SPA
In the region of Sandanski municipality there are over 80 mineral springs with temperatures ranging between 42 and 81° С.
This allows for them to be used throughout the entire year. All the springs have low mineralization content and rich chemical compositions and are praised for their healing powers.
These natural resources make Sandanski and the region one of the most visited SPA destinations on the Balkan Peninsula.
SKIING
28 km. northeast of the town of Sandanski are the ski runs at Kamenitsa hut.
They are equipped with three ski lifts as well as ski kit and ski equipment rental.
For a world-class skiing experience, the winter resorts of Bansko and Dobrinishte are just half an hour away by car.
RIDING
For those who enjoy horseback riding, the area offers many equestrian facilities with year-round lessons, activities and boarding, as well great routes for individual or group rides.
RAFTING
In the Kresna Gorge, where the town of Sandanski is located, the Struma River forms an exciting network of rapids that attracts lovers of extreme rafting experiences and canyoning.
Many centers offer both group and individual downriver runs on the rapids of the river.
SANDANSKI
The city, known as one of Europe’s finest natural healing centres, has been attracting visitors for centuries. This is the warmest Bulgarian city in all seasons.
The region’s fine climate, combined with clean mountain air and mineral springs, establish Sandanski as a resort that meets the high standards of the European Spa Association.
The city has over 3,200 years of history and lies at the crossroads of ancient civilizations and rich cultures from the time of the Thracians, Romans and the various tribes inhabiting the lands of the Central Struma.
On the main pedestrian street you can find many enticing restaurants, cafes and bars, while the end of it marks the entrance to the only park in Bulgaria featuring sandy alleys.
MELNIK
Not more than 25 km. from Sintica hotel is the wine capital of Bulgaria, the town-museum of Melnik. It is also the smallest town in the country, and the ancient remains found within speak to its centuries-old history.
The town is nestled on the southern slopes of the Pirin Mountains between unique sand pyramids that have been declared a natural landmark. Melnik also impresses with its Renaissance architecture. Among the many architectural monuments is the oldest house on the Balkans – the Bolyarska house.
The city and the surrounding area offer many temples and churches too – some of which still function, while others are only ruins rich in legends and stories. After a cultural tour, you can indulge in the flavors of the famous Melnik wine in any of the numerous taverns or wineries.
RUPITE
Rupite is a protected area along the Struma River in the eastern foothills of the Kojuh Volcano.
Besides its rare flora and remarkable, rare natural features, the place is also known for the mystical halo surrounding it, deeply connected with the image of the Bulgarian prophetess Baba Vanga. The temple of St. Petka is a place of worship for thousands in need.
Due to a volcanic eruption, in the area around the temple there are mineral springs with temperatures of 75ºC which are believed to be curative. In the immediate vicinity are the remains of one of the largest antique cities, Heracleia Sintica, which existed from the 4th until the 6th century BC.
HISTORY
According to historians, Sandanski is one of the oldest settlements on the Balkans.
The first settlement around the mineral springs originated in the second millennium BC. Until the 6th century, the town was one of the first Christian episcopal centers in Bulgaria.
The first settlement around the mineral springs originated in the second millennium BC. Until the 6th century, the town was one of the first Christian episcopal centers in Bulgaria.
At the end of the 6th century it was destroyed by barbarian tribes. Afterwards, the town was named after Saint Vrach, in memory of the two brothers Kozma and Damian who were folk healers. This name remained until 1947, when the town was renamed Sandanski, after the Bulgarian revolutionary and voivode Yane Sandanski.
The ancient city lies entirely on the terrain of the modern town of Sandanski, and the archaeological sites found here are from different historical periods.
The city had its economic and cultural bloom in the 4th-6th centuries, which is the time from when many public buildings and early Christian basilicas have been discovered, including an early Christian episcopal complex. Interesting sights include the decorative “carpet” mosaics, some of which are exhibited at the Sandanski Archaeological Museum.
