hot Springs
A ten-minute drive from Bansko is the village of Banya, which literally translate as “Bath”. It is located on top of a geyser that produces hot water all year round. Locals get free hot water from pipes throughout the village. Visitors, meanwhile, will love the many hot spring and spa centers. Lie in hot water, and soak your troubles, and your loose skin, away.
One of the best options is Izgreva Hotsprings, which has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe and an excellent restaurant on site.
How to get from Bansko to Banya:
The easiest way to get from Bansko to Banya is by car. The drive takes about 10 minutes, and there is free parking next to all the main hotspring complexes.
You can also reach Banya by public transport. There are four trains a day from Bansko to Banya, as well as four daily buses. Head to the train station and bus station to find out the precise timings, as they change often.
A taxi from Bansko to Banya costs around 15 leva (7.5euros). Ask your driver to wait, or return to pick you up. It can be challenging to find a taxi in Banya.
2. Take a hike in Pirin National Park
The biggest draw of Bansko is its close proximity to the Pirin mountain range. As you drive into town, you see the beautiful peaks rising above you. Wherever you are in Bansko, their graceful silhouette is never far away. But up close, there are even more beautiful, and you can quickly find yourself.
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Bansko in Summer and Autumn. The most beautiful routes routes start from Vihren hut. This is around 45 minutes drive from town, straight up the mountain. However, there are also many trails around town.
There are hundreds of hikes around Bansko. Here are five ideas to get you started:
- From town: Take a walk in the woods behind Krinetz dam (1-2 hours)
- From town: Walk to Belizmata dam, on the Western edge of town (1-2 hours)
- From Vihren hut to Muratovo lake: A nice, relatively flat walk through the valley, to a stunning lake (2-3 hours)
- From Vihren hut to Vihren peak: A beautiful climb to the top of the Pirin’s highest mountain. At 2914 metres, you’ll have spectacular views across the national park (6-7 hours)
- From Vihren hut to Muratov peak: Another splendid ascent, that takes you past several stunning lakes (5-6 hours)
How to get from Bansko to Vihren hut:
The drive from Bansko to Vihren hut takes about 45 minutes, and follows a beautiful, winding road up the hill. It can be intimidating for people who aren’t used to mountain driving. In the peak season (July-August), it is impossible to park at the hut. You’ll need to park at the campsite, a couple of kilometers walk away.
On very busy days, the police occasionally block traffic even lower down. If you are planning on taking your own vehicule in the height of summer, go up early. Before 9 am is ideal.
From June to October, there is a shuttle bus that runs three times a day from Bansko to Vihren hut. Depending on the year, May and November can be great for hiking, but unfortunately there are no public transport options. You can get a taxi — agree on a pick up time, or walk back down. Alternatively, hitchhiking up the mountain road is quite easy.
3. Visit Plovdiv
Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second biggest city, and one of Europe’s most underrated places. Walking the cobbled streets, you can feel the weight of several millennia of history. There are two beautiful roman amphitheaters, as well as a crumbling district of ottoman merchant houses. There is an artsy, hipster arts district filled with cool cafés, restaurants, and bars. It is an easy city to while away a weekend in, and you might just find yourself struggling to leave.
How to get from Bansko to Plovdiv:
There are two buses a day from Bansko to Plovdiv. The trip takes three hours. If you are traveling by public transport, I recommend staying overnight in Plovdiv. It is hard to make the bus times work for a one day trip.
By car, the journey takes 2.5 hours.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Plovdiv: Europe’s Oldest City
4. Go for a Beach Day at the Greek Coast
It is hard to believe it when you look at the austere, snow capped peaks of the mountains. In just three hours, you can be sipping cocktails in your bikini on a Greek beach. Another magical thing about Bansko. The beach is a hop and a jump across the border.
Kavala is the closest coastal town to Bansko. It has a wonderful old center, and great beaches lined with seafood restaurants.
A trip to Kavala will give you a slice of Greek culture, complete with Ouzo and Caffe Freddo. From about April or May, the sun is usually showing its face in Kavala. So this is a perfect change from your spring skiing!
How to get from Bansko to Kavala:
There are two buses per day from Bansko to Kavala. The journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes. If you are using public transport, I recommend staying overnight.
By car, the trip takes 2 hours 30 minutes. From January 1, 2025, Bulgaria will be a full Schengen member, meaning no more border checks. Making your beach trip even easier.
5. Taste Bulgaria’s best wines in Melnik
Melnik region is Bulgaria’s biggest wine producing region. It is a great place to spend a day — or several. Visit wineries for tours and tastings. Walk around Melnik town, with its cobbled streets, wooden houses and homemade wines. Take a hike through the surreal rock formations of the surrounding countryside. Or just sit on a balcony with a glass of red, looking out on the sunset.
How to get from Bansko to Melnik:
Melnik is 2 hours drive from Bansko. Staying overnight is a must if you want to do any actual wine drinking. Hotel Melnik is affordable, with a great spa and nearby restaurants.
There is no public transport to Melnik from Bansko, but taxis can be arranged for around 100 leva each way.
6. Soak in the natural mud baths of Rupite
A trip to Melnik is easily combined with a visit to Rupite’s mineral baths. With their bright orange and green colors, they are a very striking sight and totally free.
You’ll see the water bubbling straight out of the ground. Take it as a warning: some of the pools are scorching hot. Stick a toe in first. Locals cover themselves in mud, which supposedly has therapeutic properties.
Nearby is a museum dedicated to the famous Bulgarian Medium Baba Vanga. She was known as the “Nostradamus of the Balkans”. Baba Vanga is believed to have predicted several major events, including World War Two. She also warned that 2025 would be the beginning of the end of the world. Although she said humanity won’t be entirely wiped out until 5079.
So I guess plan your visit to Bansko before that?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bansko Bulgaria
Where can I rent a car in Bansko for a day trip?
The easiest way to rent a car in Bansko is through Local Rent, which connects you with local providers offering a variety of vehicles. Many offer delivery to your accommodation or pickup in town, making it convenient for spontaneous day trips.
Can I drive from Bansko to Greece or Turkey for a day trip?
Driving from Bansko to Greece is doable in a day—particularly to destinations like Drama or Kavala—via the Ilinden–Exochi border crossing.
Driving to Turkey in a single day from Bansko is not recommended due to distance (around 6–8 hours to Istanbul), but it’s possible if you’re continuing your journey. All land borders are open, and you’ll need your passport, vehicle documents, and insurance.
Is it safe to drive to nearby attractions from Bansko?
Yes, day trips from Bansko by car are generally safe. Roads to popular spots like Rila Monastery or the Seven Rila Lakes are in good condition, though some mountain roads may be narrow or winding. In winter, make sure your car has snow tyres or chains.
Do I need a tour guide for day trips from Bansko?
Not necessarily. Many destinations near Bansko are easy to visit independently by car, especially with navigation apps. However, for places rich in history—like Rila Monastery or the archaeological sites near Sandanski—a guided tour can add depth to your experience.
How to get from Sofia to Bansko
You can get from Sofia to Bansko by bus, train, or car. Buses leave several times daily from Sofia’s central station and take around 3 hours. Trains are slower (7–9 hours) but offer scenic views. Driving or booking a private transfer is the fastest option, taking about 2.5 hours. You can book them here.
What are your favorite Bansko side quests? Let me know in the comments!
Ellie x
Other articles you might enjoy:
From Bulgaria to Turkey By Car: An Overlander’s Guide
Shortcuts and Side Quests 
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