Municipality of SandanskiMunicipality of Sandanski

Town of Sandanski – Best Spa Town of Sandanski – Best Spa Destination of BulgariaDestination of Bulgaria

Association of Hotel and Restaurant Association of Hotel and Restaurant Owners and Tour Operators - SandanskiOwners and Tour Operators - Sandanski

Member ofMember of::BHRABHRA – – Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant AssociationBulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association

BUBSPA BUBSPA – – Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Spa Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Spa TourismTourism

ESPA ESPA – – European Spas AssociationEuropean Spas Association

Municipality of Municipality of Sandanski in located Sandanski in located in southwest in southwest Bulgaria, district of Bulgaria, district of Blagoevgrad. Blagoevgrad.

It coversIt covers an area of an area of 1002 1002 sq. m., it has sq. m., it has 54 smaller 54 smaller settlements and settlements and population of 4population of 46 1136 113 people. people.

The territories of The territories of Municipality of Municipality of Sandanski include: Sandanski include: - Sandanski-Petrich - Sandanski-Petrich valleyvalley- The middle course of - The middle course of the Strouma Riverthe Strouma River- The Pirin Mountains- The Pirin Mountains- Slavyanka, - Slavyanka, Maleshevska and Maleshevska and Ograzhden Mountains.Ograzhden Mountains.

The international road E-79 passes through the The international road E-79 passes through the municipality, as does the railroad Sofia-Kulata-municipality, as does the railroad Sofia-Kulata-

Athens. The distance from the town of Sandanski to Athens. The distance from the town of Sandanski to Sofia is 160 km, to Thessaloniki (Greece) is 150 km Sofia is 160 km, to Thessaloniki (Greece) is 150 km

and it is easily accessible via their airports.and it is easily accessible via their airports.

The town of The town of Sandanski (30 175 Sandanski (30 175 people) is the main people) is the main administrative and administrative and economic centre of economic centre of

Municipality of Municipality of Sandanski. Sandanski.

It is situated at the It is situated at the foothills of the Pirin foothills of the Pirin

Mountains and Mountains and along the course of along the course of the Bistritsa River.the Bistritsa River.

Situated 230 above the sea level, the town of Situated 230 above the sea level, the town of Sandanski is known as the warmest in Bulgaria, Sandanski is known as the warmest in Bulgaria, with an average annual temperature ofwith an average annual temperature of 13.9 13.9 ºº С, С, low average relative humidity of 66%low average relative humidity of 66%, , duration of duration of sunshine -sunshine - 2506 2506 hourshours, , and an average number of and an average number of

foggy days – 5foggy days – 5. . The annual average quantity of The annual average quantity of precipitation is precipitation is 513 мм.513 мм.

The mineral water in Sandanski is famous for its The mineral water in Sandanski is famous for its proven healing characteristics. There are several proven healing characteristics. There are several thermal springs in the resortthermal springs in the resort with temperature with temperature between 42-81between 42-81°°С. С. Their water is effective for Their water is effective for

treating illnesses of the locomotor, central and treating illnesses of the locomotor, central and peripheral nervous systems, genealogical peripheral nervous systems, genealogical

problems and others.problems and others.

The combination of Mediterranean climate The combination of Mediterranean climate and healing thermal springs make the town of and healing thermal springs make the town of Sandanski one of the most famous balneo and Sandanski one of the most famous balneo and spa resorts on the Balkan Peninsula and the spa resorts on the Balkan Peninsula and the best natural clinic for bronchial asthma in best natural clinic for bronchial asthma in

Europe.Europe.

Sandanski is proud of the beautiful town park where you Sandanski is proud of the beautiful town park where you can find more than 200 plant species. Among them are can find more than 200 plant species. Among them are

centuries-old plane-trees. centuries-old plane-trees. Sand paths lead to the open theater, stadium, Sand paths lead to the open theater, stadium,

playgrounds, a big artificial lake with peddle-boats. playgrounds, a big artificial lake with peddle-boats. Wooden swinging bridges hang over the Bistritsa River. Wooden swinging bridges hang over the Bistritsa River.

The town of Sandanski has rich 3200 year-old The town of Sandanski has rich 3200 year-old history, as well as well-preserved history, as well as well-preserved

archeological heritage, displayed in the town archeological heritage, displayed in the town museum and the open-air archeological park. museum and the open-air archeological park.

The ancient town The ancient town lies entirely under lies entirely under

modern modern Sandanski. Sandanski.

Archeological Archeological researches have researches have

proven its proven its existence even existence even

before the Trojan before the Trojan War in which they War in which they suppose the local suppose the local

Thracian tribe Thracian tribe Maedi took part Maedi took part (according to (according to

Homer - Iliad). Homer - Iliad).

During the campaigns along the valley of the During the campaigns along the valley of the Strouma River, the Roman soldiers captured the Strouma River, the Roman soldiers captured the

Thracian Spartacus from the tribe Maedi. Later on, he Thracian Spartacus from the tribe Maedi. Later on, he became leader of the biggest slave uprising against became leader of the biggest slave uprising against

the Roman Empire the Roman Empire (74-71 (74-71 B.C.B.C.). ). Now, the ancient warrior has become one of the Now, the ancient warrior has become one of the

symbols of Sandanski and proudly welcomes every symbols of Sandanski and proudly welcomes every guest at the town entrance.guest at the town entrance.

The adoption of Christianity as an official religion of The adoption of Christianity as an official religion of the Roman Empire lead to the flourishing of the the Roman Empire lead to the flourishing of the

Christian architecture and art in early Particopolis Christian architecture and art in early Particopolis (Sandanski). (Sandanski).

Evidence for its role as a religious center in IV-VI c. Evidence for its role as a religious center in IV-VI c. are the five basilicas found until now.are the five basilicas found until now.

Cultural monuments from the early Christian period, Cultural monuments from the early Christian period, part of Archeological Park Sandanski are:part of Archeological Park Sandanski are:- - Early Christian Complex with ancient street and Early Christian Complex with ancient street and stoa; stoa; - - The Basilica of Bishop John – located “in situ” in The Basilica of Bishop John – located “in situ” in the Archeological Museum;the Archeological Museum;- - Bishop’s BasilicaBishop’s Basilica – – an imposing building with a an imposing building with a baptistery.baptistery.

Archeological Museum – Sandanski, established in Archeological Museum – Sandanski, established in 1936, 1936, is specialised in the field of ancient is specialised in the field of ancient

archaeology. It has a rare collection of Roman archaeology. It has a rare collection of Roman funeral plastic arts (I-III c.), ancient statues of funeral plastic arts (I-III c.), ancient statues of

Aphrodite and TyuheAphrodite and Tyuhe and and mosaics from the early mosaics from the early Christian period /IV-VI c./, covering an area of over Christian period /IV-VI c./, covering an area of over

350 sq. m.350 sq. m.

The barbarians put an end to the spiritual and social order The barbarians put an end to the spiritual and social order established in ancient Sandanski. The town was destroyed, established in ancient Sandanski. The town was destroyed,

but the memory of the miraculous healing waters remained.but the memory of the miraculous healing waters remained.In the Middle Ages the town was given the name of Sveti In the Middle Ages the town was given the name of Sveti

Vrach (St. Healer) in memory of the healing brothers Saints Vrach (St. Healer) in memory of the healing brothers Saints Kozma and Damyan. They helped people without taking any Kozma and Damyan. They helped people without taking any money by using the natural recourses and the power of faith. money by using the natural recourses and the power of faith.

Today, their home is a small monastery and their clinic Today, their home is a small monastery and their clinic continues to receive sick people.continues to receive sick people.

With its thousand-year old history Sandanski has With its thousand-year old history Sandanski has proved to be a leading balneological center. proved to be a leading balneological center. In recent In recent years, with the years, with the development of spa tourism, the resort development of spa tourism, the resort

attracts new guests. The town is a favourite relax attracts new guests. The town is a favourite relax center for tourists from the Balkan Peninsula and center for tourists from the Balkan Peninsula and

Europe. Europe.

Festive SandanskiFestive Sandanski

Pirin Folk Festival Pirin Folk Festival is appreciated by is appreciated by

fans of fans of contemporary contemporary Macedonian Macedonian

folklore. folklore. It is held in the It is held in the

first week of first week of September in the September in the Open theater of Open theater of

the town and the town and gives opportunity gives opportunity to young singers, to young singers, composers and composers and lyrics writers to lyrics writers to

show their talent. show their talent.

The Balkan Youth Festival gives an opportunity The Balkan Youth Festival gives an opportunity to young gifted people from all spheres of artto young gifted people from all spheres of art to to

perform and meet with each other.perform and meet with each other.

Melnik is located 24 km southeast of the town of Melnik is located 24 km southeast of the town of Sandanski. It is a small fairy town, declared town-Sandanski. It is a small fairy town, declared town-museum and architectural reserve of international museum and architectural reserve of international

cultural significance.cultural significance.

Melnik has a thousand-year-old history. In XIII c. it Melnik has a thousand-year-old history. In XIII c. it became a centre of Despot Alexius Slav’s dominion, became a centre of Despot Alexius Slav’s dominion, whose fortress was built on the hill above the town.whose fortress was built on the hill above the town.

Melnik is known for its numerous churches and Melnik is known for its numerous churches and monasteries (70) - “St. Zona”, “St. Anthony”, “St. monasteries (70) - “St. Zona”, “St. Anthony”, “St.

Nicolas”, among others. Nicolas”, among others. The Sand Pyramids raising above the town are The Sand Pyramids raising above the town are

declared natural landmark. declared natural landmark.

There is hardly anyone who There is hardly anyone who has not heard of Churchill’s has not heard of Churchill’s favourite drink – the thick favourite drink – the thick

Melnik wine. For centuries it Melnik wine. For centuries it has represented Bulgarian has represented Bulgarian

winery throughout the world winery throughout the world and has been present on and has been present on the tables of Venetian, the tables of Venetian,

Spanish and French Spanish and French noblemen. noblemen.

The variety of the vine – The variety of the vine – Shiroka Milnishka, grows Shiroka Milnishka, grows

only in the region of Melnik only in the region of Melnik and the neighbouring and the neighbouring

villages.villages.

There are two festivals held in the town in honour of There are two festivals held in the town in honour of the Melnik wine. These are “Grape Harvest in the Melnik wine. These are “Grape Harvest in

Melnik” and “Golden Grape Bunch”. They celebrate Melnik” and “Golden Grape Bunch”. They celebrate the two most important stages of the life of wine – the two most important stages of the life of wine –

the gathering of the grapes and its drinkable period. the gathering of the grapes and its drinkable period.

Melnik offers very good accommodation Melnik offers very good accommodation possibilities. There are 14 hotels and hotel houses possibilities. There are 14 hotels and hotel houses built on its territory. The biggest among them are built on its territory. The biggest among them are

“Melnik”, “Elli Greko”, “Slav’s Fortres”, “Bolyarka”. “Melnik”, “Elli Greko”, “Slav’s Fortres”, “Bolyarka”.

Only 6 km away from Melnik is the small pretty Only 6 km away from Melnik is the small pretty village of Rozhen. On the hill above it is village of Rozhen. On the hill above it is

located the biggest religious temple in the located the biggest religious temple in the Pirin region and one of the oldest spiritual Pirin region and one of the oldest spiritual

centers in Bulgaria – the Rozhen Monastery centers in Bulgaria – the Rozhen Monastery (XII c.).(XII c.).

The territories of Municipality of Sandanski include The territories of Municipality of Sandanski include part of Pirin National Park, protected by UNESCO.part of Pirin National Park, protected by UNESCO.

18 km from Sandanski, in the Pirin Mountains, is 18 km from Sandanski, in the Pirin Mountains, is located the mountain area of Popina Laka with the located the mountain area of Popina Laka with the famous Popina Laka Waterfall (11 m) – declared a famous Popina Laka Waterfall (11 m) – declared a

natural landmark. natural landmark.

Slavyanka Mointain, located on the border between Slavyanka Mointain, located on the border between Bulgaria and Greece, possesses the biggest deposit Bulgaria and Greece, possesses the biggest deposit of European Black Pine on the Balkans. Because of of European Black Pine on the Balkans. Because of its location, Slavyanka has preserved its territories its location, Slavyanka has preserved its territories barely touched by humans. They are now protected barely touched by humans. They are now protected by the establishment of Alibotush Natural Reserve. by the establishment of Alibotush Natural Reserve.

More than 30 modern hotels in the region More than 30 modern hotels in the region with 3800 beds, balneo and spa centers with 3800 beds, balneo and spa centers

welcome tourists and guests of Sandanski. In welcome tourists and guests of Sandanski. In their conference halls are organized meetings their conference halls are organized meetings on business, political or scientific thematics.on business, political or scientific thematics.

Pirin Park-Pirin Park-HotelHotel

Located in the Located in the town park, next town park, next to the Bistritsa to the Bistritsa River, it has a River, it has a modern spa modern spa

center and offers center and offers to its clients to its clients

balneo balneo procedures with procedures with typical Bulgariantypical Bulgarian

herbs, various herbs, various spa and wellness spa and wellness

procedures , procedures , physiotherapy, physiotherapy,

rehabilitation and rehabilitation and other therapies.other therapies.

Interhotel SandanskiInterhotel Sandanski

Located in the town Located in the town park, it is one of the park, it is one of the biggest balneo and biggest balneo and

spa hotels in spa hotels in Bulgaria. Bulgaria.

Its balneo center Its balneo center offers modern offers modern treatment and treatment and prophylaxis for prophylaxis for

upper respiratory upper respiratory disorders, bronchial disorders, bronchial asthma, locomotor asthma, locomotor

systemsystem, , post fracture post fracture statuses, statuses,

rheumatism, rheumatism, osteoporosisosteoporosis, ,

peripheral nervous peripheral nervous system.system.

Medite SPA HotelMedite SPA Hotel

The hotel has a spectacular The hotel has a spectacular panoramic view over the town panoramic view over the town

of Sandanski. of Sandanski. Its spa center offers a variety Its spa center offers a variety

of relaxing therapies, of relaxing therapies, cosmetic procedures with cosmetic procedures with

rehabilitation effect, spa and rehabilitation effect, spa and balneo programs.balneo programs.

Sveti Nikola SPA Sveti Nikola SPA HotelHotel

The hotel is located in The hotel is located in the very center of the very center of

the town of the town of Sandanski. Amidst Sandanski. Amidst

the attractive interior the attractive interior and the calming and the calming

atmosphere in the atmosphere in the spa center, 30 types spa center, 30 types

of services and of services and healing procedures healing procedures

are offered - are offered - massages, massages,

physiotherapy,inhalaphysiotherapy,inhalation, and otherstion, and others

Tourist Information Tourist Information Center – SandanskiCenter – Sandanski

Tourist Information Tourist Information Center - MelnikCenter - Melnik

TIC – Sandanski offers to its visitors the opportunity TIC – Sandanski offers to its visitors the opportunity to enjoy the local life, folklore, art and crafts. The to enjoy the local life, folklore, art and crafts. The activities include:activities include:

- - Folk songs and dances from the Pirin regionFolk songs and dances from the Pirin region- - Pirin and Roman weddingPirin and Roman wedding- - CraftsCrafts – – forgingforging, , spinningspinning, , knittingknitting, , weavingweaving- - Stained glass, woodcarving, icon paintingStained glass, woodcarving, icon painting- - Local dishesLocal dishes

Alternative and extreme tourismAlternative and extreme tourism::- Kayaking- Kayaking- Canyoning- Canyoning- Hiking - Hiking - Mountain biking - Mountain biking - Military-applied sport- Military-applied sport- Shooting- Shooting- Horse riding- Horse riding

Welcome to Sandanski!Welcome to Sandanski!