Nature & outdoors
Nature
In the city
Plato Ski Slopes — Bansko is a Ski resort town, and a gondola to the mountain. However, the queue is notoriously long in the winter mornings. The mountain offers a variety of runs, but might not be as challenging for advanced skiers. You can rent skis in the city, or bring your own!
Thermal pools — Grab a taxi or rideshare and escape to the neighboring village of Banya and their natural thermal pools, just 15 minutes away.
Outside the city
Day trip (<1 hour drive from the city) Rila Monastery — 10th-century monastery surrounded by the high slopes of the Rila Mountains.
Rila 7 Lakes hike — Don't miss this if you're already visiting the Rila Monastery.
Weekend trip (<1 hour drive from the city) Plovdiv — The cultural capital of Bulgaria. Enjoy a show in an ancient Roman Amphitheatre, or visit the Ancient Bath. The cheapest and easiest way to get there is via a 3-hour bus ride or a 6-hour train ride from Bansko.
Fitness & wellness
Gyms and studios
Town Park — There is a free bodyweight fitness section in the town park if you are looking for something outdoors.
Popular sports in the area
Skiing
The most popular sport during winter, you'll notice a lot of people traveling to Bansko from other cities in Bulgaria during the ski season.
Mountain biking
You'll meet many people that come to Bansko during the summer specifically for the nature and mountain biking trails. You can rent mountain bikes in the city.
Hiking
Summer is when you can set off on one of Bansko's ten trailheads. Paths vary in complexity but are generally accessible to most. Trails are accessible within minutes of the town. For avid hikers, you can take the trail to Vihren Peak, the second-tallest mountain in Bulgaria.
