5 Things To See & Do In Bansko
by Daffany Chan
You may not have heard of Bansko, Bulgaria, but it’ll certainly surprise you with its natural beauty, tight-knit community, and traditional charm. As a Chinese American, I had only stumbled upon the small town of over 12,000 while searching the web for my first destination to get a taste of the increasingly popular digital nomad lifestyle. Though only a two hour drive from the bustling capital Sofia, Bansko certainly appealed to me as a retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. With plenty of adventure activities like skiing and mountain biking, as well as a coworking space that brings together a diverse group of travelers, I knew this was the off the beaten path experience I was searching for.
I spent a month in Bansko, getting to know the ins and outs of the Bulgarian and international lifestyle that make this destination like no other. Whether you’re planning a week long trip or preparing to settle in for months — like so many travelers end up doing — there’s plenty to keep you active and entertained in Bansko. Here are my top five picks from Bansko:
Join the Coworking Bansko Community
The pinnacle of my experience was undoubtedly Coworking Bansko. Like many solo travelers, I was initially anxious about making friends in a foreign country. My first day at Coworking Bansko immediately relieved my worries — as a hub for digital nomads, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, there was a vibrant and eclectic group of people who welcomed me with open arms. And with over 100 members at the time I visited, there was always someone new to meet, while at the same time retaining a strong community with shared values. Colombian/Dutch member José Fiallo similarly found home in Bansko after forging close friendships. “Bansko offers a community of like-minded people from around the world,” he shares. “It’s an amazing place to have as a base.”
Coworking Bansko not only has four 24/7 locations throughout Bansko to work from, but also a slew of events happening on a daily basis, both hosted by the coworking space as well as members. While I was visiting, I had the opportunity to take part in Love Week to celebrate Valentine’s Day that was organized by Nomad Soulmates founder Aline. The special event had each member anonymously showing a coworker appreciation throughout the week via small gifts and notes, with a final reveal to everyone’s identity at the end. One Bulgarian member, Violeta Ruleva, shares that this priority on community relationships is what keeps her coming back to Bansko from her hometown of Sofia. “Coworking Bansko has made me feel like a member of a big family, where everyone is appreciated for their unique personality,” Ruleva explains. “Once you’re in, you’re inspired to be the best version of yourself.”
Throughout my month at Coworking Bansko, there were also plenty of group brunches, dinners, and movie nights to keep us busy. But above all, I’ll miss the random conversations and shenanigans that went down with my fellow members in Coworking Bansko’s new lounge, which quickly became the spot for spontaneous meetings through the late hours of the evening.
Shred The Slopes
Of course, a trip to Bansko wouldn’t be complete without shredding some powder. Bansko’s ski resort is one of the top destinations for skiers and snowboarders in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe. That’s because there’s plenty of options, including 14 chair lifts and slopes ranging from beginner to advanced. There was plenty of buzz when I visited the slopes in February, including the 2021 FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships.
If you’re looking to sharpen up your skills, it’s incredibly easy to find affordable ski/snowboard instructors as well as rentals, since there are plenty of sports stores lining Bansko’s gondola area. Depending on the length of your stay, you have the option of purchasing various ski passes, including a daily pass for 70 BGN, five day pass for 337 BGN, 20 day pass for 900 BGN, and a season pass for 1500 BGN. The ski season typically runs from early December through mid-April.
Soak In The Hot Springs
I explored a few of the mineral springs in and around Bansko, and soaking in the naturally heated baths quickly became my favorite way to unwind and refresh after a long day on the slopes. One popular hot springs destination is Izgreva, which I was able to visit via a weekly event through Coworking Bansko. Located in a nearby town called Banya, Izgreva is only a 10 minute drive from Bansko. There are also plenty of hot springs hidden throughout Bansko and its surroundings if you’re looking for a spot tucked away from the public eye.
Trek The Mountains
My favorite mornings were spent solo hiking in Bansko. There are so many trails to explore the Pirin mountains and surrounding areas that range from beginning hikes to more advanced treks if you’re up for the challenge. Perfect for the spring and summer, there are even some routes that’ll take you up to lakes in the mountain. One of the simple scenic paths I liked to take was from the Old Town of Bansko to a nearby monastery, which is set in a tranquil area lined with forest. There are plenty of benches and spots to take a rest, meditate, and picnic in the sun.
Feast On Local Flavors
As a foodie, I believe that one of the best ways to get acquainted with a foreign culture is through its food. It was my first time trying Bulgarian cuisine — and it certainly didn’t disappoint. There are plenty of local Bulgarian options in Bansko available for both dine-in or delivery, some popular ones being Chalet Yanitza, which has a superb moussaka and The House, which has a standout duck with blueberry sauce dish. If you’re in the mood for some international flavors, there’s also The Station, which is a popular spot near the gondola that serves Greek gyros as well as Golden Dragon, which has surprisingly tasty Chinese family-style dishes.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie digital nomad, I recommend putting this charming Bulgarian town on your list of upcoming destinations. As I’ve learned from my month in Bansko, there are so many people to meet and places to explore that your stay will undoubtedly feel too short — and soon enough, you’ll be wanting to return to the mountains for more.
About Daffany:
After graduating from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism in 2016, Daffany worked as an editor for TIME Magazine based in Hong Kong. In the role, she quickly realized that the traditional career path was not for her, and since then, has been working toward turning her dream of a location independent lifestyle into a reality. Currently, she pays the bills through freelance writing and hopes to one day return to Asia as a digital nomad. Follow her at https://www.instagram.com/tigerdafni/
