Bansko
Not in the story-mood? Scroll down for the Quick Budget Fact Overview: an itemized information summary of Bansko! ↓
Skiing is by no means a budget activity. Yet, there are ways to splurge and ways to keep your expenses in check. The first step in organizing an affordable skiing holiday is selecting the destination. Not everyone is aware of it, but Eastern Europe hosts a wide variety of interesting ski locations. Let’s have a look at Bulgaria, for example: A country that offers no less than 20 ski resorts. The most popular one? Bansko! Not only because it’s the country’s biggest with an impressive 75km of perfectly groomed ski runs, but also due to the pleasant combination of a vibrant fine-dining scene and an ever-popping local nightlife… for Bulgarian prices!
Budget Bucket List on Skis
Properly in budget-style I hitchhiked, my thumb bringing me all the way from southern Dospat to downtown Bansko. I expected a modern, soulless and purely functional place, merely designed to serve the needs of the snow-loving crowds… but instead, I found a surprisingly scenic and picturesque town with a cheerful hustle and bustle filling the swirling alleys. Even if I wouldn’t be here for skiing or hiking, I wouldn’t mind spending the day here, simply unwinding and absorbing the local ambiance. Yet, I couldn’t control my gaze continuously drifting off to the intimidating yet inviting peaks of the Pirin National Park. A park that has been on my bucket list for years now… Renowned for Europe’s most southern glaciers and 118 glacial lakes, thick forests*, high ridges, steep slopes and a colorful variety of animal life (including wildcats, brown bears and gray wolfs). A display of nature so incredibly pristine, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site! To think you can actually descend the thrilling slopes of such a prominent landscape is a travel privilege almost to good to be true. Almost.
* Bulgaria's oldest tree, the Baikushev's pine, is located within Pirin National Park. It’s about 1300-1350 years old and as such “witnessed” the foundation of the Bulgarian state in 681 AD.
Budget Bucket List on Skis
Properly in budget-style I hitchhiked, my thumb bringing me all the way from southern Dospat to downtown Bansko. I expected a modern, soulless and purely functional place, merely designed to serve the needs of the snow-loving crowds… but instead, I found a surprisingly scenic and picturesque town with a cheerful hustle and bustle filling the swirling alleys. Even if I wouldn’t be here for skiing or hiking, I wouldn’t mind spending the day here, simply unwinding and absorbing the local ambiance. Yet, I couldn’t control my gaze continuously drifting off to the intimidating yet inviting peaks of the Pirin National Park. A park that has been on my bucket list for years now… Renowned for Europe’s most southern glaciers and 118 glacial lakes, thick forests*, high ridges, steep slopes and a colorful variety of animal life (including wildcats, brown bears and gray wolfs). A display of nature so incredibly pristine, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site! To think you can actually descend the thrilling slopes of such a prominent landscape is a travel privilege almost to good to be true. Almost.
* Bulgaria's oldest tree, the Baikushev's pine, is located within Pirin National Park. It’s about 1300-1350 years old and as such “witnessed” the foundation of the Bulgarian state in 681 AD.
Pre-book your ski pass here!
From beginning to end, my entire clear and sunny day at the Bansko Ski Resort was simply delightful. Normally, I properly dislike the awkward prep-process of grasping all my rental gear together, waiting around in loud lines while sweatily chucking my feet in stiff ski shoes that are all equally uncomfortable in their own special way. In Bansko's main ski center next to the gondola it took the professional staff about 5 minutes to put together a professional set. Rental ski clothing I could easily and cheaply rent in one of the many rental shops dotting the main road. A great solution for those who like to travel light! The modern gondola (comparable to those you’ll find in the Swiss / French / Austrian Alps) brings you straight up to the main skiing arena, where a wide variety of chairlifts drop you off on top of your favorite slopes. It surprised me that I never experienced waiting times exceeding a minute or two, while I visited on a rather busy day.
The slopes can be divided into 35% suitable for beginners, 40% for intermediates and 25% targeted to advanced skiers and snowboarders. It was good to notice the beginners having plenty of terrain to better their moves. At the same time, because Bansko is so attractive for beginners and intermediate skiers, the advanced crowd also reaps the fruits: The black and borderline-red slopes were basically private domains! And I’m not talking about just any random collection of black slopes… the Alpine Ski World Cup and Snowboarding World Cup were hosted here! How’s that for a warm-up? Freely flying down the steep drop-offs until the mere speed drew the tears out of my eyes, without anyone in the way altering my trail… it’s a special kind of magic. Bansko caters to all!
From beginning to end, my entire clear and sunny day at the Bansko Ski Resort was simply delightful. Normally, I properly dislike the awkward prep-process of grasping all my rental gear together, waiting around in loud lines while sweatily chucking my feet in stiff ski shoes that are all equally uncomfortable in their own special way. In Bansko's main ski center next to the gondola it took the professional staff about 5 minutes to put together a professional set. Rental ski clothing I could easily and cheaply rent in one of the many rental shops dotting the main road. A great solution for those who like to travel light! The modern gondola (comparable to those you’ll find in the Swiss / French / Austrian Alps) brings you straight up to the main skiing arena, where a wide variety of chairlifts drop you off on top of your favorite slopes. It surprised me that I never experienced waiting times exceeding a minute or two, while I visited on a rather busy day.
The slopes can be divided into 35% suitable for beginners, 40% for intermediates and 25% targeted to advanced skiers and snowboarders. It was good to notice the beginners having plenty of terrain to better their moves. At the same time, because Bansko is so attractive for beginners and intermediate skiers, the advanced crowd also reaps the fruits: The black and borderline-red slopes were basically private domains! And I’m not talking about just any random collection of black slopes… the Alpine Ski World Cup and Snowboarding World Cup were hosted here! How’s that for a warm-up? Freely flying down the steep drop-offs until the mere speed drew the tears out of my eyes, without anyone in the way altering my trail… it’s a special kind of magic. Bansko caters to all!
Whereas black and shaded slopes often get rather icy and annoyingly slippery, I noticed this wasn’t the case anywhere in Bansko. Later I learned that this was the work of a 24/7 grooming practice, continuously guaranteeing soft and smooth slopes to its users all day through. This, to my great relief, also prohibited the formation of bulky snow-bumps at the end of the day. Another big pro is the ski road pleasantly leading all the way back down into town when the day is done, like a kind consolation price after the last lift unfortunately closed its doors. That doesn't mean the fun is over though… the second you click off your gear the banging beats of the ‘Happy End’ apres-ski bar welcomes you right back into the valley.
A happy end indeed, bring on the mulled wine!
A happy end indeed, bring on the mulled wine!
Did you know that with a Bansko Season Card, you can ski 3 days free of charge in Verbier, Switzerland? Nice extra if you’re here for the long haul!
Cheap accommodation
I was very surprised with the affordable accommodation rates in Bansko, unlike Borovets, Bulgaria’s second largest ski resort. The sheer amount of hotels and guesthouses seem to keep the prices down. I paid only €16 a night for a very comfortable and clean private room (Guest Rooms Bansko).
Cheap food
I by all means recommend sampling the delicious Bulgarian cuisine, but keep in mind that the main street of Bansko might not be the place for it if you want to keep the costs down. Wander further down the backstreets to find spots such as Grandmother Vuna or Fast Food in Pirin St. where you can fill your plate with straightforward traditional food for just a couple of euros. Otherwise, the Billa supermarket serves warm ready-made food and allows for self-catering (stick to their home brand Clever for extra low prices). If you travel with a vehicle, there’s also a Lidl just outside of town. I always bring lunch to the slopes for further savings.
Cheap transport
You can book quite affordable shuttle services between Bansko and Sofia / Sofia Airport. Otherwise, there are rather frequent bus services and even an (infrequent) train service connecting to Sofia via Velingrad [more info below in the Fact Overview]. Hitchhiking is recommended in pairs, with at least 1 man… unfortunately.
Bansko in Summer / Spring: Find an overview of amazing hikes in Pirin National Park departing from Bansko in this overview. Other popular summer sports include mountain biking.
Around Bansko
Rila Monastery
Like one national park isn’t enough… the second you leave Pirin National Park, you basically hike straight into Rila National Park. Unlike Pirin, not a UNESCO World Heritage site on its own, but containing one… the marvellous Rila Monastery. The compound is named after Ivan of Rila (876 – 946 AD), who lived in a cave devoid of any material possessions. His students, who travelled to the mountains to receive his education, erected the building that grew out to be the largest and most renowned Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Even though it was raided and destroyed during a sequence of Ottoman invasions, the complex was relentlessly rebuilt in the end of the 15th century thanks to the financial help of Sultana Mara Branković. Currently the monastery is regarded as the most significant cultural, historical and architectural monument of the country, and it even appears on the 1999 1-lev banknote.
Cheap accommodation
I was very surprised with the affordable accommodation rates in Bansko, unlike Borovets, Bulgaria’s second largest ski resort. The sheer amount of hotels and guesthouses seem to keep the prices down. I paid only €16 a night for a very comfortable and clean private room (Guest Rooms Bansko).
Cheap food
I by all means recommend sampling the delicious Bulgarian cuisine, but keep in mind that the main street of Bansko might not be the place for it if you want to keep the costs down. Wander further down the backstreets to find spots such as Grandmother Vuna or Fast Food in Pirin St. where you can fill your plate with straightforward traditional food for just a couple of euros. Otherwise, the Billa supermarket serves warm ready-made food and allows for self-catering (stick to their home brand Clever for extra low prices). If you travel with a vehicle, there’s also a Lidl just outside of town. I always bring lunch to the slopes for further savings.
Cheap transport
You can book quite affordable shuttle services between Bansko and Sofia / Sofia Airport. Otherwise, there are rather frequent bus services and even an (infrequent) train service connecting to Sofia via Velingrad [more info below in the Fact Overview]. Hitchhiking is recommended in pairs, with at least 1 man… unfortunately.
Bansko in Summer / Spring: Find an overview of amazing hikes in Pirin National Park departing from Bansko in this overview. Other popular summer sports include mountain biking.
Around Bansko
Rila Monastery
Like one national park isn’t enough… the second you leave Pirin National Park, you basically hike straight into Rila National Park. Unlike Pirin, not a UNESCO World Heritage site on its own, but containing one… the marvellous Rila Monastery. The compound is named after Ivan of Rila (876 – 946 AD), who lived in a cave devoid of any material possessions. His students, who travelled to the mountains to receive his education, erected the building that grew out to be the largest and most renowned Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. Even though it was raided and destroyed during a sequence of Ottoman invasions, the complex was relentlessly rebuilt in the end of the 15th century thanks to the financial help of Sultana Mara Branković. Currently the monastery is regarded as the most significant cultural, historical and architectural monument of the country, and it even appears on the 1999 1-lev banknote.
Despite its remote location, I truly vouch for a visit. Both the sublime natural location at a 1147m elevation and the architectural value are a feast for the eye… a proper wow-moment upon entry. And if a round-trip is too time-consuming, there’s always the option to spend the night! Yes, really. You can actually sleep in this UNESCO World Heritage site, paying a nightly fee.* This is especially interesting if you intend to challenge yourself with the famous Lakes Hike, which takes an estimated 7 hours to complete. In winter, however, this can only be done with professional gear and potentially a mountain guide.
* As the accommodation price seems to be increasing yearly and no blog I read mentioned accurate prices, I refrain from quoting exact rates. Expect to pay around €20’s worth per person per night.
** Bring food, as there’s nothing there. Other articles mentioned an on-site bakery and adjacent overpriced restaurant , but even those were closed in winter.
*** The Rila Monastery doesn’t charge an entry fee. However, the museum costs 8 lev, per 2022. It hosts a modest collection of artefacts, including the Rafail’s cross. This artwork was made from a whole piece of wood and depicts 104 religious scenes and 650 miniature figures, using magnifying glasses. It took monk Rafail 12 years to complete it… after which he lost his eyesight.
**** The logistics: Technically the Rila Monastery is really close to Bansko… but don’t forget we’re in the mountains! You have to loop aaaaaaall the way around them to reach it. You can either drive, hitchhike (in pairs) or book a tour to reach this UNESCO highlight. From the monastery, there are technically 2 buses a day back to Sofia, in the morning and afternoon… but sometimes they get cancelled (as confirmed by the nuns), and in my case it only brought me to Dupnica for whatever reason, from where I had to wait 2,5 hours for the next train. Find info on the Rila Express here, although it seems to be temporarily suspended.
Dospat
There’s not a whole lot going on in Dospat, hidden behind the Rodope Mountains just north of the Greek border. And that’s exactly what attracted ‘Uncle Pete’, my good old travel friend who I met somewhere in between the ancient Mayan ruins of Guatemala. It took me 3 separate hitchhikes through a snowstorm to get in, and 3 to get out again… but it was worth the serenity of a village where everyone knows everyone, and the news of a foreigner making an appearance spreads like a wildfire. The town is a great, remote base for hiking and you can pop by the Dospat Dam, which is Bulgaria’s highest.*
* Oh, and if you ever by some twisted turn of events happen to visit the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica… have a peek at Dospat Peak, which is somehow named after this place.
Hot Springs
There are several natural thermal baths surrounding the Bansko area, located in neighbouring villages. You can relax the muscles after a long day of skiing in the pools of Banya, Ognyanovo and Dobrinishte... of course, free of charge!
* As the accommodation price seems to be increasing yearly and no blog I read mentioned accurate prices, I refrain from quoting exact rates. Expect to pay around €20’s worth per person per night.
** Bring food, as there’s nothing there. Other articles mentioned an on-site bakery and adjacent overpriced restaurant , but even those were closed in winter.
*** The Rila Monastery doesn’t charge an entry fee. However, the museum costs 8 lev, per 2022. It hosts a modest collection of artefacts, including the Rafail’s cross. This artwork was made from a whole piece of wood and depicts 104 religious scenes and 650 miniature figures, using magnifying glasses. It took monk Rafail 12 years to complete it… after which he lost his eyesight.
**** The logistics: Technically the Rila Monastery is really close to Bansko… but don’t forget we’re in the mountains! You have to loop aaaaaaall the way around them to reach it. You can either drive, hitchhike (in pairs) or book a tour to reach this UNESCO highlight. From the monastery, there are technically 2 buses a day back to Sofia, in the morning and afternoon… but sometimes they get cancelled (as confirmed by the nuns), and in my case it only brought me to Dupnica for whatever reason, from where I had to wait 2,5 hours for the next train. Find info on the Rila Express here, although it seems to be temporarily suspended.
Dospat
There’s not a whole lot going on in Dospat, hidden behind the Rodope Mountains just north of the Greek border. And that’s exactly what attracted ‘Uncle Pete’, my good old travel friend who I met somewhere in between the ancient Mayan ruins of Guatemala. It took me 3 separate hitchhikes through a snowstorm to get in, and 3 to get out again… but it was worth the serenity of a village where everyone knows everyone, and the news of a foreigner making an appearance spreads like a wildfire. The town is a great, remote base for hiking and you can pop by the Dospat Dam, which is Bulgaria’s highest.*
* Oh, and if you ever by some twisted turn of events happen to visit the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica… have a peek at Dospat Peak, which is somehow named after this place.
Hot Springs
There are several natural thermal baths surrounding the Bansko area, located in neighbouring villages. You can relax the muscles after a long day of skiing in the pools of Banya, Ognyanovo and Dobrinishte... of course, free of charge!
Quick Budget Fact Overview
Bulgaria Facts
Short History Recap
500BC: Thracian tribes. Alexander the Great. Roman Empire. 681: Bulgarian state. 890s: Cyrillic alphabet. 1018-1186: Eastern-Roman Byzantine Empire. 1396: Ottoman Empire (5 centuries). 1876: Uprising against Ottoman rule violently oppressed. ’78: Treaty of San Stefano (by Russia/Turkey): autonomous Bulgaria. ’78: Treaty of Berlin: smaller Bulgarian principality, eastern Rumelia Ottoman à merged with Bulgaria in ’86. ’87: Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (later tsar). 1908: Independent Kingdom. ’14-’18: WWI, ally Germany à 100,000 Bulgarian troops killed, most severe loss of any country. ’39-’45: WWII à Soviet army invades German-occupied Bulgaria in ’44: Soviet-backed Fatherland Front: power. ’46: Monarchy abolished à republic: Communist Party. ’47: New constitution à 1-party state (Zhivkov president). Economy nationalized. USSR ally. ’84: Government tries to force Turkish minority to take Slavic names: resistance, 300,000 flee country. ’89: Democratisation à multi-party system, UDF formed. ’90: Economic crisis, Communist Party back as Socialist Party (BSP). Mass demonstrations, strikes: government collapses. ’93: Mass privatization program. ’96: Financial turmoil. 2004: NATO. ’07: EU. Corruption (EU criticism). ’12: Suicide bomber kills 6 in Burgas. ’14: Banking crisis.
Bulgaria Facts
- Capital: Sofia
- Language: Bulgarian
- Population: ± 6.9mln (Bansko: ± 12,800)
- Sq km: ± 110,994 (Bansko: ± 148.3)
- Currency: Lev (лв - BGN)
- Electricity Outlet: F / 230V / 50Hz. Check here!
- Country Code Phone: +359 (0749)
- Emergency Phone: 112/
- Visa: Non-Schengen, check out visa requirements here and order a visa here if needed.
- Vaccinations: Covid.
- Climate Bansko: Marine West Coast Climate (Cfb).
- High season: December – April.
Short History Recap
500BC: Thracian tribes. Alexander the Great. Roman Empire. 681: Bulgarian state. 890s: Cyrillic alphabet. 1018-1186: Eastern-Roman Byzantine Empire. 1396: Ottoman Empire (5 centuries). 1876: Uprising against Ottoman rule violently oppressed. ’78: Treaty of San Stefano (by Russia/Turkey): autonomous Bulgaria. ’78: Treaty of Berlin: smaller Bulgarian principality, eastern Rumelia Ottoman à merged with Bulgaria in ’86. ’87: Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (later tsar). 1908: Independent Kingdom. ’14-’18: WWI, ally Germany à 100,000 Bulgarian troops killed, most severe loss of any country. ’39-’45: WWII à Soviet army invades German-occupied Bulgaria in ’44: Soviet-backed Fatherland Front: power. ’46: Monarchy abolished à republic: Communist Party. ’47: New constitution à 1-party state (Zhivkov president). Economy nationalized. USSR ally. ’84: Government tries to force Turkish minority to take Slavic names: resistance, 300,000 flee country. ’89: Democratisation à multi-party system, UDF formed. ’90: Economic crisis, Communist Party back as Socialist Party (BSP). Mass demonstrations, strikes: government collapses. ’93: Mass privatization program. ’96: Financial turmoil. 2004: NATO. ’07: EU. Corruption (EU criticism). ’12: Suicide bomber kills 6 in Burgas. ’14: Banking crisis.
FREE Recommended Sights / Activities*
PAID Recommended Sights / Activities*
You can order your Lonely Planet here.
Evening Entertainment
Local Festivals
- Sights: Holy Trinity Church; St. Nikola Church; Velyanova House; Radanova House; Pirin Street / “Old” Town.
- Museums: Neofit Rilski Museum.
- Hikes / Nature: Find spring / summer hikes for Bansko / Pirin National Park here.
- Other: Rila Monastery (further out).
PAID Recommended Sights / Activities*
- Other: Skiing & Snowboarding. By your lift pass here!; Paragliding; Ice Rink; Paintball; ATV; Mountainbiking; Bansko Free (tip-based) Tour.
You can order your Lonely Planet here.
Evening Entertainment
- Nightlife Areas: Surrounding the ski lifts.
Local Festivals
- Kukeri Parade – Jan.
- Summer Theatre Festival – Jul.
- Bansko Beat – Jul.
- Bansko Jazz Festival – Aug.
- Bansko Opera Fest – Aug.
- Bansko Film Fest – Sep.
- Folklore Festival Pirin Peaks – Sep.
- Balkan Fest – Sep.
Budget Bites
Sleep Cheap
- Supermarkets: Lidl, Billa.
- Farmers Markets: Sunday Market until 2PM (location here).
- Local Dishes: Moussaka (potato-egg-pork oven dish), Sarmi (rice rolls), Gyuvech (beef-veggie-stew), Kiufte (köfte – minced pork), Kebabche (grilled meat), Shishche (meat-veggie skewers), Sach (meat stew), Banitsa (stuffed pastry), Lyutenitsa (tomato-pepper relish), Shopska Salata (salad), Kyopolou (eggplant with bellpeppers), Tarator (soup), Meshana Skara (mixed grill), Lukanka (salami), Shkembe Chorba (hangover tripe soup), Job Sandwich, Princessa Sandwich, Rakia (alcohol) Oblak (cocktail), Mastika (watermelon with alcohol), Boza (wheat-fermented drink).
- The Veg Situation: Going vegan is rather complicated in Bulgaria outside of the bigger cities, but vegetarian is an easier story. Local veg dishes Kyopolou, Lutenica, Bob Chorba, Lozovi Sarmi, Bean Soups. Local veg-friendly restaurants can be found here.
- National Drink: Rakia.
Sleep Cheap
- Hostels / Hotels: are moderately prices in Bulgaria. Cheaper than its neighbour Greece, but generally a bit pricier than the Balkan countries. If you’re with 2 people or more, a private room or apartment is generally cheaper than a dormitory bed in a hostel. I personally found the best deals on Booking.com, which is generally cheaper than Air BnB listings here. Booking.com also has the biggest selection, is transparent about the final price and had an efficient search engine tailored to your specific needs. If you use it often enough, generous Genius-discounts are applied. Agoda is often not transparent about prices, adding a lot of additional costs in the last booking-step. Opodo is a better alternative. Keep in mind that most municipalities charge a city tax. Writer’s Choice: I stayed in a single room at Guest Rooms Bansko, which was comfortable, clean and cheap. However, it's a bit of a walk to the ski lift.
- Couchsurfing: allows you to stay with locals. Nowadays it has a moderate sign-up cost (unless you put a third-world country as homebase), but paying extra for verification is unnecessary: Positive reviews are way more important. Once active, there are no costs for staying at someone’s house. In order to get accepted, make sure to write an elaborate review explaining why you applied to this specific profile and think you and your host are a good match (copy-pastes tend to be ignored). Bansko however doesn’t have a very solid Couchsurfer base.
- Housesitting: is an amazing exchange allowing you to stay short- or long-term in somebody’s house, while looking after their house and pets. There are many different websites, most of them paid… but once you landed a sit, the subscription fee is pays itself back quickly. The most popular site for it in Europe is Trusted Housesitters.
- Wild Camping: is legal in Bulgaria. However, you’re not allowed to camp on private property or in national parks and reserves. Keep in mind that Bansko is located in the Pirin National Park.
Mama Said
Transport
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- Safety: European tourist destinations are generally safe, but use your common sense like everywhere. Don’t walk alone in remote areas after sunset, don’t take valuables along and follow your instinct when entering certain neighbourhoods further away from the centre.
- Tap Water: is drinkable.
- The best credit/debit card for traveling is Wise, as they use the live conversion rates without any extra fees. Wise also has the lowest fees for sending money to foreign accounts. Payment by card is generally accepted everywhere in Bulgaria.
- Bulgarians shake their head up and down when they mean ‘no’ and left to right for ‘yes’.
Transport
- Walking: Bansko is more spread out than you might initially think. However, most locations within the centre, incl. the ski lifts, are at walking distance from one another.
- Cycling: Mountainbiking is a popular summer sport and Bansko has several bicycle rental companies.
- City Buses / Tram / Metro: Bansko has no public transport within the city. Some hotels offer free shuttles to the ski lift.
- Taxi / Uber: Taxis are available and can be ordered or hailed down on the main street or close to the bus/train station. This is not a cheap option, so make sure to negotiate the price ahead or ask for the meter to be turned on.
- Intercity Buses: The main bus station connects Bansko with neighbouring cities, incl. Sofia. Information online is available, but doesn’t always match reality as it’s continuously adjusted. To plan properly, I recommend double-checking a day in advance at the bus terminal of departure. There are also plenty of private shuttle services available, connecting Bansko with Sofia or its airport.
- Train: Next to the bus station you can also find a train station, with lines only heading east towards Velingrad and Septemvri (from where you can easily connect to Plovdiv, or potentially to Sofia).
- Car Rental: is remarkably cheap, especially when booked from Sofia airport.
- Airport: Sofia Airport (SOF); Plovdiv Airport (PDV).
- Hitchhiking: I hitchhiked in the Pirin NP area with mixed experiences. Let’s say some Bulgarian men can’t see the difference between an obvious backpacker and a prostitute. Based on my personal experiences, I 100% wouldn’t recommend it to solo female travellers. Men or mixed couples should be fine. Simply walk to the road leading out to Bansko and post at road stretch where drivers can safely pull over. More info here.
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