Summer Holidays
Once the winter ski season is over, there is still plenty to do in and around Bansko.
If you enjoy being out in the open, seeing awe-inspiring sights and breathing fresh mountain air then I could suggest trekking in foothills of the Balkan mountains, horseback riding across mountain and woodland trails or even a brown bear viewing tour.
On the other hand, if you’re out for some adventure and a little action, there are plenty more activities. Take on white water rafting, mountain biking, canoeing, paragliding or perhaps snowshoeing in the Rodopi mountain range.
Most businesses offering tours/excursions can arrange transfers between Bansko and the destination.
A new development just 3km from Bansko is the Pirin golf course. The course offers professionally crafted greens plus spa and equestrian facilities. Designed by Ian Woosnam the course is world class standard.
Bulgaria’s rich and dynamic history is illustrated in places such as the magnificent Rila Monestary. The Monestary was established over 1000 years ago but the most recent buildings date around 150 years old.
Bulgaria banned the performance of dancing bears in 1993, a cruel act of forcing bears to stand on hot plates to seem like they dance as the bears try to avoid burning their feet. Many bears have been rescued and are looked after in spacious, green enclosures in the non-profit, Belitsa dancing bear park.
If all these activities aren’t quite your thing or if you like the sound of an international festival containing word class musicians, you shouldn’t miss the Bansko Jazz Festival. (August 8th – 13th, 2009)
