Summer Activities

South of Bansko is the National Park Pirin, which is included in the UNESCO list for cultural and natural sightseeing. The park is rich with lakes, waterfalls, caves, venerable trees and historical sites.

Bansko together with Dobrinishte, a neighbouring town, are also famous for their mineral springs. Bansko hosts frequent music concerts in it's town square and there are many sporting activities in the area from mountain biking to white water rafting, horse riding and fishing.

Walking and Hiking

There are lots of activities and excursions that can be arranged outside of the ski season. There are many short walks from Bansko itself through the woods and in the lower mountains or to local lakes and past tiny chapels and other places of religious or historical interest.

The gondola operates during the day in the summer months, offering access up the mountain to many walks or take a taxi ride to one of the mountain huts and plan your walks from there. There are walking maps readily available in Bansko but the main trails are well marked. Alternatively, ask at reception for a day's guided walking.

Water Sports

For those seeking water sports, how about rafting, kayaking or canyoning along the Struma Valley or Kresna Gorge. There is a thermal springs pool in Dobrinishte which is located 10 minutes drive from Bansko where you can relax, have a drink and a meal whilst enjoying the health properties of the natural springs. Fishing can be arranged at various locations depending upon your requirements

Other Activities

If water isn't your thing then see the countryside on horseback or from one of the Pirin mountain bike trails. Take a quad bike tour around the plains of the Pirin and Rila Mountains or enter a paintball competition. Day trips can be organised to Melnik (1 hour drive away) for wine tasting or to the Rila Monastery (1 hour 30 minutes drive away) to see, arguably, the most beautiful monastery in Eastern Europe. The Greek border is just over 1 hours drive away and Kavala, on the Greek coast is two hours by car.

For more details on what trips can be arranged please contact reception.

Bansko Jazz

The Bansko Jazz festival is a traditional gathering, featuring many national and international popular bands and singers. During the balmy August nights, under the stars of the Pirin sky, you can enjoy wonderful jam sessions for free, performed in the open air. For a whole week thousands of fans and guests from all over the country are delighted to hear their favourite songs and tunes, and to sense the aroma of flowers and pines, brought by the mountain breeze.

For more details of the Basko Jazz festival please visit the official festival website at Bansko Jazz.