banskoinsummer

Bansko Is probably best known as a winter resort but is fast getting a reputation for a great summer resort as well, and one that will cater for all people, not just Winter Sports enthusiasts. Summer 2006 saw upwards of 200,000 visitors!

Bansko Jazz Festival

Every year Bansko holds an International Jazz Festival on 8th to13th August. Started in 1998 by Dr Emil Iliev who is a renowned Bulgarian Dermatologist and Acupuncturist with a love of music. The festival is now branded as "The Music of the Free People"
Most of the action is seen in the central town square, Nikola Vaptzarov, where an open-air festival stage is erected. Other night-club and hotel venues also host concerts. Informal jazz café and jamming sessions are to be found all over town. The festival has many sponsors and because of their support all the concerts are FREE! for more information on the artists featuring in this years festival (2008) visit the official website of
Jazz Bansko.

To get a bit of the atmosphere you can visit you tube and see some video footage of previous years festivals.

Bansko Beer Festival

The month of July seems to be given over to the celebration of Beer drinking. The local beer is Very Good! And Very Cheap! All around Bansko you will find the local taverns or Mehanas, there are said to be some 360, so why not come and sample what's on offer? Not only is the beer good so is the local wine and the Mehanas will serve you a good meal as well. A good meal will cost the equivalent of about a fiver. All this to the accompaniment of local folk music or aspiring bands.

Summer Sporting Activities

Bansko is the ideal centre for pursuing a whole range of outdoor sports. If you are intending to take part in some of the more extreme activities please check what your insurance covers you for. It is essential that you take out adequate insurance.

Hiking/Walking:     There are guided tours to suit all abilities from 30 minutes to 10 hours. For experienced walkers you can purchase maps from The Pirin National Park offices in Bansko. These mark paths and huts where the more adventurous can stay overnight.
The Intersport web site will give you more information.

Moutain Biking:    You can hire your bikes in Bansko from Intersport and take relaxing forest and valley trails or there are Alpine Rides to test the best.

Rafting:    Available in late spring and autumn.The two major locations are the Struma and Mesta Rivers. The Mesta is calmer and gives time to see the the area from the river. The Struma offers white-knuckle white-water rafting, but there are 3 levels of ride available and you will be kitted out with the necessary equipment and be given all the needed insruction.

Moutaineering:     The moutains offer good places to moutaineer. There are climbs to challenge all abilities. Instructors are available for beginners. Guides if you need them.

Fishing:      You will need a permit, but the cost is minimal. With this you can fish in most places in Bulgaria. In the mountains behind Bansko there are many lakes where you will find mostly trout. The best river fishing is the Struma on the road to Sophia and for this you will need a car.

Other sporting activities include: Cross Country Carting, Off-Roading and Pony Trekking. For these and all the above activities Intersport will hire you the eqipment and provide guides if needed.

More information is also available from the Summer in Bansko website

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Places to Visit

The Rila Monastery:     Just over an hours drive from Bansko this beautiful monastry is set high up in the Rila Mountains. Built around 917 AD it is still a working monastry and the largest in Bulgaria.

The Rhozen Monastry:    Older than Rila the earliest parts were built in circa 890 AD and although devasted by fire in the 17th Century and restored in the 18th Century, due to patronage of wealthy Bulgarians, many of the oldest parts still remain. Situated in the Pirin Mountains just 5Km from the small town of Melnik. Maybe a little further from Bansko than Rila but the drive itself is worth the trouble and Melnik is worthy of a visit in it's own right.

Yagodinska Cave:     One of the biggest and deepest in Bulgaria. There is a three level labyrinth and the total length is 10KM. The tourist trail, you will be pleased to hear, is just over 1KM at 1100 Metres!

Bear Park:     Sponsored by The Bridgit Bardot Foundation the bear park is home to 20 rescued Dancing Bears leaving just a handful still being exploited as "entertainment" on the streets of Bulgaria. These, it is hoped, will soon join those in the park for a happy and peaceful retirement. Combine your trip to the park with a trip on.......

The Narrow Guage Railway:     This is definely a slow train. You are likely to be overtaken in places by ambling sheep! The scenery is wonderful though and the slow pace allows you to appreciate this to the full. The train follows the Mesta River valley and goes through the western Rhodope Mountains. The final stop is Septemvri but you can get off on route. Belitsa for the Bear Park or Velingrad for its spas. There are three a day so make sure you know the return times and don't miss the last one.

Plovdiv:     Bulgaria's second city boasts a Roman Amphitheatre that now stages opera, theatre festivals, concerts and more. The Old Town has interesting architecture dating back to the time of The Bulgarian National Revival. A bit further afield than the other places to visit but again worth the trip.

If you hire a car you can do most of these trips independly but Intersport arrange trips at very reasonable prices.