Bansko Old Town
Bansko, Bulgaria
A mountain town at the foot of the Pirin range with stone houses, tavernas and a cobbled centre, known as a ski base. In summer it is a quiet start point for hikes into Pirin National Park.
Bansko lies in south-western Bulgaria at an altitude of 925 m, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, about 160 km from Sofia. The town is known as a winter sports centre: the ski area offers around 75 km of pistes and 14 lifts, and since 2003 a gondola has linked the town directly with the slopes. The old town has an Orthodox church dating from 1835, and a Protestant congregation has existed here since 1868.
In summer the region is a starting point for hikes in the Pirin Mountains. Five kilometres away lies the village of Banya, with 27 thermal springs, which makes a good side trip. One to two hours is enough for a stroll through the old town; if you want to hike, plan a full day. Summer is much quieter than the ski season, when the town is very busy.
- Nearest town
- Bansko, Bulgaria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.8386, 23.4886
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Bulgaria: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Between the MountainsCampsite2 km from Bansko Old Town · 31 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Spa Vita SpringsMotorhome stopover4 km from Bansko Old Town · 16 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- free campingMotorhome stopover10 km from Bansko Old TownMotorhomesToilets
- БивакCampsite12 km from Bansko Old Town
- тур стоянкаCampsite14 km from Bansko Old Town
- Wild campCampsite15 km from Bansko Old Town
All campsites in Bulgaria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bansko Old Town?
Bansko Old Town is in Bansko, Bulgaria, at GPS 41.8386, 23.4886. It is about 36 km from Melnik.
Can you camp near Bansko Old Town?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Between the Mountains, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Bansko Old Town?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rozhen Monastery (35 km), Rila Monastery (35 km), Melnik Sand Pyramids (35 km) and Seven Rila Lakes (43 km).
When is the best time to visit Bansko Old Town?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)