15 of Bulgaria’s Best Spas and Hot Springs
Known to modern folks as the land of Harry Potter’s Viktor Krum, the small but mighty Balkan nation of Bulgaria is a beautiful country with a complex history of empires and uprisings.
The country has over 700 natural mineral springs to explore, making it second only to Iceland, though it’s far less known for the feature. Mineral waters are formed deep in the earth when there’s a combination of high temperature, high pressure, and lack of contact with atmospheric oxygen. Since as early as 4000 BC, people in Bulgaria have been soaking in them for health and relaxation, and today, bathing in these natural springs is a staple in locals’ lives.
Visit Velingrad, one of the most visited spa towns in the Balkans, for a local experience. It features over 90 mineral springs and is less than a two-hour drive from Sofia, the capital.
Bedenski Bani (Beden Baths)
Nestled in the beautiful Rhodope Mountains, Bedenski Bani is a tranquil haven renowned for its exceptionally pure and healing waters. This region offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle, providing a serene environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Stay nearby at Heaven on Earth in Devin. It includes free WiFi, a terrace with mountain views, and a fully equipped kitchen. I love their accent colors and the bedroom nook.
Cool off in snowmelt river water after extra hot mineral bath.
If you come to Bedenski Bani you will most likely find the popular indoor pool just off the road between Shiroka Laka and Devin. For a small fee you can join the locals and enjoy the hot bath and then sit outside on the sun chairs.
But if you venture beyond the asphalt mount in the parking lot and follow the path you will find the freeloaders paradise: There is deeper pool with a tab another pool just at the riverside below a broken basin.
Water Quality: 5 stars
Ease of Access: 4 stars (Accessible by paved road, but the final approach can be a bit winding.)
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars (While popular, the area offers various pools and nooks for quiet soaking.)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (Comfortable soaking temperatures, with some variation.)
Health Benefits: 5 stars (Known for treating musculoskeletal issues, skin conditions, and nervous system disorders.)
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars (Limited lodging and dining options directly in Bedenski Bani, but more available in nearby villages.)
Hissarya Spa
Hissarya is a historic spa town with a legacy dating back to Roman times. Travel in time through the Roman history of Hisarya and discover 22 the thermal baths among historic monuments in a pleasant, sunny climate.
The town of Hisarya is situated in Central Bulgaria, 40 km north of Plovdiv and approximately 180 km east of Sofia. Hisarya is famous for its healing mineral waters: 16 natural mineral springs and 6 drilled mineral water wells. The town is one of the oldest and most popular balneological and spa centres in Bulgaria.
The name Hisarya derives from the Arabic word “hisar” which means fortress. The Archaeological Museum in the town displays finds discovered during archaeological excavations carried out in Hisarya, as well as models of the amphitheatre, a residential building, an early-Christian basilica and the Camels southern gate.
Evidence of its ancient baths and fortifications can still be seen today, making it a fascinating blend of history and wellness. The town boasts a remarkable variety of mineral waters, each with unique therapeutic properties.
Now, the mineral baths of Hisarya, together with the new spa centers, host a large number of guests from Bulgaria and abroad. Hotel “Hissar” offers modern SPA and wellness facilities. The water temperature of the springs is about 52 C degrees. The water is slightly mineralized, with a magmatic origin of infiltration, hydrocarbonate-sodium, rich in metasilicic acid sulphate, fluoride and radon.
Terme di Hissar is a mineral complex that combines the calm of nature, the power of the mineral water, and the pleasure of a perfect vacation! Located just 700 meters from the center of Hisarya, amidst the serenity and freshness of beautiful gardens with palm and olive trees, the complex offers a true oasis for the senses. The springs are rich in sodium, potassium, calcium, and carbonate.
One of the key sites to visit in the archaeological reserve is the Roman Termi. Basically, they are the runs of the Roman thermal baths. You can see the complex from above or pay a small fee to get up close. These baths date back to the 3rd century.
Enjoy Momina Salza spring. The location of the mineral spring itself, with a drinking fountain on top. The name means literally "tear of a maiden", but it's also the Bulgarian name of the flower lily of the valley.
Water Quality: 5 stars (Diverse mineral compositions, generally very clean.)
Ease of Access: 5 stars (Well-connected by road, easy to navigate within the town.)
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars (A popular resort town, so privacy can be limited in public pools, but many hotels offer private spa zones.)
Water Temperature: 5 stars (Multiple springs with temperatures ranging from cool to very hot.)
Health Benefits: 5 stars (Excellent for digestive, kidney, and urinary tract diseases, as well as musculoskeletal and nervous system issues.)
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars (Numerous hotels, restaurants, shops, and historical sites within walking distance.)
Kyustendil
Pautalia – the Roman name of Kyustendil – was founded early in the 2nd century. The Pautalia thermal bath is one of the most interesting monuments from Roman times in Bulgaria, uniting different building techniques and architectural styles.
Situated at the foot of the Osogovo Mountain, Kyustendil is another ancient spa town with a rich history of balneotherapy. Its mineral waters have been cherished since Thracian and Roman times, making it a significant center for healing and relaxation.
The hot healing mineral springs (there are 40 of them) and the healing peat from the deposits in the village of Baikal are the regional natural resources that allow for balneo- and mud therapy (baths, pools, underwater gymnastics, underwater massage, healing showers, irrigations), kinesitherapy, specialized methods, paraffin therapy, full range of device physiotherapy, healing massages.
Local mineral water is one of the hottest in the country – 74 °C. Their chemical composition includes hydrocarbonate, sulphate, and sodium, with an alkaline reaction.
Strimon Garden Medical SPA Hotel has a large spa and wellness area with a fitness center, hot tub, sauna, sun bed and indoor swimming pool. The indoor pool is lined with deckchairs. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and children's pool. They also provide free bikes so you can explore town.
103 Degrees Hotel & Spa in Sapareva Banya offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. You can relax in the hot spring bath, sauna, or indoor swimming pool. The spa and wellness center provides beauty services, fitness classes, and a hammam. Three large pools for adults with contrasting pools with hot and cold water. If you have kids there are three pools for children, divided into two depths for different ages. Relax in the hammocks with your free green tea.
Family Hotel Ring & Thermal in Kjustendil offers family rooms with private bathrooms, sofa beds, and balconies. You can enjoy a hot spring bath, rooftop swimming pool, sauna, and terrace.
Water Quality: 4 stars (Generally clean, some minor sulfur presence.)
Ease of Access: 5 stars (Easily accessible by road, good infrastructure within the city.)
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars (Public baths can be busy, but private spa centers offer more solitude.)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (Comfortable to warm temperatures, suitable for extended soaking.)
Health Benefits: 5 stars (Beneficial for musculoskeletal, gynecological, and skin conditions.)
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars (A bustling city with hotels, restaurants, cultural sites, and shopping.)
Narechen Baths (Narechenski Bani)
Narechen baths is located in the central medium part of Southern Bulgaria, about 40 km south of Plovdiv and 38 km to the north of the international mountain resort of Pamporovo.
Located in the picturesque valley of the Chepelarska River in the Rhodope Mountains, Narechen is famous for its unique mineral water, which is particularly beneficial for nervous system disorders. The serene mountain setting adds to the therapeutic experience.
“Ochno Izvorche” (Eye Spring) is famous with its healing work over the eye deceases.
The rare tropic flower Haberlea Rhodopensis (Rhodopean Rose) can be seen in the deep river valley of the river Asenitsa. This flower can not be seen anywhere else in the world.
Water Quality: 5 stars (High mineral content, excellent purity.)
Ease of Access: 4 stars (Accessible by a good road, but the mountain location means some winding paths.)
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars (The focus on therapeutic treatment often means a quieter, more focused atmosphere.)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (Comfortable and consistent temperatures.)
Health Benefits: 5 stars (Highly regarded for treating nervous system disorders, functional diseases, and hypertension.)
Nearby Amenities: 3 stars (Primarily sanatoriums and health facilities, with limited general tourism amenities.)
Pavel Banya
Known as the "Valley of Roses and Mineral Waters," Pavel Banya is a dedicated spa resort town in the Rose Valley. It's particularly famous for its unique radon-rich waters, which are highly effective for treating musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous system diseases.
A total of 11 pools with mineral water have been built in the city, of which 7 are closed and 4 are open. Seven have a temperature between 50-61-degrees Centigrade, with a slight mineral and alkaline content. The mineral content in two of these hot springs is particularly suited for medicinal procedures. The water at the spa is particularly helpful for patients suffering from bone and joint disorders, problems with the central nervous system, and orthopedic trauma.
The springs are radon (the content of radioactive gas radon requires the water to be used explicitly and only with a doctor's prescription) and two with non-radon waters, which contributes to individualization in the treatment of patients.
The Pavel Banya spa offers many options for accommodations – spa complexes, hotels, and family guest houses. Almost every hotel in the city has pools and other facilities fed by the thermal springs, with the latest balneology equipment and trained staff to serve the guests. Restaurants at the resort offer a wide range of local dishes.
Grand Resort Pavel Banya Medical and SPA EpiCentrum in Pavel Banya offers a 5-star experience with spacious family rooms and ground-floor units. You can relax in the spa and wellness center, sauna, hot tub, and terrace. The property includes a restaurant, bar, and electric vehicle charging station.
In the SPA and Wellness area, in addition to the obligatory Roman bath, Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, Infrared sauna, Salt room and Recreation area, it will also offer you unique facilities such as Attraction showers (Spring rain for rose picking, Paradise spray, Autumn Thracian fog), Five Elements Zone, Thalasso steam bath, authentic Cedar Russian sauna and others.
The city is situated in the Valley of the Roses and Thracian Kings, and there have been important archeological finds nearby, such as the tomb of the Thracian king Sevt III in the Golyama Kosmata (Great Kosmata) burial mound, along with the tomb of the Thracian king Ostrusha. In the nearby city of Kazanlak, there is another impressive tomb that has been included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites.
Water Quality: 5 stars (Exceptional purity, specifically noted for radon content.)
Ease of Access: 5 stars (Well-developed infrastructure, easy to reach and navigate.)
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars (A popular spa destination, so public areas can be busy, but many hotels have private pools.)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (Multiple pools with various comfortable temperatures.)
Health Benefits: 5 stars (Outstanding for musculoskeletal disorders, especially joint conditions, and peripheral nervous system issues.)
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars (Numerous hotels, sanatoriums, restaurants, and opportunities to explore the Rose Valley.)
Pomorie Mud and Salt Baths
While primarily known as a seaside resort on the Black Sea, Pomorie also boasts unique therapeutic mud and highly saline mineral water from Lake Pomorie. This combination offers distinct health benefits, particularly for dermatological and musculoskeletal conditions.
Pomorie’s mineral water and mud (found in the salty Pomorie Lake) are quite famous for the very flattering effect they have on the skin. Lake Pomorie is a natural ultra-saline lagoon (over twice as high as that of the Black Sea).
Pomorie was an island that was connected to the mainland by the formation of two sandy slopes - to the west and to the north. Today the lake is separated from the sea by the northern sandy slope, which is about 5 km long and 50 m wide.
From what I was told nearly every hotel in Pomorie offers SPA treatments and mud baths and there is also a balneological centre where you can go for various procedures. But let’s be honest getting mud right from the source is more fun, and it’s free!
Cover yourself with a thick layer of mud from head to toe (it’s good to apply it in the roots of the hair as well). Then roll in the sand (it is black because of the minerals it contains) and then bury yourself in the sand as much as possible from your body under the sand.
If you prefer more of a spa environment, there are a few options.
The W Spa at WAVE Resort is where you can enjoy a massage or treatment with mud or relax in the salt hydromassage pool, which is pleasantly warm. This is an all inclusive resort. Wave Resort has a public beach area, a spa center covering an area of 2.500 m2, an aqua park, and numerous pools including 1 infinity pool, 2 indoor pools and an outdoor semi-Olympic pool among others. The resort's dining options include a buffet restaurant, 3 a la carte restaurants, a food corner and a bistro.
And while you are our guest at WAVE Resort, you can visit the Museum of the salt in Pomorie. It has a rich collection of photographs from the early twentieth century and copies of documents from the period XV - XIX centuries, which tell about the production and trade of salt.
Grand Hotel Pomorie - Medical spa is located in the north-eastern part of Pomorie. The hotel offers a medical spa and wellness rehabilitation center with healing mud procedures and massage services. All units at the property feature a balcony with sea views, IPTV, air conditioning, a seating area, a desk, a mini-bar and a safety deposit box. A fitness center and a tennis court are offered at the hotel. In addition, three outdoor pools and a kids' pool are available.
Their analysis revealed that the water springing from 70m below the level of the hotel is almost 6 times saltier than that of the Black Sea. The salt jacuzzi uses the same water source as the salt mineral pool.
The Egyptian bath is a room for massages with healing mud or other ingredients on a heated stone slab.
A hammam is a traditional wet room filled with steam. The distinctive element is the hot stone of polished marble or granite. Steaming is carried out at a temperature of about 50° C and air humidity of about 70-90%.
After the low-temperature sauna in combination with medicinal plants – herbs, grasses, branches of coniferous and deciduous plants visit the col plunge. The cold plunge pool offers a wonderful view of the Pomorie Lake. It is used as a cooling procedure, after using a sauna or steam bath. The cold stimulates blood circulation, gives a person cheerfulness and energy, helps to burn calories.
The children’s pool of the Grand Hotel Pomorie is located with the spa center of the hotel. It has a diameter of 4.5 m, a depth of 0.5 m and a water temperature of 29-32 degrees Celsius.
Pomorie’s Penelopa Palace Apart Hotel & SPA is a 2-minute walk from the beach and offers studios and apartments that all have a terrace. The property has an outdoor swimming pool with a children’s area. The property also has a spa and wellness center with a sauna, a steam bath, a hot tub, a Turkish bath, an adventure shower and massage rooms that can be used against a surcharge. Penelopa Palace’s restaurant serves Bulgarian, Mediterranean and international cuisine. Drinks can be enjoyed at the lobby bar, and breakfast is served each morning.
St. George Hotel - Medical SPA is located on the first line in the old town of Pomorie. Only a few steps separate you from the promenade and the bridge, park, shops, landmarks. If your goal is the beach, the golden sands await you at about 2297 feet. St. George Hotel - Medical SPA awaits you.Pomorie is a year-round destination for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Estuarine mud and lye, extracted only from Lake Pomorie, contribute to the health of the musculoskeletal system, skin, peripheral nervous system and various other conditions. The palette of therapies is more than rich. Offers options to improve health and spa relaxation and rest.
The salt pans and Lake Pomorie have been protected since 2001. Their unique characteristics make them irresistibly attractive to over 268 species of birds (nesting, migrating, wintering). Some of them are endangered species. Many of them fly every year on the second largest bird migration route in Europe "Via Pontica". Storks, pelicans, geese and birds of prey cross the lake on their way from Europe to Africa and back. Lake Pomorie ranks third among the lakes on our Black Sea coast in the total number of all bird species.
Water Quality: 4 stars (High salinity and mineral content, but the mud can make it appear less "clear" than other springs.)
Ease of Access: 5 stars (Directly on the coast, excellent road access and public transport.)
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars (Can be busy during peak summer season, but specific spa centers offer more private experiences.)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (Varies from cool lake water for mud treatments to warm mineral pools.)
Health Benefits: 5 stars (Excellent for skin conditions, rheumatism, joint pain, and gynecological issues due to the mud and saline water.)
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars (Extensive range of hotels, restaurants, beaches, and tourist attractions typical of a seaside resort.)
Sandanski
Dubbed "Bulgaria's Natural Healer," Sandanski is located in the southwestern part of the country, renowned for its unique climate and highly mineralized waters. It's particularly famous for treating respiratory diseases, making it a haven for those seeking clear lungs and overall well-being.
This calm spa town at the foot of Pirin Mountain has thermal springs reaching 83°C, making it Bulgaria's warmest year-round destination. Ancient Roman ruins dot its center.
Sandanski, a town in southwestern Bulgaria, has 80 mineral springs and a Mediterranean-like climate with 2,700 hours of annual sunshine. You can swim in thermal pools at the Interhotel Sandanski, walk under 500-year-old plane trees in the town park, or see 5th-century mosaic floors at the Early Christian Complex.
Interhotel Sandanski boasts a medical and spa center that is one of the biggest balneotherapy centers in Bulgaria. Both the indoor and outdoor swimming pools are filled with healing mineral water. A steam bath, a sauna, a hairdresser and a beauty parlor are also available.
In the town center, step inside the Early Christian Complex from the 5th-6th centuries to see original mosaic floors depicting geometric patterns and early Christian symbols. The Archaeological Museum, built where the basilica of Bishop Yoan once stood, displays Roman coins, pottery, and tools found in the ancient city of Parthicopolis.
The town is also 20 kilometers from the wine cellars of Melnik and the hiking trails of Pirin Mountains.
Water Quality: 5 stars (Exceptional purity and mineral composition, very clean.)
Ease of Access: 5 stars (Easily accessible by road, well-developed infrastructure.)
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars (Despite its popularity, the town offers various quiet spa centers and outdoor areas.)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (Comfortable and consistent temperatures across its many springs.)
Health Benefits: 5 stars (World-renowned for treating asthma, allergies, and other respiratory ailments, as well as musculoskeletal issues.)
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars (Numerous hotels, sanatoriums, restaurants, shops, and a beautiful park.)
Sapareva Banya
The town of Sapareva Banya is situated in West Bulgaria, 70 km south from Sofia and 55 km east from Kyustendil.
Home to the hottest geyser in continental Europe, Sapareva Banya is a truly unique hot spring destination. The geyser erupts with scalding hot water, and the town harnesses this geothermal energy for its renowned therapeutic baths and heating.
The oldest known name of the town – Germaneya, was given by the Thracians and was related to the hot mineral springs. Scientists say that in the language of the Thracians “Germaneya” meant “hot water”. Hypotheses exist that German was a Thracian god of heat. In the 3rd century AD, Germaneya became one of the important centers of the Roman province Inner Dacia.
Water Quality: 5 stars (Pure, naturally filtered, and high mineral content.)
Ease of Access: 5 stars (Well-connected by road, easy to reach.)
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars (The main public bath can be busy, but private spa centers offer more seclusion.)
Water Temperature: 5 stars (Multiple pools with varying temperatures, from very hot to comfortable.)
Health Benefits: 5 stars (Excellent for musculoskeletal, nervous, and skin diseases due to the unique mineral composition.)
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars (Good selection of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, with hiking opportunities nearby.)
Sofia (Bankya)
Just a short drive from the bustling capital, Sofia, lies Bankya, a popular balneological resort. It offers an accessible escape for city dwellers seeking the healing powers of mineral water without venturing too far. Bankya is known for its mild climate and slightly mineralized waters.
Sofia is also known for its rich historic culture, beautiful mosques, churches, and piquant milieu for an appetizing Bulgarian food excursion. If you’re a foodie then enticing food tours are one of best things to do in the Sofia, Bulgaria because you get to sample a variety of traditional Bulgaria food. There’s sampling organic wine and enjoying the wide variety of famed Balkan yogurt.
Within Sofia you’ll also find an old bath house, where locals can bring their reusable water bottles to fill up on fresh mineral water springing up from the ground. Still warm as the water reaches the air, during the cold winter nights you can see the steam rising off the water as it crests into the air.
While the bath house is no longer in use, this isn’t the only spa in Sofia to get your soak on.
Water Quality: 4 stars (Clean and pleasant, with a subtle mineral presence.)
Ease of Access: 5 stars (Extremely easy to access from Sofia by car or public transport.)
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars (Can be busy, especially on weekends, but larger facilities offer various pools.)
Water Temperature: 4 stars (Comfortable, consistent temperatures suitable for relaxation.)
Health Benefits: 4 stars (Beneficial for cardiovascular issues, nervous system disorders, and general relaxation.)
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars (All the amenities of a suburb of a major capital city, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and parks.)
Velingrad
Often referred to as the "Spa Capital of Bulgaria," Velingrad is the largest and most developed spa resort in the country. It boasts an impressive number of mineral springs, a diverse range of water temperatures, and a wide array of modern spa facilities.
Velingrad is also known for its annual festivals and events. One of them is the “Week of Mineral Water”, during which visitors can enjoy tastings, cultural programs and demonstrations of traditional SPA practices.
With more than 80 mineral springs, Velingrad is one of the richest mineral water destinations in Bulgaria. The water temperatures vary between 28 and 98 degrees, making it extremely suitable for a variety of healing and relaxing procedures. The chemical composition of the water is rich in sulfates, fluorides and sodium chloride, making it effective for treating various diseases such as arthritis, stress, skin problems and even chronic fatigue.
Velingrad has over 30 high-class hotels that offer a variety of spa services. Each of them is equipped with modern facilities, including mineral pools, saunas, steam baths and relaxation areas. These hotels not only offer convenience, but also ensure that every guest will find something to meet their needs.
Kashmir Wellness & SPA Hotel welcomes guests over 14 years old, though claims to be adults only, likely due to how different culture define adult. The SPA center has Indoor mineral pool, Indoor relaxation pool, Outdoor mineral pool, Outdoor infinity pool, Jacuzzis, Contrasting mini-pools, Finnish sauna, Aroma sauna, Infrared sauna, Herbal sauna, Salt room, Aroma steam bath, Salt steam bath, Soft steam bath, "Forest House" sauna, Relaxation area, Fitness. Pashmina restaurant has 220 indoor seats and 120 outdoor seats, located on a panoramic terrace with a view of the emblematic Kleptuza lake.
Santé SPA Hotel in Velingrad offers a 5-star experience with spa facilities, a wellness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, fitness center, sun terrace, and a lush garden. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Donna Spa hotel Sveti Spas in Velingrad offers a hot spring bath, spa facilities, and a wellness center. Guests can relax in the sauna or enjoy the steam room. The property features a year-round outdoor and indoor swimming pool, complemented by a garden and a restaurant.
Hotel Spa Club Bor 4 Velingrad is the first certified hotel in Bulgaria by the European Spa Association and is the largest four–star spa hotel in Velingrad, fully supplied with mineral water. For 4 consecutive years, from 2018 to 2021 inclusive, Spa Club Bor 4 * Velingrad, together with Saint Spas 5 * Velingrad, are the first hotels in Bulgaria, nominated and won prestigious international hotel awards Haute Grandeur Global Awards.
Water Quality: 5 stars (Exceptional purity and rich mineral content across its many springs.)
Ease of Access: 5 stars (Well-connected by road, excellent infrastructure within the town.)
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars (As the largest spa resort, it can be busy, but numerous hotels offer private spa zones.)
Water Temperature: 5 stars (A vast selection of pools with temperatures ranging from warm to very hot.)
Health Benefits: 5 stars (Highly effective for musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, and gynecological diseases.)
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars (An extensive selection of luxury spa hotels, restaurants, shops, and recreational activities.)
