Sandanski - Tourist Information

Sandanski, a beautiful and lively spa town in South West Bulgaria, is favoured for its warm and sunny climate, picturesque mountain scenery and therapeutic spa waters. Sandanski is named after the Bulgarian revolutionary, Yane Sandanski, but is more famous in the West for being the birthplace of the great Roman slave and gladiator, Spartacus.

The Bistritsa river is the heart of Sandanski

Sandanski is dominated by the Bistritsa river, which winds its way through the town park and past the renowned Hotel Sandanski. You will find numerous al-fresco cafes and restaurants along the path of the river, and there are enough quality shops and boutiques to keep even the most discerning purchaser busy for most of the day. The new Sandanksi Mall opened in January 2008 and, if you crave still more “retail therapy”, there are extensive shopping facilities just up the road at Blagoevgrad.

One of the oft' overlooked benefits of Sandanski is its proximity to both sandy beaches and ski resorts. (In fact, you could be forgiven for thinking that was how the name originated: Sand-an-ski). The world-famous Bansko ski resort and the fabulous beaches of the Greek coast are both within about an hours' drive. There is even a bus service that runs between Sandanski and the Greek coast. Whilst viewing properties around Sandanski, why not make the most of Bulgaria's entry into the EU and take a day-trip down to the Greek coast?

Nearby Melnik is one of Bulgaria's most famous tourist resorts. Bulgarian nationals, as well as tourists from other countries, flock to Melnik in the summer months. The delightful Bulgarian Revival houses and pretty riverside walks make Melnik an ever-popular destination.

Sandanski - Officially the Sunniest Place in Bulgaria

The remarkable climate in the town of Sandanski is due to the intensely rough terrain of the surrounding mountains. Mount Belasitsa and Mount Slavyanka are over 2000 metres above sea level, and Pirin is almost 3000 metres. Without exaggeration, the climate of Sandanski can be described as unique. Throughout the year, air temperatures are higher than anywhere else in the country. It boasts the highest average annual temperature in the country. The average temperature for July is about 29°C. The air humidity is low and there are a wonderful 2,506 (average) hours of sunshine each year.

The climate is wonderful for plants as well as humans

The winter is mild and short. Autumn is very mild and the sunny days continue till the end of November. Sandanski has the lowest annual rainfall in Bulgaria and almost no foggy days (only 5 days per year, and only during the winter months). The air is remarkably clean and pollution free. The clear, mountain air and therapeutic qualities of the warm mineral springs attract people who suffer from breathing disorders, joint pains and neurological complaints, amongst others.

A property from around Sandanski...

€ 60,000 A family-sized house in very good condition