Do you like to soak in warm water that brings health and relaxation? Bulgaria is blessed with an abundance of healing springs - natural sources of mineral water used for centuries for balneotherapy. If you are wondering where there is mineral water in our country, you have come to the right place. In this text, we will take a look at some of the most famous locations and resorts where you can enjoy hot and mineral pools.
There are more than 47 official spa resorts with more than 200 mineral springs. Most of them are warm, but there are also hot (over 70-80°C) and even cold springs. The composition of mineral waters includes calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphate ions, hydrogen sulphide and other useful substances. Mineral water has been proven to have a tonic, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect.
Velingrad – the SPA capital of the Balkans
Velingrad is the most famous resort town for mineral water in Bulgaria, also called "the spa capital of the Balkans". There are more than 80 hot springs in the area of Velingrad with temperatures from 40 to 80 degrees. The mineral water there is rich in sodium, calcium, magnesium and sulphate compounds, making it extremely beneficial for the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and skin.
Velingrad offers many opportunities for spa treatment. You can swim in indoor and outdoor mineral pools, as well as relax in jacuzzis and saunas filled with warm mineral spring water. In addition to traditional spa treatments, health festivals and fairs are often organised here.
Well maintained Spa complexes and hot springs make Velingrad a preferred destination for rest and treatment throughout the year.
Sapareva Banya - the hottest mineral water
West of Sofia is the town of Sapareva Banya, famous for the hottest mineral spring in Europe - the water there erupts at about 103°C. The mineral water in Sapareva Banya is rich in hydrogen sulphide and other healing elements. The hot springs and thermal pools at the foot of the Rila Mountain help with muscle and joint pains, and the nearby forests and rivers make a visit an unforgettable excursion into nature.
Banya (Razlog) - the healing valley
At the foot of the Pirin Mountain between Razlog and Bansko is the small village of Banya (Razlog). One of the largest groups of hot mineral springs in Bulgaria springs there - over 70 hot springs in the area. The mineral water in Banya is radon and hydrogen sulphide, which makes it especially useful for rheumatism, neurological and skin diseases. The resort is peaceful and offers several modern spa hotels where everyone can enjoy the healing mineral water without travelling far.
More resorts and cities
Apart from the mentioned, Bulgaria offers many more beautiful places with mineral springs. In the historic town of Kyustendil (ancient Pautalia) there are thermal springs with healing mineral water used by the Romans. Pavel Banya near Kazanlak is famous for radon mineral waters recommended for chronic diseases. Another ancient Roman resort is Hisarya - there you can visit the remains of Roman baths and soak in the softer mineral waters.
In southwestern Bulgaria Sandanski and Devin also have mineral pools. Sandanski is a resort known for its favourable climate and mineral water, which is hyperthermal and radiant. The locality of Devin in the Rhodope Mountains has modern spas with hot and cold mineral pools in the mountain scenery. Close to Sofia is the small resort of Banya under Stara Planina (Bankya) - the mineral water there is clear, colourless and odourless, with a pleasant mild taste.
Bulgaria is truly blessed with so many healing waters. Whether you want to take a relaxing mineral bath after an active day or are looking for treatment for a specific ailment, towns like Velingrad, Sapareva Banya and Banya (Razlog) offer a full range of therapeutic treatments. A day among the warm and clear mineral water can recharge your batteries and rejuvenate your body and spirit.
