Sapareva Banya is located in southwestern part of Bulgaria, on the northern slope of mountain Rila, in two hours drive from Sofia, the Capital of Bulgaria. Municipality is the popular tourist zone, known by its Seven Rila Lakes, the Skakavitza Reserve and Waterfalls. Municipality with the administrative centre Sapareva Banya, also includes villages Saparevo, Recilovo, Ovchrtzi and the mountain resort Panichishte, located 15 kilometers to the east from Dupnitza.

Municipality proudly shares one third of its territory with Rila National Park, which was established in 1992.

Sapareva Banya is well-known for its unique geothermal mineral water. Here you will find the hottest mineral water in all Europe (103 C) and the only active Geyser in the Balkans. You can reach Sapareva Banya and the Panichishte Resort, driving in southern direction from Sofia on international highway E - 79 within 45 minutes, than take the Doupnitza exit and follow the signs to Sapareva Banya (15 minutes). For public transportation services to Sapareva Banya there is one direct bus dailyat 2:00p.m. from the “Ovcha Kypel” bus station. Buses run hourly from the same station to Doupnitza where you can catch any of the “Saparevo” buses that run every half hour. All buses will drop you off in front of the Tourist Information Center in Sapreva Banya.

Tourism in Sapareva Banya

In recent years great attention was paid to improving the tourism infrastructure in Sapareva Banya. New sidewalks, trees, cafes and hotels have sprung up in the center and along the main road leading to Panichishte. Sapareva Banya’s growth as a Bulgarian mountain resort has been largely due to its proximity to Sofia and its growing opportunities for mountain, ski, religious and spa tourism.

Being in Sapareva Banya enjoy the following:

The Geyser which is located in the center of town and surrounded by a large city park and restaurant by the same name. This Geyser is the оnly one in the Balkans and sprays geothermal mineral water 18 meters into the air every 20 seconds. Be sure to visit the Geyser at night when the colored lights at its base create a striking effect.

Located directly across from the Municipal Administration, the Byzantine church of St. Nikola dates from the XIII century is surrounded by antiquities from the Roman city of Germanea, now Sapareva Banya.

The Sapareva Banya Sanitorium Health Center is a short walk down from the Geyser and is an affordable getaway for Bulgarian tourists. Be sure to stroll the paths through the ancient roman ruins directly in front of the main building.

Mineral Water SPA in Sapareva Banya

Sapareva Banya is justly proud of its cool mountain water and healing geothermal mineral waters. The mineral water is largely sulfuric with significant levels of iron, calcium and manganese. It is the hottest mineral water in the Balkans and produces the only active geyser here as well. The geyser and its surrounding park were developed in 1957 and have been tapped as a geothermal heating source for the municipal buildings and the greenhouses.

The sanatorium and medical center of Sapareva Banya already more than 50 years specializes on treatment of patients with illnesses of the top respiratory system, nervous and is intimate - vascular system, inflammations and complications of impellent system, mental and neurologic traumas, professional and various chronic diseases, orthopedic lacks, etc. Its staff is composed of trained specialists in mud treatments, hot water massage and physical therapy. The Sanatorium complex also contains an outdoor mineral water pool for use during the summer season.

After a day spent hiking the trails of Northwestern Rila, treat yourself to a bath in the hottest and most therapeutic water in Europe. The Sapareva Banya Mineral Baths have been completely remodeled and are open from 7:00a.m. until 7:00p.m. The baths are divided into men’s and women’s pools where personal massages are available. A third section offers private baths for family use.

Afterwards enjoy a drink in the adjacent city park and pavilion.

Panichishte city near Sapareva Banya
The Pahichishte Resort is situated in 20 minutes drive from Sapareva Banya up a scenic mountain road, at the height of 1400 m. This resort is absolutely unknown to the Russian tourists. Modern hotels, restaurants and bars, meeting all requirements and wishes of tourists, 5 lifts, 6 lines of various complexity, children’s and racing lines, fresh mountain air, interesting excursions, excellent driving, floor prices for mountain-skiing services - guarantee excellent rest.

Is available regular transportation from the Information Tourist Center of Sapareva Banya. Be sure to visit the Rila National Park Visitors Center located in the resort. For further information please click on “Panichishte” from the home page.

Recilovo near Sapareva Banya
The first village you will see entering our municipality is Resilovo, located just 5 kilometers East of the City of Doupnitza. The village is famous for having one of the very few functioning convents in Bulgaria. Known as the Devine Mother Monastery, it is nestled in the forest just above the village. The monastery is opened daily and services are held each Sunday morning. In the fall, at the first of October is celibrated the festival of the monastery. Traditional music can be heard, dance groups perform and excellent food and drink are available.

Ovchartzi village near Sapareva Banya
Next village, Ovchartzi is situated right at the foot of some of the most beautiful nature on Rila Mountain. Just a twenty minute walk from the center you reach the base of the Ovchartzi Waterfalls. Here there is an observation point from where you can watch water fall from 39 meters and crash into to large pools located just below. There are two very nice “mehanas” (traditional restaurants) located along the walk. This village is also famous for its group of singing grandmothers that perform at national festivals throughout Bulgaria.

Saparevo village near Sapareva Banya
Just 4 kilometers East of Sapareva Banya lies the village of Saparevo. This is a quintessential Bulgarian village set in the rolling foot hills of Rila Mountain. Life here is traditional and centered largely around the Eastern Orthodox Church. Have a walk through the streets and visit the Church of the Devine Mother near the center, before hiking 25 minutes up to the Paraklic of The Archangel Micheal.