Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BANSKO
Winter 2008/2009
Skiing
World cup, Helicopters
and More
Bansko Nights
Party now, Sleep later
No 3
www.inyourpocket.com Enjoy your
COMPLIMENTARY
COPY
of Bansko
In Your Pocket
Contents 3
E S S E N T I A L C I TY G U I D E S
Contents
Arriving in Bansko 5
Comings and goings
The Basics 7
Essential reading for those not sure where
they are
History 9
How the past has shaped the present
Introducing Bansko 10
Facts, figures and Mayor
What to see 26
Museums
Churches
Pirin Mountain
Winter sports 30
Ain`t no mountain high enough
Directory
Shopping 32
Go on a spree
Lifestyle and Business directory 33
Doctors, Dentists and Services
Winter 2008/2009
4 ForeWord
As days get shorter and the smell of winter fills the chilly air
of December mornings, vacation, partying and hitting the Europe In Your Pocket
mountain slopes becomes our top priority. While you are
sharpening the edges of your skis and snowboards, the
people of Bansko are preparing for the winter season with
all their strength. The piles of firewood are ready for the long,
cold nights, wines, rakias and the good old Banski Starets
are seasoning in the basements and vigorous maintenance
gives a new life to the lonely lifts and ski runs. They are all
waiting for the colorful throngs who come each winter to
enjoy the snow and the mountains.
Going uphill on Bansko’s main Pirin street, we can see
that things are changing for good. You can still step into
an occasional muddy hole, or get splashed by a heavy
cargo truck, passing by, but there are few construction
sites left to litter the picturesque vicinity. It is an end of
an era of uncurbed, megalomaniac building, which almost
ruined the magic of this cosy, rural community. Apart
from some finishing touches, building has stopped and
entrepreneurs are mostly investing in quality and comfort
at reasonable prices.
Talking of luxury and glamour, we have visited some new
and pretty posh places for you to stay in and some recently
opened food, drinking and party-time joints for you to check
out while not skiing or snowboarding. See the newest ac-
commodations in town on page 13 and find out where to
fill up those empty stomachs on page 20. Learn about the
cool places for partying on page 24, but drink reasonably,
because Bulgarian alcohol is pretty strong.
We should not forget all these old and traditional features of With the launch of Moscow In Your Pocket now
the place as the mehanas with their “kapama”, ”chomlek” imminent, check out what we have to offer in the
and revolutionary Macedonian music, the beauty of the Old
town and of course, the Pirin mountain and winter sports, Russian capital at www.inyourpocket.com: the full
which made this trade and agricultural centre into the big- content of Moscow IYP is now online. There are
gest winter resort in Bulgaria. also online guides to Sarajevo and Banja Luka,
As most of us will go to Bansko for skiing and snowboarding, Bosnia to enjoy, ahead of print editions to both
on page 30 there is some useful information about the cities, to be launched in October and November.
slopes, mountain rescue service, the lifts and gondolas Elsewhere, Glasgow In Your Pocket is in the
and even about a helicopter service which will take you to final throes of preparation: expect the guide to
the best ever free ride spots. Do not forget that this year
Bansko will host the World cup Skiing event for women, as
hit newsstands before Christmas.
well as some local race events. Go check them out for some The biggest news of all though at In Your Pocket
inspiration, but know that these people are professionals is our new, much improved website. Check it out
and if you are new to winter sports, you would better “ride” at www.inyourpocket.com and let us know
with the little kids next to the gondola. what you think via email: e-ditor@inyourpocket.
Be safe, relaxed, take your time with fun and may this winter com.
in Bansko be your best ever…
Aleksandar Kravarov
Mayor of Bansko
Street smarts
Street Улица (ул.) Ulitsa (ul.)
Square Площад (пл.) Ploshtad (pl.)
Boulevard Булевард (бул.) Boulevard (bul.)
Highway Магистрала Magistrala
By car Bridge Мост Most
Bansko lies two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Sofia, although
journey time can lengthen to three or four hours on busy
weekends (when getting out of Sofia is often half the prob-
lem). Quickest route is to take the main E79 south to Simitli, Bus schedule
from where a well-marked east-bound turn leads over the
Predela Pass to Bansko. Parts of the Simitli-Bansko road Sofia to Bansko – (3hr – 3hr30min) – 07:30, 08:30,
have been re-surfaced and offer a smooth ride. Several 9:45, 11:25, 13:15, 14:00, 16:45
kilometres in the middle however are still badly surfaced and Plovdiv to Bansko (2hr) – 11:00, 14:10, 15:00
can be slow going. Bansko to Sofia (3hr – 3hr30min) - 5:40, 7:00, 8:40,
Construction work in Bansko itself has made it a difficult town 13:15, 15:20
to navigate: some roads are blocked off altogether and road
signs are either non-existent or unhelpful. Bansko to Plovdiv (2hr) – 07:10, 08:20, 10:50
Bansko to Blagoevgrad (1hr) - 8:00, 8:10, 10:30, 11:20,
By foot 14:00, 17:20, 18:20, 15:00 and 16.00 (Sunday only)
There are very few things that can ruin a nice evening in Bansko to Gotse Delchev (1hr) – 08:30, 10:15, 12:20,
Bansko and getting lost ( with or without being drunk ) is one 16:00, 17:10
of them. Apart from making a fool of yourself, by helplessly For further information for Bansko Bus Station on
roaming the streets in search of your hotel, in the winter it may tel: 82 420 and at tel. 0900 21000 for Sofia Central
be pretty dangerous, wet and annoying. The stone walls and Bus Station.
look-alike houses can turn this little town into the Labyrinth of
King Minos, but actually all you will need are good land marks.
There are two main streets in Bansko - Pirin and Glazne, all the
rest are either parallel, or crossing them. Find your way to the
main streets and remember any shop, hotel or mehana, which The Bansko
is at the beginning of the street, leading to your new holiday
residence, or just use the map on p. 38. Follow the same route telephone code is: 0749
every night and everything should be just fine.
Winter 2008/2009
6 arriVing in BansKo
Tourist information
By train
Nobody ever takes the train to Bansko if they’re in a hurry. The
journey from Sofia takes over 7 hours and involves a change
Bansko Information Centre B-2, pl. Nikola
Vaptsarov 1, tel. 88 580, fax 88 633, infocenter@
of trains at the middle-of-nowhere junction of Septemvri.
bansko.bg. Friendly English-speaking staff at Bansko’s
However the trip from Septemvri to Bansko is one of the most
tourist information centre will tell you all you need to
scenic that Bulgaria has to offer, with a narrow-gauge track,
know about the region and give you advice on local ac-
snaking its way across the western spurs of the Rhodope
commodation. They also have a selection of brochures
mountains. It’s an especially magical journey in winter, with
and maps for sale.
the fir trees covered in frost, and snow-white minarets spear-
ing skywards from the Bulgarian-Muslim villages, sprinkled Bansko Tourist Information C-2, ul. Pirin 70A, tel.
along the route. 0886 543 262, Johnny@banskotouristinformation.
Bansko’s train station is near the bus station, an easy 10-min- com, www.banskotouristinformation.com. Com-
ute walk north of the town centre. If you need a taxi and there mercial tourist information centre providing information
are none in the forecourt, head for the bus station (turn right and assistance to all tourists and local business in
outside the train station then bear left) to find one. The train Bansko. Accommodation, activities, equipment hire,
station has a ticket hall but no other facilities, although the information on places of interest and excursions. QOpen
pair of vintage steam locos, parked outside, add an air of 10:00 - 20:00.
jollity to the scene. Information Centre of Alliance for Promotion
and Development of Tourism in Bansko Region
C-3, ul. Bulgaria 22, tel. 88 480/0898 700 890, al-
liance_bansko@abv.bg., www.alliance.bansko.bg.
Tourist information, reservations, business contacts.
Maps, brochures and other materials available.
Car rental
Inter Sport C-2, ul. Pirin 37, tel. 0888 703 184/0899
933 343, inter_sport@abv.bg, www.intersport-bansko.
com. Minimum driver’s age 21, minimum rental period 24
hours. Car delivery in Bansko for 10 EUR additional fee. Driver
service for 15 EUR additional per day. Pick-up service from
Bulgaria and Greece.
Popov Rent A Car C-2, ul. Garibaldi 15, tel. 0898
226 885.
Train schedule
Sofia to Bansko – 6:40 (arrives14:08), 10:40 (arrives
17:48), 15:25 (arrives 22:27). Change at Septemvri
Station.
Plovdiv to Bansko – 08:00 (arrives 14:08), 12:00 (ar-
rives 17:48), 16:40 (arrives 22:27). Change at Septemvri
station
Bansko to Septemvri – 06:59 (arrives 11:53), 10:16
(arrives 19:53), 15:19 (arrives 20:06), 18:45 (arrives
23:36)
Bansko to Dobrinishte – 07:35 (arrives 07:50), 14:18
Taxis
(arrives 14:32), 17:57 (arrives 18:10), 22:32 (arrives Trans Taxi , tel. 0886 008 505/885 05. Taxi ranks
22:46). at the bus station, lift station, hotel Strazhite and hotel
For further information call the railway station on tel. Pirin.
88 214 and 88 215 Vayk Taxi , tel. 865 05/0898 467 777.
Winter 2008/2009
8 BasiCs
SUV vignettes cost 10Lv for one week, 25Lv for one month,
and 67Lv for a year. The Cyrillic Alphabet
Talking on a mobile phone while driving is strictly forbidden,
as is driving under the influence of more than 0.5/1000 of Аа a as in arm
alcohol. Foreigners are well advised to obey the rules of the Бб b as in bath
road even if they see locals behaving otherwise: the police Вв v as in van
rarely speak English and are unlikely to show any lenience. Гг g as in go
Policemen checks on major highways are common, especially Дд d as in dog
when entering or leaving Bansko. Policemen are allowed to Ее e as in let
charge on the spot fines up to 50Lv. Жж zh as ’s’ in measure
Зз z as in zoo
Body language Ии
Йй
i
y
as in
as in
bit
yoke
The first thing that any visitor to Bulgaria needs to Кк k as in keep
know is that “yes” is indicated by a shake of the head, Лл l as in like
while “no” is expressed with a nod. It’s a tribute to the Мм m as in map
resilience of Bulgarian culture over the centuries that Нн n as in not
such obtuse habits have been preserved. Foreigners Оо o as in opera
have no choice but to practice the correct Bulgarian Пп p as in pen
gestures in front of the mirror every morning before Рр r as in run
they go out. Сс s as in sit
Тт t as in tap
Уу u as in rule
National holidays Фф f as in fan
Хх h as in hand
January 1: New Year’s Day (Nova godina) Цц ts as in cuts
March 3: Liberation Day (Liberation from the Ottoman Чч ch as in church
rule) (Denyat na osvobozhdenieto) Шш sh as in short
Щщ sht as in smashed
April 19: Easter (Velikden)
Ъъ a as in but
May 1: Labour Day (Denyat na truda) Ьь softens ’o’ as in yoga
May 6: St. George’s Day (Gergyovden; Day of the Bul- Юю yu as in you
garian Army) Яя ya as in yard
May 24: St. St. Cyril and Methodius (Sveti Sveti Kiril
i Metodyi; Day of the Cyrillic Alphabet and Bulgarian
Education and Culture) Basic data
September 6: Unification Day (Saedinenieto; mark-
ing the unification of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia in Territory: Bulgaria takes up 110, 550 km2 of land. It
1885) shares borders with Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia
and Romania. The country is bordered to the east by a
September 22: Independence Day (Denyat na neza-
354km-long stretch of Black Sea coastline.
visimostta)
Rivers: The main rivers in the country are Danube,
December 24,25,26: Christmas (Koleda) Maritsa, Mesta, Strouma, Iskar, Yantra. There are more
than 600 warm and cold mineral springs.
Highest Point: Musala (2925m), south of Sofia in the
Market values Rila mountains.
Population of Bulgaria: 7,385,367 (July 2006 est.)
Population of Sofia: 1,377,531 (July 2006 est.)
How do costs compare to back home? Here is handy list Local time: Bulgaria is part of the Eastern European Time
of local prices to give you an idea. Zone (GMT +2); when it is noon in Sofia it is 11:00 in Berlin,
10:00 in London and 05:00 in New York City.
Leva Euro Religion: Traditional religion in the Republic of Bulgaria
Loaf of white bread 1.00 0.50 is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Orthodox 85%, Muslim
Snickers bar 0.80 0.40 8%, others 7%.
Litre of vodka 40.00 20.00
Bottle of local beer 2.00 1.00
20 Marlboros 5.00 2.50
Important phone numbers
Exchange rates (as of December 2008: US$1 - 1.51Lv;
€1 – 1.95Lv; £1 – 2.24Lv Fire station: 160, 88 430
Ambulance: 150, 88 270
Police: 160, 888 60, 888 61
Road assistance: 146
Telephone information: 11800
Mountain control and rescuing service: 88 132
Anti-corruption unit: 02/982 22 22, www.nocorr.
mvr.bg
Winter 2008/2009
10 introduCing BansKo
Bansko lies upon the ruins and artifacts of different
cultures, among which Thracians, Romans, Byzantines Facts, figures and Mayor
and Slavs, who built fortresses and strongholds and burial
mounds around the river Glazne. The population of the Bansko municipality is about
13700 in the year 2005. It has eight settlements on its
territory. The average annual temperature in Bansko is:
History 10,4 degrees Celsius, so expect snow and always bring
9th and 10th century - Bansko is established when several extra warm clothes, even in the brief, but cool summer.
hamlets merged together. The mayor of Bansko is Aleksandar Kravarov.
16th century - Bansko is first mentioned with the name
Baniska in the Ottoman registers of sheep breeders. It is October 5th 1912 - Bansko is liberated at the start of the
also a craft center for carpentry and leatherworking, with Balkan Wars. After the Russo-Turkish war the town was left in
workshops, using the power of the river. It served as an the Ottoman province of Macedonia. Two major anti-ottoman
important stop on the caravan trade-routes from the coasts uprisings took place in the area - the one in Kresna and Razlog
of the Aegean Sea and Central Europe. During the Ottoman in 1878-79 and the so called Ilinden-Preobrazhenie uprising
Rule, the town was among the richest in the Bulgarian lands in 1903. These events fuel the revolutionary spirit and pride
and local entrepreneurs opened successful trading offices in of the locals and inspire a huge part of the local Macedonian
Budapest, Wien, Leipzig, Marseille and London. folklore songs.
Winter festivals
Winter brings out the weirder side of Bulgarian folklore, with
the menfolk of small towns and villages donning animal
masks and cow bells to perform daft-as-a-brush dances
to ensure peace and fertility in the coming year. Known as
kukeri or mummers, the dancers aim to drive away malevolent
spirits, who use the long dark nights of winter as cover for
their pranks.
Kukeri rites are enacted in many areas of Bulgaria around
January 1, although some communities celebrate on January
14 (New Year’s Day according to an old Orthodox Christian
Calendar which still endures in some areas).
Bansko traditionally celebrates the kukeri rituals on January
1. On the same day, even bigger kukeri processions take
place in the nearby town of Razlog, where neighbourhoods
compete to dress up in the most outlandish costumes.
Kukeri rituals marking the end of winter take place on
Easter Sunday in Eleshnitsa 20km east of Bansko, where
men in huge hairy headdresses scamper crazily round the
main square.
Winter 2008/2009
12 CuLture & eVents
Winter 2008/2009
14 Where to stay
Perun E-2, ul. Georgi Nastev, tel. 88 477, fax 88 485, Elegant D-1, ul. Peyo Yavorov 31, tel. 88 860/0886
office@hotelperunbansko.com, www.hotelperunbansko. 337 789, fax 88 861, hotel_elegant@mail.bg, www.
com. Hotel Perun seems to offer all the amenities that its elegant.bansko.bg. No matter which of the Elegant hotels
4-star categorization deserves - a great Spa and swimming you choose or if you go for the apartment complexes, they
pool, and a great location only 10 minutes’ walk from the really do live up to their name. Between the Lux, the Spa and
cable-car station. Rooms are swish and come with decent- the Elegant itself, every wish is catered for from Jacuzzis to
sized bathrooms with full-size tubs. Many rooms come pools to full body chocolate wraps. All of the Elegant rooms
with mountain-facing balconies. Table-tennis, billiards and and apartments are very tastefully designed and decorated
electronic games are available in the games hall. Room price and come with all mod cons. They offer studios, 1 and 2
includes use of swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gym, sauna and bedroom apartments. Service is excellent and a whole range
steam bath. A shuttle bus service to the gondola station, of cuisine is on offer at their various restuarants. It’s possible
a ski wardrobe equipment rental are also available. Q145 to get everything you need for a top class holiday covered
rooms (145 doubles €158 - 190). THARIFLEG� by the Elegant empire. The Elegant Spa is also the home of
BKDCW hhhh The Crown Irish Pub. Q33 rooms (1 single €41 - 113, 23
doubles €52 - 225, 9 apartments €76 - 248). PTAI�
Pirin C-3, ul. Tsar Simeon 68, tel. 88 051, fax 88 044, FLEBKDCSW hhhh
hotelpirin@bansko.bg, www.hotelpirin.bansko.bg. In the
centre of Bansko, conveniently placed for the old town and
its inns and about 2km north of the cable-car station (shuttle Elegant
service is provided). Modern,pastel-coloured rooms with
TV, minibar, and shower. There’s a games room with table
tennis and billiards, along with ski and snowboard rental
facilities. Room price includes use of the swimming pool, gym
and sauna. Q68 rooms (4 singles €66 - 104, 56 doubles
€92 - 158, 8 suites €117 - 184). PTJHARI�
FLEKDCW hhhh
Hotel Avalon
El Tepe No. 4 , Bansko 2700 Bulgaria
Tel (00359) 74988399 • Fax (00359) 74988398
www.avalonhotel-bulgaria.com
Vihren Palace behind the parking lot of the Gondola, Banderitsa C-1, ul. Han Asparuh 2, tel. 86 600/0889
tel. 87 777, office@vihrenpalace.com, www.vihren- 623 704, office@banderitsahotel.com, www.banderit-
palace.com. Just a minute’s walk from the Gondola, this sahotel.com. Package-friendly hotel, which nevertheless
hotel is just big enough to get lost inside. The lobby bar is retains a warm and welcoming feel. The rooms feature
superb with leather couches and a huge fish tank. The Spa hand-made wooden furniture and soft brown-sugary decor.
centre and the indoor pool are tastefully and luxuriously There’s also a large number of apartments, each equipped
decorated. The big suites and apartments offer comfort and with kitchenette. There’s a 24hr café-bar on the ground
picturesque views. Apart from the restaurant, there is also floor and 24hr room-service too. The Spa complex includes
a mehana, which incorporates the best from the traditional an authentic-style Turkish bath where you can soothe your
and modern design and style. Q145 rooms (9 singles muscles with a massage. Q54 rooms (34 doubles €45 - 70,
€79 - 136, 58 suites €124 - 372, 63 Studio €96 - 160, 15 20 apartments €85 - 95). AFLKDCW hhh
maisonettes €136 - 422). TAFKDCW hhhh
Bulgaria D-1, ul. Hristo Matov 2, tel. 88 010, fax 88
Villa Roka B-2, ul. Glazne 37B, tel. 88 337, fax 88 011, office@hotelbulgariabansko.com, www.hotel-
446, hotel@villaroka.com, www.villaroka.com. Tucked bulgariabansko.com. Conveniently close to the cable-car
away in the northwestern corner of the centre, the Villa station, the Bulgaria is decked out in natural materials and
Roka will go down a storm with design freaks. Featuring stark warm colours. Rooms are reasonably spacious, and the
silvery-grey cladding on the outside, the interior is filled with apartments come with either a small terrace or a glass-
Japanese-inspired design touches and matt black and red enclosed conservatory-like porch. Rates include use of a
colours. The low tables and sofas in the lobby immediately swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam bath and solarium. Q29
let you know that you’re entering a world of contemporary rooms (21 doubles €100 - 170, 8 apartments €140 - 310).
cool. Standard doubles feature a central shower cabin PTHARIFEGKDCW hhhh
entered through Japanese-style sliding partitions. The ten
split-level apartments are very bright and sunny. The Spa Edelweiss-Park Hotel C-2, ul. Neofit Rilski 33, tel.
centre contains more matt black and natural wood surfaces, 87 070/0887 507 097, fax 87 071, www.edelweiss-
and offers swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, aroma therapy bansko.com. Not far from the centre, just by the local sta-
and massage - all of which is included in the room price. Q99 dium is a small quiet hotel, built as a typical Bansko house,
rooms (89 doubles €40 - 110, 10 maisonettes €80 - 125). where you can rest after a busy skiing day. Far from luxury,
HARFLKDC hhhh the rooms are nevertheless welcoming and comfortable, with
cable TV, mini-bars and phones. The studios are equipped
Mid-range with kitchenettes with all mod cons. There’s also a sauna to
ease your muscles after a day on the slopes . The personnel
Aneli B-1, ul. Rila 10A, tel. 88 070/0888 420 233, fax are very hospitable and always at your disposal. The hotel has
88 071, www.hotel-aneli.com. Medium-sized family-run 6 double rooms, 3 triple rooms, 5 apartments and studios for
place in residential streets ten minutes’ walk from the town 4 people and 1 apartment for 6. There is also a restaurant
centre, offering simple but comfortable rooms with laminated for 60 people without live music. The skiers are transported
floors, small desks and en-suite shower/WC. Warm colours to and from the first lift station by mini-bus. Q13 rooms (6
and chequered bed-spreads add a bit of warmth. Q18 doubles €32 - 48, 3 triples €48 - 55, 5 apartment €55 - 75,
rooms (12 doubles €30 - 36, 5 triples €45 - 54, 1 apartment 2 studio €55 - 75, 1 apartment for 6 persons €50 - 110).
€). ALKDW hhh RFLKD hhh
Avalon C-2, ul. El tepe 4, tel. 88 399/0886 397 245, Friends D-1, ul. Rayna Knyaginya 2, tel. 86 439/0886
info@avalonhotel-bulgaria.com, w w w.avalonhotel- 660 601, office@friendshotel.org, www.friendshotel.
bulgaria.com. Medium-sized place with friendly and intimate org. Friends is aimed squarely at the young and upwardly
feel, located in a quiet residential part of town a short walk mobile, hence the sushi restaurant on the top floor and
from the historic centre. The helpful staff radiate a winning the Jacuzzi bar in the basement. The rooms feature bright
mixture of professionalism and informality. Neat rooms fea- carpets and textiles and make a nice change from the predict-
ture simple but soothing décor mixing modern and traditional ably chintzy styles on offer elsewhere. The leather sofas of
materials. Be sure to book the top-floor rooms (numbers 32, the ground-floor bar are the perfect place for a post-pistes
33 and 34) if you want a bit of attic-ceilinged cosiness with slump. Q (33 doubles €45 - 100, 8 apartments €55 - 120).
mountain views thrown in. The lobby bar with its roaring log ARFGKDW hhh
fire is an excellent place to unwind. The hotel has its own team
of English-speaking ski instructors who can handle anything Hermes A-2, ul. Ivan Belezhkov, tel. 490 07 67/0885
from beginners’ classes to guided off-piste excursions. Q13 545 477, fax 490 09 29, hermesbansko2007@abv.bg,
rooms (2 singles €35 - 65, 8 doubles €45 - 50, 3 triples €49 www.hotelhermes.eu. A nice new building on the Glazne
- 55). ARIGKW hhh River only 10 minutes from the first Gondola station, this
hotel offers its guests comfortable rooms and apartments
furnished with everything necessary for a good rest. Unfor-
tunately, the owners do not believe in credit cards, so be
prepared to pay in cash. There is a restaurant for 80 people
where you can try something specific from the Bulgarian
cuisine or, if you are not that adventurous, you will find out
that the chef is good internationally. Skiers do not have to
Winter 2008/2009
16 Where to stay
be afraid of walking in heavy shoes as there is bus shuttle Hotel Rodina C-2, ul. Pirin 7, tel. 88 106, reserva-
to the lift. At the time of our visit it was a 3-star hotel but tion@rodina.bg, www.rodina.bg. Built right in the centre
the owners had applied for a higher category. Let’s hope the of town in 1998, the Rodina is an odd building, which tries
season will start with a new 4-star hotel Q78 rooms (62 to be modern, traditional and vaguely Alpine at the same
doubles €26 - 70, 11 apartments €74 - 95, 5 maisonettes time. Rooms were given a fresh lick of paint in 2006 and it is
€66 - 90). TRULKW hhh a reasonably solid mid-range choice, offering ensuite rooms,
equipped with simple shower cabins. There’s an attractive
Holiday Group Hotel A-2, ul. Tsar Simeon 2, tel. 88 atrium café and a reasonable restaurant. All rates are on a
575, fax 88 574, holidaygroup@bansko.bg, www.holi- half-board basis (covering buffet breakfast and a set-menu
daygroup.bansko.bg. A nice hotel at the northwestern en- dinner). Q42 rooms (34 doubles €25 - 50, 4 apartments
trance to the town, offering comfortable and spacious rooms, €46 - 92, 4 maisonettes €36 - 77). JAUILEG�
some with fireplaces. Transfer to the ski lifts. Hospitable staff. KDW hhh
Q25 rooms (17 doubles €42, 2 apartments €52 - 180, 6
maisonettes €52 ). ARIKDW hhh Ivel D-1, ul. Hristo Matov 5, tel. 88 437, w w w.
bansko-ivel.com. Cosy family-run place at the cable-car
Hotel Bariakov D-2, ul. Peyo Yavorov 41, tel. 82 end of town, offering neat en-suite rooms with TV and
150/0887 251 921, fax 82 017, hotelbariakov@gmail. fridge. Terracotta-coloured carpets and mood-enhancing
com, www.hotelbariakov.com. This place has a lot to citrus colours make for a pleasant stay. Go for one of
offer, apart from their big studios and double rooms. They the corner rooms if you want a little extra in the way
have sauna and massage, along with table tennis and an of light and space. In a refreshing break from the folksy
area for children. They deliver food to their rooms from the décor on offer elsewhere, the breakfast room features
Bariakov mehana and regularly host a special day for ethnic bold modern mosaics. Q 10 rooms (10 doubles €35).
exhibitions in their “ethno” corner. It lies 150 meters from TARILEKDW hhh
the Gondola. Q22 rooms (18 doubles €38 - 51, 4 Studio).
TKDW hhh Kralev Dvor C-1, ul. Terzi Nikola 3, tel./fax 88 527,
tel. 0894 632 066, kralev_dvor@abv.bg, www.hotel-
Hotel Grami D-1, ul. Vasil Drumev 6, tel. 88 407, fax kralevdvor.com. Small and snug hotel, run by a very nice
88 408, www.grami.hit.bg. This big house offers an family, located ten-minutes’ walk from both the town centre
opportunity for a fairly priced vacation with everything you and the cable-car station. There’s a choice of either standard
may need. They don’t accept credit cards and don’t have an double rooms or maisonette-style apartments, all decorated
indoor pool, but still you can relax in the sauna and workout in soothing orange-beige colours. Breakfast is in the warm
at the fitness, or shoot some billiards after an evening meal. and intimate restaurant. Extras include beauty treatments
Q24 rooms (9 doubles €36, 11 triples €41, 4 apartments and massage facilities. Q15 rooms (7 doubles €40 - 50, 8
€46). IFLKDW hh apartments €60 - 75). hhh
RD Consultants / Penbro
Scottish owned and managed since 2002
GLAZNE MESTA
Apts Apts
Maraya D-2, ul. Nayden Gerov, tel. 86 463/86 462, Matsurev Han
fax 86 462, maraya_bansko@yahoo.com, www.hotel-
maraya-bansko.com. Situated at the southern end of town
near the lift station, the Maraya Hotel is a good place for skiers
Hotel and Mehana
with its modern interior and multiple facilities. The complex ul. Otets Paisiy 15
consists of two wings (the “Elvy” and the “Maraya”), each of
them decorated with plush modern fittings. Rooms come www.matsureva.bansko.bg
with either shower or bathtub (so specify which you want if
you’re particular about such things), most also have terraces +359 899 142 342
with views of the faraway pistes. Included in the hotel’s long
list of amenities is a “dentist’s laboratory” - sadly we did not +359 749 82 782
have time to try this out. Room prices include shuttle bus
to the lift station. Q37 rooms (29 doubles €60 - 148, 4 style with southerly exposure. The rooms are medium sized
apartments €80 - 222, 4 Studio €72 - 182). HAR6F� with single or queen size beds, sitting area, mini bar, cable
KDC hhh TV; some are with showers others with hydro massage
or normal bathtubs. There is transport organized to the
Momini dvori B-2, pl. Nikola Vaptsarov 2, tel. 88 gondola, breakfast is available for an extra charge. There
076/0885 406 595, mominidvori@mominidvori. is a small inside swimming pool, steam bath, Jacuzzi and
com, www.mominidvori.com. Right across from the sauna. They provide transport to the Gondola. The hotel
town hall is the oldest mehana in Bansko, Momini dvori. also has a pizza and steak restaurant open to the public,
The reconstructed building now houses a Balkan’s style but with a second entry from inside. Q9 rooms (7 doubles
mehana and a boutique hotel. It’s a dazzling combination €21 - 64, 1 apartment €60 - 130, 1 Maisonette €60 - 130).
of Bulgarian and oriental style with elements of a hunting AIKDCSW hhh
lodge. The rooms are uniquely decorated with Indone-
sian, Malaysian and Singaporean furniture and seating Vihren D-1, ul. Pirin 55-57, tel. 88 097, fax 88 098,
areas from dark wood or wicker, wooden screens, straw office@hotelvihren.com, www.hotelvihren.com. Mid-way
mats and bamboo blinds. Even the dustbins are made of between the old town and the lift station, Vihren is a moder-
wood. Some of the rooms have king size beds covered ately comfy place, that offers a mixture of ensuite doubles
with cotton fabrics and cushions, where each room has a and apartments with kitchenette. Some rooms have small
specially designed bathroom and most are with a hydro balconies, looking out onto the interior courtyard. The on-site
massage shower. The apartment has an in-room hydro restaurant specializes in steaks. Q19 rooms (11 singles
massage bathtub next to a circlular bed, a fireplace, a €40 - 55, 8 apartments €43 - 85). TJILEKDW
rocking chair and a wooden sink. Q11 rooms (6 doubles hhh
€41 - 77, 4 triples €52 - 98, 1 VIP Apartment €72 - 128).
JILEBKDSW hhh
Apartment hotels
Mountview Lodge D-1, ul. Banderitsa, tel. 0889 002 Apartment House Eagle Lodge E-2, ul. Georgi
227, office@mountviewlodge.com, www.mountview- Nastev, tel. 0899 890 870. Luxur y ski chalet-style
lodge.com. Located in the southern part of town near the apartment complex in the southern part of Bansko, close
cable-car station, Mountview offers 52 elegantly-furnished to the ski gondola, combining Alpine chalet-style architec-
studio apartments, each with dining area, fireplace, and ture with typical Bansko motifs. The serviced apartments
fully-equipped kitchenette. Kindergarten, ski rental centre feature modern interiors, swish bathrooms, and - if you’re
and Italian restaurant are all on-site, and transport is pro- lucky to be on the right side of the building - stunning
vided to the cable-car should you need it. Q52 rooms (12 mountain views. The complex has an on-site restaurant,
Studio €58 - 85, 15 One-bedroom apartment €75 - 100, ski wardrobe, basement car park, sauna, steam bath
25 Two-bedroom apar tment €85 - 120). THAR� and Jacuzzi. Q 32 rooms (32 apartments €40 - 180).
LKDW hhh TARFKD hhh
Olymp B-2, ul. Tsar Simeon 1, tel. 88 094, fax 88 096, Complex Tamplier E-2, Gramadeto area, tel. 86
olymp-bansko@abv.bg, www.olymp-bansko.com. This 790/0889 599 881, tamplier@almatour.net, www.
hotel may be the first thing you see when you enter Bansko. tamplier.com. Several businessmen and celebrities have
A new development, it has been open for 2 years and the their own apartments in this spacious stone and wood
staff are eager to show their guests the best they can do complex. You can actually stay in the soccer superstar
for them. There’s an excellent restaurant for the guests. Hristo Stoichkov’s apar tment, which is big, superbl y
Don’t hesitate to give it a try. The hotel offers internet furnished and has a collection of sports t-shirts on its
services and Wi-Fi in the lobby, the spa centre will help you walls instead of boring pictures. There is a big winery and
relax and three rooms on the first floor are equipped for the a sommelier in the restaurant, lobby bar and a beautiful
disabled. Q35 rooms (29 doubles €80 - 85, 4 apartments pool, fitness, Spa, massage and medical centre. The
€100 - 140, 2 Maisonette €100 - 140). THAULG� apartments are comfortable and some have a remarkable
KCW hhh views to the mountains. There is also a creche which will
keep the wild youngsters occupied while you’re relaxing.
Panorama (Vakanova kashta) C-2, ul. Pirin 39, tel. Q 28 rooms (10 doubles €63 - 105, 12 apar tments
82 376/0888 399 156, panorama.c@abv.bg. Family-run €80, 4 2 room Apartment €70, 1 President Apartment
hotel, one of the first in Bansko, on Pirin Street, 7-8 min to €74, 1 Studio €70). TA6IFLGBKDCW
the Gondola. The white three-story house is built in Bansko hhhh
www.inyourpocket.com
Winter 2008/2009
18 Where to stay
Dream Apartment Complex Bansko E-2, Grama-
deto area, tel. 82 204/0899 303 738, dream_ban- Out of town
sko@abv.bg, www.dreambansko.com. The comfortable
grounds of this apartment complex will make your family Aparthotel Penbro A-4, ul. Neofit Rilski 2, Banya,
and guests feel at home. There are several types of spa- tel. 0889 859 902, info@penbro.com, www.penbro.
cious, well furnished apartments, which can satisfy all com. Six kilometres east of Bansko in the bucolic village
your holiday and household demands. All the apartments of Banya, this Scottish-Bulgarian venture comprises six
have terraces, kitchenettes, TV-sets, safes and internet self-catering units in a traditional-style building. Each
connection. There is a swimming pool, Spa, massage and of the apartments is named after a Bulgarian strain of
fitness centre, and their Russian bath, with a big wooden vine - which gives you some idea of the owners’ priori-
cask-tub, a vodka and caviar menu and special brooms to ties in life. Inside you’ll find a fully-equipped kitchenette,
hit your naked friends with, will make you feel as a Russian neat bathrooms and mood-enhancing peach-coloured
Tsar. Q78 rooms (4 Studio €50 - 110, 50 Deluxe Suite fabrics. The second floor split-level maisonettes have
€50 - 210, 4 Tower Suite €75 - 240, 6 Grand Suite €100 plenty of sleeping space and are perfect for families. All
- 310, 14 Grand Tower €100 - 310). TA6IFLG� units come with south-facing balconies. Washing and
KDCW hhhh ironing facilities are freely available in the basement. If
you don’t fancy slaving away in the kitchen, breakfast can
Lucky Bansko A-2, ul. Kir Blago Todev 4-10, tel. be ordered for a few extra leva, and there are a couple of
806 61 61, fax 806 61 74, info@luckybansko.com, welcoming village taverns within walking distance. Price
www.luckybansko.com. The 4-star complex offers a reductions are available for stays of over four days. Q6
5-star level service, furnishing and equipment. Nice and rooms (3 apartments €30 - 50, 3 maisonettes €46 - 50).
comfortable atmosphere combined with polite person- T6LW hhh
nel. Guests have at their disposal a restaurant, a lobby Makedonska krachma ul. Georgi Dimitrov 1,
bar, conference room with up to 100 seats, piano bar, Dobrinishte, tel. 0888 792 299, makedonia@
a swimming pool, a SPA and fitness centre, numerous galia-online.com. Ten kilometres southeast of Ban-
services, as well as the most varied forms of entertain- sko, Dobrinishte is a laid-back village which has so-far
ment in their leisure time. All residences are equipped been spared from the hotel-building frenzy of its near
with TV sets, telephones, wireless Internet, mini-safe and neighbour. If quiet and characterful B&B accommoda-
fully equipped kitchenette with Lavazza coffee machines, tion is what you’re after then you could do much worse
ceramic plates, toasters, refrigerators and microwave than head for this modern-built house in the centre of
ovens. The bathrooms are with bath tubs, showers, hair the village, featuring traditional wood panelling, hand-
dr yers and are supplied with slippers and bathrobes. woven floor coverings and timber-beamed ceilings.
Skiers are transported to the lift by a mini-bus. Q 102 Rooms feature TV, minibar and simply-furnished WC/
rooms (50 apartments €140 - 170, 52 Studio €100 - 140). bathroom units. The Makedonska krachma’s fantastic
THAULGKCW hhhh restaurant is right next door. Q6 rooms (6 doubles
€20). K hhh
Sofia C-2, ul. Radon Todev 16, tel. 88 502, fax 88
362, hsb@mail.bg, w w w.banskohotelsof ia.com.
On a quiet street near the historic centre of town, this Aseva kashta C-2, ul. Georgi Kovachev 7, tel. 84
medium-sized hotel is a relaxing and friendly place. Most 451/0889 121 968, aseva_bansko@abv.bg. Located 5
of the rooms are apartments with kitchenettes, making min off the main street Pirin and 10 min from the Gondola.
it a good choice for families with children. There’s a ski The rooms are medium sized in unpretentious style with
wardrobe, winter garden, steam bath and Jacuzzi, and free double beds, wardrobes and medium sized bathrooms
transfer to the cable-car station. Q14 rooms (2 singles with shower. For the guests they house a small mehana
€34 - 91, 2 doubles €51 - 92, 10 apartments €74 - 120). restaurant for 25 with a fireplace and use of the kitchen
HARKD hhh on request. Breakfast included, lunch or dinner should
be requested in advance. They provide transport to the
Gondola. Q 11 rooms (9 doubles €30, 2 triples €40).
Hostels 6KW hhh
Turisticheski dom Okoto B-2, ul. Hristo Botev 2,
tel. 82 310. Basic hostel-type accommodation on a Dedo Pene C-2, ul. Aleksandar Buynov 1, tel. 88 348,
quiet street bang in the centre. Nothing special, but clean fax 82 223, info@dedopene.com, www.dedopene.
and well maintained, and marginally more friendly than com. Bang in the centre of the old town, “Grandad Pene’s
the Edelvais. 13 rooms and 3 apartments. Q €8-10 Inn” is one of the classic addresses in Bansko, a traditional
per bed. 6L restaurant in a 200-year-old stone house that offers guest
rooms in outbuildings ranged around the walled courtyard.
Guest houses Rooms combine modern pine furnishings with timber-beamed
ceilings, wood-and-coal-burning stoves, and limestone
Alpin C-2, ul. Neofit Rilski 6, tel. 88 075, fax 88 076, bathrooms that use antiquated milk pails as washing ba-
alpin@bansko.bg, www.alpin.bansko.bg. Opened in 1992, sins. Q10 rooms (8 doubles €25 - 30, 2 triples €30 - 40).
this old-town B&B offers en-suite rooms a stones’-throw from JARILEGKD hh
the historic centre. There is a tradiotional-style mehana on
site. Skis and sleighs are available for rental. Q18 rooms (12 Devonshire Lodge C-1, ul. Stefan Karadzha 71, tel.
doubles €44 - 88, 3 triples €90 - 180, 3 suites €80 - 240). 0888 559 594, info@devonshirelodge.com, www.
TJRILBKDW hh devonshirelodge.com. Famil y-run B&B wi th friendl y
English-speaking hosts, ten minutes’ walk from the cable-
car station. Rooms can sleep between two and four people
and feature pine furnishings and warm colours. There
are tea and coffee-making facilities in the rooms, and
full-English breakfast is served in the dining room. Q5
rooms (4 doubles €35 - 70, 1 Family room €100 - 150). Hotel Avalon
TRLGKW hhh El Tepe No. 4,
Bansko 2700
Dvata smarcha C-2, ul. Velyan Ognev 2, tel. 82 Bulgaria
632/0887 449 021. Unpretentious family-run place, Tel (00359) 74988399
that doesn’t go overboard with folksy décor, just round the Fax (00359) 74988398
corner from the central Holy Trinity church. There’s a decent www.avalonhotel-bulgaria.com
breakfast room/restaurant downstairs, and a lovely walled
garden, dominated from the two soaring fir trees from which Sevda D-3, ul. Skopie 18, tel. 0887 476 729, hotel-
the B&B gets its name. Q5 rooms (3 doubles €10 - 15, 2 sevda@bansko.bg. A small family hotel, renovated in 2003.
apartments €15 - 20). JLK hhh Rooms are equipped with modern bathrooms, cable TV and
central heating. Some rooms have balconies or an extra
Kadiata Inn C-2, ul. Yane Sandanski 8, tel. 88 bed. Breakfast is served in the folksy downstairs mehana.
555/0899 969 370, kadiata@banskobg.org, www. There’s also a mini spa-center with Jacuzzi and steam bath.
kadiata-bansko.com. Despite hiding behind a trad-style Ask about transfers from the bus/railway stations. Q11
mehana, this is in fact a modern family house with small but rooms (9 doubles €, 2 apartments €). €15 per person BB,
swish rooms, each featuring modern bathrooms and a small €20 per person HB. ARLKW hh
TV. The position could not be more central. Q7 rooms (4
doubles €36 - 47, 1 Studio €47 - 57, 2 Studio-lux €62 - 72).
RLK hhh Chalets
Chalet Isabella B-1, ul. Banderitsa 32, tel. 0885
Kashta Kiritsovi C-2, ul. Dame Gruev 4, tel. 0887 882 060 095, w w w.chalet-bulgaria.com. If you want a
123/84 556, kiritc@abv.bg, www.kiritc.com. The guest snug home from home with a bit of pampering thrown
house offers rooms with a view to Pirin Mountain, balconies, in for good measure, then Chalet Isabella should do the
kitchenette with hotplates for cooking and toaster. The trick. It’s tucked away in a peaceful residential street in
rooms are on the small side, but the double beds are wide. the western part of Bansko - but only ever a short walk
The apartment has a separate kitchen with hotplates and a away from the things you need. The bedrooms feature
sitting room area. They don’t provide transport to the gondola a nice mixture of traditional wooden features and crisp
which is 7-8 min away. Q10 rooms (9 doubles €21 - 36, 1 modern décor, and the comfy lounge-cum-diner is difficult
triple €26 - 41). TLW hhh to drag yourself away from. Rentals run from Saturday to
Saturday and can either be on a self-catering basis, or
Klecherova Kashta D-2, ul. Mingyo Todev 12, tel. with main meals provided. Q All inclusive (food, drinks
83 364/0886 897 744, m_klecherov@abv.bg, www. and transport) for 12 persons for 7 days for the total of
klecherovakushta-bansko.com. The two-storey Bansko 3000 euro. AKW hhh
style house, found in a sunny courtyard, offers several rooms
and outside seating downstairs and on the wooden terrace. Chalet Jora , tel. 0889 744 367/0044 796 77 505
For the guests they have their own small mehana called Dedo 92, info@skichaletbansko.co.uk, www.skichaletban-
Mitar. It is for 35, decorated with old rifles and deer horns, sko.co.uk. A beautifully renovated traditional house just 2
several wooden tables, bar and fireplace, breakfast included. minutes from the main street and the town square. Run by
The rooms are comfortable with double bed, nightstands, Brits Jay, an experienced off-piste snowboard instructor, and
wardrobe and cable TV, nothing fancy. The bathrooms are Laura, a qualified masseur, the chalet beautifully combines
with showers. The apartment is with two double rooms and the traditional with the modern. Jora caters for groups of
a walkthrough kitchen with hotplates, fridge and a dining 8-14 and comprises 5 comfortable bedrooms and 4 well ap-
table. Q7 rooms (4 doubles €21 - 28, 2 triples €26 - 31, 1 pointed bathrooms, one with a bathtub. There’s an open fire.
apartment €41 - 49). ILBKW They also provide a shuttle to the gondola. With its beautiful
setting and friendly hosts, the Jora is an excellent location
Nevi C-1, ul. Khan Asparuh 10, tel. 88 250/0889 197 for your Bansko holiday. Q5 rooms (5 pp/ww €160 - 223).
286, nevi23@abv.bg, www.nevi.bansko.org. A newly TJIW
built house which can offer a calm atmosphere to the tour-
ists. This B&B is located about 5 minutes from the ski lift in a Chalet Soltir D-2, ul. Kiril i Metidiy 19, tel. 0895 330
new neighbourhood with easy access. There is a restaurant 349, mark@boardingbansko.co.uk, www.boardingban-
for the guests where you can enjoy any meal, traditional for sko.co.uk. Hidden away in the alleyways of the old town,
the region. For children up to 12 years you pay only 50% Soltir is a traditional nineteenth-century house complete
of the bed price, and children up to 2 are free. However, If with stone walls, exposed beams, gated courtyard, open
it is luxury you are looking for, look somewhere else. Q8 fireplace with a sensitively renovated interior which pre-
rooms (5 doubles €26, 1 apartment €36, 2 Maisonette). serves much of the original rustic atmosphere without
ALKW hh skimping too much on the mod cons. Knowledgeable
British hosts, Mark and Amy will make you feel welcome
Roshkoff House (Roshkova Kashta) (Rosban) from day one and will sort you out with ski rental and
D-3, ul. Mozgovitsa 17, tel. 83 161/0886 840 827, piste recommendations. There’s a Wi-Fi as well. Soltir
hotel_roshkoff@abv.bg, roshkoff-house.netfirms.com. A functions as a rent-the-whole-house ski chalet in winter
cosy and intimate hotel, located within easy striking distance (both self-catering and fully-catered options are available),
of the cable-car station, offering unfussy en-suite rooms with and turns into a B&B in spring and summer. Q 12 sleeps.
satellite TV. There’s a folksy mehana on site, and a small Fully catered - 272 euro per person, semi catered - 200
private parking lot. Q5 rooms (1 single €11, 2 doubles €22, euro per person, self catered - 129 euro per person for 7
2 triples €33). L days. TIW hh
Winter 2008/2009
20 restaurants
Bansko is chock-full of mehanas, traditional-style taverns
where Bulgarian food is washed down with copious Symbol key
quantities of local wine and spirits. Each mehana tries to
cultivate a folksy feel through its choice of wooden furnish- P Air conditioning A Credit cards accepted
ings, stripey tablecloths, brightly-coloured textiles and E Live music S Take away
stone-clad walls (although these ethnic interior elements
are becoming so standardized that it’s become increas- T Child friendly U Facilities for the disabled
ingly difficult to tell one mehana apart from another). The G Non-smoking areas L Guarded parking
other characteristic feature of the Bansko mehana is the
ubiquitous presence of Macedonian folk music - either on O Casino M Nearest station
the CD player or performed live by a local band. With shrill R Internet 6 Animal friendly
clarinets drilling holes in your grey matter and the clatter of
a darbuka drummer echoing around your ears, dining out
in Bansko can be a wonderfully raucous experience. of its enjoyably eccentric interior - antlers, old radios, a star-
If neither Bulgarian munchies nor music are quite your cup tled-looking stuffed marten, and bits of wood that resemble
of tea, then Bansko offers respite in the form of a handful human sexual organs are just some of the decorations to look
of pizzerias, a couple of steakhouses, and a reasonable out for. Pretty much everything in the local culinary repertoire
range of international food in the restaurants of the big- is available here - from kapama and chomlek to the deliciously
ger hotels. In the restaurant reviews below the prices in eccentric makedonski mandzhi (diced chicken cooked with
brackets refer to the average cost spread (from cheapest prunes). For dessert, try the banitsa (flaky pastry pie) stuffed
to most expensive) of a main course. with bits of lokum (Turkish delight). The atmosphere is always
lively and the folk music frequently excellent, ensuring that
Dedo Pene is always worth a try. QOpen 09:00 - 24:00.
Bulgarian (8-25Lv). JAIES
Banski Han A-2, ul. Vasil Kanchev 2, tel. 0888 990 663,
www.bansko.bg. Typical for this sort of restaurant, mehana Dedo Yonkata D-1, ul. Pirin 84, tel. 0888 203 937. Dedo
Banski Han is all wood, stone and bottles of wine on shelves. Yonkata handles the full range of Bulgarian and regional dishes
It has 3 rooms on different levels for 170 guests. The staff are in competent style, although it is hardly one of Bansko’s must-
polite and fast, but sometimes a little insistent. There is no visit culinary destinations. Main advantages of this place are
live music which may be an advantage if you are in a mood that it’s conveniently located at the lift-station end of town
for a quiet evening. The food is very good and you should try and is much better value than the restaurants of the nearby
the famous Katino Meze together with a half a litre jar of the hotels. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00. (5-16Lv) . I
local red wine. QOpen 09:00 - 24:00. (10-20Lv).
Chubanov Han B-2, ul. Tsar Simeon 13, tel. 0899 213
Baryakova mehana C-2, ul. Velyan Ognev 3, tel. 0899 337/0898 555 611, www.banskohan.eu. This is the
670 734/0889 534 582, baryakova@bansko.org, www. biggest restaurant in Bansko with 250 seats inside and 300
baryakova.bansko.org. This well-established and classy- in the garden. The two floors are decorated in a combination
looking mehana has a good reputation for serving up quality of Bulgarian folk styles from different regions - Trakiiski, Ro-
local cuisine backed up by a handsome selection of Bulgarian dopski and Pirin. They have live performances of folk dances
wines. Service was so slow during our visit however that we by Ensemble Pirin and you will have the pleasure to watch
had to vacate the premises before we died of starvation. Wedding and Kukeri dances; a true Bulgarian experience.
Hopefully staffing problems will have been sorted out by the The cuisine is Bulgarian and they have an outside barbeque
time the winter season gets into full swing. QOpen 17:00 - for the summer months. QOpen 00:00 - 24:00. (10-24Lv).
02:00. (7-18Lv). JAILEB A6ILEBKSW
Bohemi C-2, ul. Neofit Rilski 8, tel. 0878 103 588/0878 Kadiata Tavern C-2, ul. Yane Sandanski 8, tel. 88
103 587. Found just 200m off Pirin Street this tavern (me- 555/0899 969 370, kadiata@banskobg.org, www.
hana) welcomes you with an old wooden cart and the donkey kadiata-bansko.com. Friendly family-run place that doesn’t
Armando in the yard. This used to be the famous Hadzhi- have the tourist-trap feel of the bigger mehanas on the same
ruskovi kashti tavern. The cuisine is national Bulgarian with street. Expect the usual salads and grilled meats, plus a few
the traditional chomlek, kapama, Banski strets (sausage), speciality-of-the-house oddities: the Bansko-style peppers
rakiena salad (rakia’s salad), stuffed turkey, rabbit the hunter’s (stuffed with cheese and bacon fat then grilled) come highly
way, baklava s lokum (Turkish sweet desert), sheep’s yoghurt, recommended. QOpen 08:00 - 24:00. (5-13Lv). L
crème Brule, etc. The menu is English, Russian and Greek. You
probably won’t miss the place as they hire a whooper, who will Kamenica mehana C-2, ul. Pirin 31, tel. 0888 221
try to lure you in several languages. QOpen 12:00 - 04:00. 912/0887 638 441, kamenicabansko@abv.bg, www.
(11-29Lv). J6IEBSW kamenicabansko.hit.bg. A small pub in the central part of
the town with a nice fire place and a typical atmosphere for
Boide D-1, ul. Pirin. Looking a bit like a rustic shack from
the outside and relatively unadorned on the inside, Boide
looks like a surviving relic of pre-tourist-boom Bansko and is Kashta Dedo Pene
all the better for it. Friendly service, inexpensive grilled meats MEHANA & GUEST HOUSE
and ultra-cheap drinks put this time-warp of a restaurant in
a class of its own. Conveniently near the cable-car terminal
too. QOpen 10:00 - 24:00. (4-10Lv).
Winter 2008/2009
22 Restaurants
International
Mehana Bohemi Jordan’s Steakhouse C-2, ul. Byalo more 5, tel. 0897
771 593. Welcoming basement restaurant offering all kinds
of steaks grilled to your specifications, as well as very good
grilled fish. English breakfast is served all day, and there’s a
big choice of pasta dishes too. The soothing browny-ochre
décor makes a refreshing change from the folk-style places
elsewhere in town. QOpen 10:00 - 23:00. (8-25Lv).
In Your Pocket
Europe’s City Guide
inyourpocket.com E S S E N T I A L C I TY G U I D E S
24 nightLiFe
A good deal of night-time drinking and revelry takes place
in the taverna-like mehanas, listed in our Restaurants sec- Casinos
tion. However, Bansko also boasts a lively bar scene, and
with English-speaking tourists and investors, increasing Blitz Club D-1, ul. Glazne 7, tel. 88 530. Slot ma-
their presence in the town, there’s a steady increase in the chines, roulette, pseudo-Egyptian décor and waitresses in
number of pub-like places too. Nefertiti-inspired dresses. Also one of the best places in
town for a decent cappuccino. QOpen 00:00 - 24:00.
Gold Club D-1, ul. Pirin 55-57. Slot machines. QOpen
Bars and Pubs 00:00 - 24:00.
Bander Pub C-1, ul. Han Asparuh 2, tel. 86 600/0889
623 704, office@banderitsahotel.com, www.bander-
itsahotel.com. Soft lighting and lots of wooden furniture to leave if you’re watching the full satellite sports channels.
transform the basement of the Banderitsa hotel into a There’s a wide menu on offer including pub standards and
welcoming and enjoyable place. Pop-rock cover bands oc- pizzas.
casionally squeeze onto the small stage. QOpen 11:00
- 03:00. IE The Irish Pub D-2, ul. Angel Kanchev 1, tel. 0887 196
702. This is one of the new additions to the Bansko pub scene.
Base Camp C-4, ul. Tsar Simeon, opposite ZTA, tel. Totally revamped and run by Rob and Gemma, the place prom-
83 098/0878 216 416, basecamp@mail.bg, www. ises to be very competitive on pricing and that the food will be
basecamp-bansko.com. Drinking red wine in a traditional prepared by an English chef. Stop laughing, the lady in question
mehana while men in embroidered shirts sing dities about has loads of experience working in some Great British boozers
Macedonian maidens is all very well, but occasionally one and bangs out a wonderful steak and Guinness pie and great
yearns for a proper bar serving proper drinks to the accompa- homemade burgers. Rob, the manager, told us that there’ll be
niment of proper music. And Basecamp is most emphatically a full fried breakfast for around 10 Levs, daily specials, kids
that place. Expect alternative rock, latin or funk on the sound menu and full sports package. Sounds like a great place to
system, occasional live acts, and an easy-going vibe that live. QOpen 08:00 - 04:00. (2-10Lv). AW
helps you feel at home no matter how much of a misfit you
may be. The edge-of-town location brings a certain unpredict- The Lions Pub D-1, ul. Pirin 90A, tel. 0885 039 885,
ability to Basecamp: sometimes the place is rammed to the kopanarov@gmail.com. Twenty-four-hour-a-day haven for
rafters with a devil-may-care, wave-your-ski-pants-in-the-air anyone addicted to cheap pints of lager, fried breakfasts,
crowd of hedonistically inclined drink demons, at others it dartboards, and TVs permanently tuned to sport. The place
comes across as a laid back neighbourhood pub. QOpen has been totally renovated for the 08-09 season but promises
18:00 - 04:00. AEW to retain the all day drinking sports bar identity. They have a
full satellite package, so you won’t miss any of the important
football matches. QOpen 00:00 - 24:00. PL
Disco clubs
Dance Club Amnesia B-2, pl. Vaptsarov 1, tel. 0897
935 381. Popular disco-club which is a magnet for long-
distance drinkers in the early hours. Mainstream dance DJs
Disco Party Bar Amigo B-2, ul. Glazne 67, tel. and occasional appearances by Bulgarian pop stars keep a
0886 888 454, www.disco.bg/amigobansko. Snug predominantly young crowd happy. QOpen 21:00 - 04:00.
drinking den centred on a quadrangular bar beneath barn- Admission: 2Lv. PJEG
like beams. The football-related memorabilia hanging from
the walls suggests a vaguely sporting theme, although Disco Club Happy End B-2, ul. Glazne (next to the Gon-
regular DJ evenings and karaoke sessions ensure that dola lift), tel. 0889 664 725, www.disco.bg/happyend.
you don’t necessarily need to be soccer-obsessed to fit As the name itself might hint, this is the end-of-the-skiing-day
in. There’s a restaurant section serving up a something- venue most favoured by the hordes falling out of the gondola as
for-ever ybod y menu of inexpensive Bulgarian dishes, it returns to Bansko from the pistes above. A healthily cosmo-
pizzas, pastas and salads. Q Open 11:00 - 02:00. (7- politan mix of Bulgarians and foreigners, a mind-boggling array
8Lv). PJALW of drinks, and frequent live music, all help to keep the party
going until the early hours. QOpen 09:00 - 02:00. PL
Molerite B-2, ul. Glazne 41, tel. 88 494, molerite1792@
abv.bg, www.molerite.com. This folksy-style mehana Oxygen B-3, ul. Opalchenska, tel. 0898 664 554/0899
turns into a disco after about 11pm, with the DJ concentrat- 605 410. Located in the basement of an innocuous-looking
ing almost exclusively on chalga - the indigenous Balkan house, Oxygen is a vibrant and friendly standing-room-only
folk-pop which gets its inspiration from traditional Turkish, bar that looks like a psychedelic ice cave but has a warm
Greek and Gypsy beats. Full of hands-in-the-air, hip-swaying and welcoming feel. Good-natured bar staff and nightly DJ
young locals, this place is hugely enjoyable. QOpen 11:00 sessions keep the young locals coming in their droves.
- 03:00. AL Regular house, reggae and techno nights throughout the
winter season make this an essential stop-off for discerning
The Crown ul. Naiden Gerov, tel. 0894 430 450, www. clubbers. QOpen 21:00 - 05:00.
crownpub-bansko.com. A brand new pub housed in the
basement of the Elegant Spa Hotel (see p. 14), The Crown
promises to become a Bansko hot spot. It’s run by Ivor of
The Gallahad, so it’s sure to be run with efficient and quality The Bansko
service. It’s quite a big place and boasts some brand new,
high quality pool tables as well as darts and table football. telephone code is: 0749
The furniture is really comfortable and should prove difficult
Folk clubs
Bulgari C-2, pl. Vazrazhdane 1. If you want to immerse
yourself in the world of chalga (Bulgarian pop-folk), then
the belly-shaking sounds on offer at this glitzy venue are
guaranteed to bring out the Balkan beast in you. Popular
chalga stars perform here live at least once a week. QOpen
22:00 - 04:00. E
Planeta Payner B-3, ul. Tsar Simeon 48, tel. 0899 969
991. Standing on the spot where disco No Name, a Bansko
institution, once stood, is this relatively new branch of the
Planeta empire, a chain of clubs operated by one of Bulgaria’s
biggest record labels. Dominant musical style is the belly
shaking brand of Balkan pop-folk known as chalga, although
a fair quantity of mainstream pop and retro-disco is added
to the mix. QOpen 23:00 - 05:00. PLE
Winter 2008/2009
26 What to see
If you think that Bansko is a Balkan village suddenly
catapulted to fame and fortune by its latter-day develop- Bansko’s old houses
ment as a ski-centre, then think again. Bansko was one
of nineteenth-century Bulgaria’s richest towns, and the
monuments are still here to prove it.
Bansko owed its wealth to a central position on key inland
caravan routes, which lead from the Aegean port of Thes-
saloniki to the cities of central Europe. As well as providing
food and lodging to the caravan drovers, Bansko folk
became traders themselves, warehousing rich silks from
the east and fine furniture from the west.
The caravan trade died out in the late nineteenth century
when it became more convenient to transport goods
on steamships and trains rather than on the backs of
donkeys. Bansko continued to flourish as an agricultural
centre rich in goats, sheep and cattle, and enjoyed a
considerable political role in the years before World War
I when it was an important centre of the anti-Ottoman
Macedonian revolutionary movement.
The nineteenth-century houses lining central Bansko’s Despite Bansko’s headlong rush towards modernization,
cobbled alleyways provide enduring evidence of the town’s the centre of town can still boast a spectacular collection
historical importance. Note that Bansko’s museums lack of traditional nineteenth-century houses. Lurking behind
effective central heating and can be extremely chilly in a high stone wall and a bolted wooden gate, the typical
winter - so don’t forget your thermal undies. Bansko house is of a type known as the Kashta-Krepost
- literally “Home-Fortress”.
Churches During the first half of the nineteenth century this part of
Holy Trinity Church (Tsarkva Sveta Troitsa) C-2, the then Ottoman Empire was particularly prone to roving
pl. Vazrazhdane, tel. 883 44. Built in 1835, Bansko’s bands of bandits, who would descend on unsuspect-
Holy Trinity Church was the biggest church in Bulgaria in the ing households, rob the family silver, kidnap a goat or
nineteenth century, and is still one of the most attractive. two, then scarper to the safety of the surrounding hills.
Ottoman restrictions specified that Christian churches should Bansko’s leading citizens opted to defend their wealth
never be higher than a man on horseback, ensuring that most as best as they could, building solid houses hidden in
nineteenth-century Bulgarian churches were squat structures walled courtyards.
built slightly underground. Bansko’s elders decided to ignore Typical Bansko houses featured two storeys, the lower
these restrictions, confident that the town’s importance as one reserved for animals and agricultural stores. The
a trading centre would dissuade the Turkish sultan from tak- upper floor was divided into living quarters for the fam-
ing any action. The churchyard’s high wall was erected first, ily, although even here a sequence of bolted doorways
concealing the rest of the building site from prying Ottoman would lead to a ‘safe room’ into which the family would
officials. The church is entered via a lovely porch lined with withdraw in case of attack. Safe rooms were often
wooden benches. Inside, elegant pillars rise above rows of equipped with trap doors allowing family members to
drop down into a secret basement hiding-place, in some
cases fitted with a tunnel leading to the street outside.
Upstairs rooms were also fitted with diagonal holes
through which musket barrels could be poked, providing
an additional deterrent to would-be intruders.
The upper storey also contained everything necessary
for a comfortable life. Benches running along each wall,
brightly-coloured kilims on the floor, and wall paintings
providing an air of luxury. The entire family usually slept
on a huge bed in the kitchen. Other rooms were used for
entertaining guests, receiving the head of the family’s
business clients, or providing the women of the household
with a work-space for weaving and embroidery. During
the summer months social life would move outside to
the chardak or wooden balcony, where meals would be
prepared on an outdoor hearth and where menfolk would
while away the warm evenings drinking and smoking while
lolling on huge divans. An additional verandah or koliba
was used for drying cereals and fodder during the dry,
sunny months.
Nowadays you need to visit the Velyanova kashta or the
Neofit Rilski Museum to see an example of a Bansko
house whose traditional layout has been preserved.
However there are plenty of other surviving nineteenth-
century houses in the centre of town, most now serv-
ing as B&Bs, mehanas, or twenty-first century family
homes.
wooden pews. The main icon screen is an extravagantly (subsequently nicknamed “Moler” by the locals after the Ger-
detailed piece of wood carving, featuring exquisitely-rendered man word for painter, Mahler) went on to produce a stream
floral shapes, birds, dragons and other traditional folk motifs. of icons that combined both eastern Orthodox and modern
At the back, wooden grilles serve to barrier off the rear part western styles. Vishanov’s son Dimitar Molerov and grandson
of the church, traditionally reserved for female worshippers. Simeon Molerov carried on the family tradition - Dimitar is
Best time to visit the church is the Sunday morning service, reckoned to be the most talented of the bunch. Bansko’s
when many of Bansko’s older women attend in traditional icon museum occupies a nineteenth-century metoh, a small
costume. QOpen 08:00 - 18:00. monastery-cum-lodging house where monks journeying
between Mount Athos and Rila Monastery would rest up for
Chapel of the Holy Virgin (Tsarkva Uspenie the night. The metoh also took in orphans and taught them
Bogorodichno) A-3, ul. Bulgaria. Located in the town basic crafts. The metoh’s former cells and workshops are now
graveyard, near the railway station, this cemetery chapel occupied by a display devoted to Vishanov and his followers.
was built in 1774. Semi-submerged in order to comply with On the opposite side of the metoh’s courtyard, the former
Ottoman restrictions, and illuminated by four tiny windows, stables now house a gallery of nineteenth century icons,
it has the feel of a mysterious grotto. The intricate wood- with Vishanov and his descendants featuring prominently.
carved iconostasis is a masterpiece of eighteenth-century Q Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
folk-influenced art, and is filled with icons by local painter Admission: 3Lv.
Toma Vishanov. Unfortunately, the chapel is rarely open, and
may only be accessible at mass times on certain Sundays Neofit Rilski House C-2, ul. Pirin 17, tel. 88 272.
throughout the year. The tourist office may be able to advise Lurking behind a stone wall round the back of the Holy Trin-
on the best time to wander down and take a look. ity church is the birthplace of Neofit Rilski, (1793-1881), the
monk and scholar who presided over the development of
Museums primary education in nineteenth-century Bulgaria. The part
of the display devoted to Rilski’s life and works is rather
Icon Museum C-2, ul. Yane Sandanski 3, tel. 882 73. boring, to be quite frank, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the
During the nineteenth century Bansko was an important period rooms of the house itself. Neofit’s father served as
centre of icon-painting workshops. Bansko-trained painters Bansko’s parish priest, and used one room in the house to
decorated monasteries and churches throughout the region, teach reading, writing and bible study to the local kids. Pupils
many of them working on Bulgaria’s most famous monastic wrote in wooden boxes filled with sand, examples of which can
foundation, Rila Monastery, 70km to the northwest. Bansko’s still be seen today. The family’s main living room features an
icon-painting traditions began with local boy Toma Vishanov, open hearth on which meals were cooked, and a low central
who accompanied local merchants on a trip to Vienna in the table -nineteenth-century Bulgarians ate sitting on the floor.
late eighteenth century and came back with a book of Austrian Q Open 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
religious prints. Setting up his own painting studio, Vishanov Admission: 3Lv.
Winter 2008/2009
28 What to see
Pirin Mountain
Pirin Mountain is the second highest mountain in Bul- ing the glacial period. Ice spreads only over northern
garia and on the Balkan Peninsula. It’s also the sev- area of the mountain. Famous lakes are: Popovo eze-
enth highest in Europe. Pirin is situated in the south- ro (Priest lake), Valyavishki ezera and Vasilyashki ezera.
western part of the country between the Mesta and In Pirin there is a rich biodiversity and for its protection,
Struma rivers and the Predela and Parilska passes. It there is an area designated “Natsionalen Park Pirin” (Pirin
covers about 1210 square kilometers. The name “Pi- National Park). There are also 3 reserves - Baiuvi dupki –
rin” comes from the name of the god Perun, who, ac- Dzhin dzhiritsa, Yulen and Orelyak. In the Pirin range lives
cording to the legend, had lived there. The highest one of the famous venerable trees – Baykusheva Mura
peak is Vihren (2914 m.) Other famous peaks are: (Bayku sheva white fir). Because of the beautiful nature,
Kutelo, Kamenitsa, Polezhan, Todorka, Sina nitsa as there are several towns at the base of the mountain–
well as the saddle, named Koncheto (The nag). In Pi- Bansko, Gotse Delchev, Melnik and Sandanski. There
rin, there are situated many glacial lakes, formed dur- are direct bus lines to and from Sofia.
Winter 2008/2009
30 Winter sports
Bansko lies in the so-called Kotlovina, a level plain lying
between three mountain ranges – the Pirin to the West, Winter ski sports
the Rila to the north and the Rhodopes to the east. It is
the Pirin range that is the closest at hand, its wooded Even if you have been skiing or snowboarding for ages and
flanks rising suddenly from Bansko’s southern suburbs. your skills are pretty rad, there will always be someone
Pirin’s compact cluster of glacier-carved peaks cultivate in better than you. In case you want to know who are the
the handsomely chiselled limestone summit of Mt Vihren big boys and girls on Bansko’s slopes, there are plenty of
(2914m), which looms over Bansko to the west. competitions to check out, as well as a World Cup alpine
skiing event for women.
November 22-23 – “Todorka” Cup – alpine skiing
event, men
December 16-17 – “Cappy” Cup - alpine skiing event,
girls and boys
December 18-19 – “Yulen” Cup - alpine skiing event,
men and women
February 7-8 2009 – National snowboard competition,
all ages
February 17-20 2009 – National competition - alpine
skiing event, men and women
February 28 – March 3 2009 – World Cup alpine skiing
event, women
- February 28 – Downhill Event
- March 1 – Giant Slalom
March 6-8 2009 – National competition for veterans,
man and women
To the slopes March 26-27 2009 – National snowboard competi-
tion, all ages
Most of Bansko’s skiing opportunities are located just
southwest of town on the slopes of Mt Todorka, which March 31 – April 1 2009 – National competition “Ban-
culminates in the 2756m peak of Todorin vruh. sko” Cup – alpine skiing event, man and women
Access to the pistes is provided by the gondola which de- April 4-5 2009 – “Pirin” Cup - alpine skiing event, men
parts from Bansko’s lift station, located at the southwestern and women
end of town. Lift passes cost €28 per day or €159 for six
days, with reductions of almost 50% for children. Passes
can be bought from 4pm onwards on the previous day if
you want to avoid queuing on the morning itself - you can’t Extreme Air Free Ride
purchase them in advance over the internet. Expect queues
to get on the gondola itself - especially between the 9-10am Sometimes it is too boring to take to the pistes, especially
‘rush hour’. if you’re a very skilled skier or snowboarder who wants
The lift-operating company Ulen run a ski-hire centre at the to go for something more extreme. You can always leave
lift station. This is certainly the most convenient place at the runways and go into the forest. But there is a risk of
which to rent and store your kit, but it’s by no means the only unintended tree-hugging or even the nature-friendly bear
ski-hire place in town and you should check prices elsewhere or wolf feeding, you being the tasty morsel. Riding the
before making your choice. pristine and virgin slopes of the mountain is a dream out
The gondola ascends in two stages, first to Chalin valog of extreme movies, but if you are eager to spend some
directly above Bansko, which is the starting point for a couple cash, it may become a reality for you and your friends.
of shortish red runs. The second stage of the gondola climbs There is a helicopter service in Bansko, which can airlift
to Banderishka polyana, where a trio of chairlifts branch your crew and gear onto every possible mountain slope
off to higher altitudes. To the west of Banderishka polyana or peak, so you can plummet down the unknown paths at
lies Tsarna mogila, the longest of the intermediate routes, your own risk. So do not spare money, get on that chopper
although there’s a much wider range of opportunities to the and free ride into ski and snowboard Valhalla! For contact
south, where the upper reaches of Mt Todorka host the the phone is 88 914.
densest network of pistes. An interlocking web of red runs
descend down Todorka to the Shiligarnika area, while longer
blue runs wind their way down to Shiligarnika via the so-called
Plateau on the eastern shoulder of the mountain. Todorka is
Dobrinishte
also the start of the Alberto Tomba run, Bansko’s only black Ten kilometres southeast of Bansko, the village of Do-
route, which ends up at Banderishka polyana. brinishte is the gateway to another skiing area, although
There are plenty of snacking, eating and drinking op- the range of pistes is much more limited and access to
portunities at Banderishka polyana, Shiligarnika and the them is time-consuming. Main route to the slopes is a
Plateau. chairlift, which rises from the Gotse Delchev chalet 12km
Snowboarders should aim for the half-pipe at Banderishka south of the village, to the Bezbog chalet, just below the
polyana, or the two snowboard runs at the Plateau. 2645m Bezbog peak. The pistes running back down
the mountain to the Gotse Delchev chalet are marked
Ice rings as red, but are quite a challenge for intermediates who
don’t have a previous knowledge of the area.
Ice ring D-1, ul. Pirin. QOpen 10:00 - 22:00.
Winter 2008/2009
32 Shopping
Antiques
Antique shop D-1, ul. Pirin. Choose between Russki-style
fur hats, accordions, cameras, gramophones, and some of
granny’s old milk churns. At the southern end of town up near
the cable-car terminal.
Flowers
Boutique Flo B-2, ul. V. Tarnovo 2, tel. 0888 580 822.
QOpen 9:30 - 20:00.
Furniture
Stil Decor C-2, ul. Pirin 56, tel. 0889 688 220, furnish-
ing@mebex.org, www.furnishing.mebex.bg.
Banks
Bulgarian Post Bank B-2, pl. Nikola Vaptsarov 13, tel.
0749 881 24. QOpen 08:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
First Investment Bank C-3, ul. Tsar Simeon 68, tel.
0749 881 10. QOpen 08:30 - 16:30. Closed Sat, Sun.
United Bulgarian Bank C-2, ul. Pirin 7, tel. 0749 888
20. QOpen 08:00 - 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Dentists
Dr. Daneva B-3, ul. Todor Aleksandrov 15A, tel. 0888
603 439. QOpen 13:30 - 19:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Dr. Yanchovichina C-3, ul. Tsar Simeon 67 - in the
building of DSK Bank, tel. 0889 300 360. QOpen 09:00
- 17:00. Closed Sat, Sun.
Anar C-2, ul. Pirin 48, tel. 0888 580 822. QOpen
10:00 - 22:00.
ISPs
Evrokom C-2, pl. Vazrazhdane 1, tel. 88 299, www.
ekk.bg. Lan and cable internet, IP telephony, Cable TV,
DTV, HDTV.
Kindergartens
The Blue Kangaroo Gramadeto area, tel. 950
33/490 01 00, office@balkan-homes.com, w w w.
kandahar-bansko.com. Provides child care for children
between 6 months and 7 years. It takes place in one of the
apart hotel complexes opposite the gondola. There are 4
groups - Baby club (6 to 12 months), Toddler club (1 to 3
years), Mini club (3 to 5 years) and Kids club (5 to 7 years).
QOpen 08:30 - 17:30.
Winter 2008/2009
34 Business direCtory
inyourpocket.com
Street Index Edelvays C-1 Lui Pastyor C-3 Peyo Yavorov D-1/2 Toma Vishanov B-2
El tepe C/D-2 Lyuben Karavelov A-2 Pirin C-1/2, D/E-1 Tsar Asen C-2
3-ti mart pl. C/D-3 Pliska A-1/2 Tsar Boris III B-3/4
5-ti oktomvri C-3 Garibaldi C-2 Marko Teodorovich B-3 Tsar Kaloyan C/D-2
Georgi Benkovski B-2 Mincho Todev D-2 Radon Todev C-2 Tsar Samuil B-3/4
Aleksandur Buynov C-2 Georgi Nastev D-1/2 Mozgovitsa D-2/3 Rayna Knyagina D-1 Tsar
Aleko Konstantinov B-2 Glazne A/B/C-2, C/D-1 Rila A-1, B-1/2 Simeon A-2, B-2/3, C-3/4
Angel Balev B-3 Gotse Delchev C/D-1, C-2 Neofit Rilski C-2/3, D-2
Angel Kunchev D-1/2 Nikola Popfilipov C-2 Simeon Molerov C-2 Usta Gligora C-2
Hadzhi Dimitur D-2 Nikola Vaptsarov B/C-2 Shipka B/C-3
Banderitsa A/B/C-1 Han Asparuh B/C-1 Nikola Vaptsarov pl. B-2/3 Skopie D-3 Vasil Aprilov B-1
Banyo Marinov B/C-3 Hristo Botev B/C-2 Solun D-3 Vasil Levski C-2
Bratya Miladinovi B-2 Hristo Chernopeev C-1/2 Oborishte pl. D-2 Stara planina C-1/2 Vazrazhdane pl. C-2
Bratya Molerovi B-3 Hristo Danov C/D-4 Ohrid B-3 Stefan Karadzha A/B-1 Veliko Turnovo B-2, C-3
Bratya Veleganovi D-1/2 Hristo Matov D-1/2 Opulchenska B-3 Sveti Ivan Rilski D-1 Velyan Ognev C-2
Bulgaria A/B/C-3 Hristo Smirnenski B-1/2 Otets Paisii C-2 Sveti Kliment Viktor Yugo C-3
Byalo more C-2/3 Ohridski B-2/3
Ikonom Chuchulain B-2 Paligoden B-1 Yane Sandanski C-2/3
Dame Gruev C/D-2 Ilinden pl. B-1 Panayot Hitov C-1 Terzi Nikola C-1 Yantra C-3
Damyanitsa B-1/2 Ivan Vazov B-2 Panayot Volov B-2/3 Todor Aleksandrov A/B-3 Yulen C-3
Dimitur Talev C-3 Patriarh Todor Kableshkov C/D-2
Dobri Chintulov D-1/2 Kiril i Metodii C/D-2 Evtimii A-2/3, B-3/4, C-4 Todorin vruh A/B-2 Zahari Stoyanov D-2
Drama C/D-3 Knyaz Boris D-3 Petko Slaveykov C-1/2 Todorini vrati B/C-2 Zahari Zograf D-1/2
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Learn more about them 04 October 2008
What’s on? The Old Town
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Winter 2008/2009
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