Few people know that on the territory of Bulgaria there is a huge number of mineral springs, more than 900 deposits are officially registered! The main feature of local wells is the high content of microelements with an overall low mineralization. Most of them are located in ecologically clean regions of the country. It is also worth mentioning that Bulgaria is famous for its healing mud.
It is important to understand that SPA tourism is still developing in Bulgaria, so municipal swimming pools are not always in satisfactory condition. Of course, in some cities there are 4 and even 5 star hotels based on SPA procedures, but they can be counted on one hand. Therefore, if your main goal is treatment and visiting SPA procedures, carefully study the photos and information on the hotel, since most resorts may not meet your expectations in terms of design and level of service. However, a nice feature of visiting mineral springs in Bulgaria is the low prices. Along with this, fresh air filled with the aroma of forests and flowering fields will create an ideal environment for obtaining excellent treatment results.
Devin
The city is located in the Middle Rhodope region, the distance to Sofia is 221 km. The water has low mineralization. Sodium bicarbonate and fluorine contained in water have a beneficial effect on the treatment of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. In the town of Devin there is also a plant for the production and bottling of Devin mineral drinking water, which can be bought in any supermarket in Bulgaria. Not far from the city there are several cave attractions.
Sandanski
The city is located in southwest Bulgaria, the distance to Sofia is 160 km. Mineral waters contain sodium sulfate, fluorine, strontium, boron and silicon, and are used to treat the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Water temperature from 40°C to 80°C. In the city park "St. Vrach" there is a fountain with free mineral water. 30 km from the city there is the Vanga Memorial Park, which also has a mineral spring, turtles splash all year round and reeds grow green (visiting is free). You can read more about the park here.
Kyustendil
The city is located in the southwestern part of Bulgaria, not far from the border with Macedonia, the distance to Sofia is 85 km. There are about 40 mineral springs in the city, the temperature of which reaches 70°C. The water contains silicon, sulfides and fluorine, the smell of hydrogen sulfide is present, and has a positive effect on the treatment of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. In addition to its healing waters, the city is known for its fertile gardens; in the summer, you can buy berries and fruits cheaper than in other regions. The city has several hotels specializing in SPA and treatment, and there is a municipal outdoor summer bath.
Bankya
The city is located in southwest Bulgaria, the distance to Sofia is 17 km. Water temperature is from 30°C to 40°C. There are several SPA centers in the city. Local water helps treat cardiovascular, skin and digestive diseases. Every year from July 15 to 17, the city hosts a mineral water festival. In Bankya there is also a bottling plant for water, which is extracted at a depth of 740 m. This water is very popular in Bulgaria, you can buy it almost everywhere.
Belingrad
Located in the Western Rhodope Mountains, the distance to Plovdiv is 82 km, 130 km from the capital. There are 6 main areas with mineral springs - Chepino, Ladzhene 1, Ladzhene 2, Kamenitsa, Draginovo and Varvarski bani. The waters contain sulfur and hydrogen sulfide, as well as radon gas. Water has a beneficial effect on the treatment of diseases of the joints, kidneys, stomach and liver. We can say that the abundance and variety of springs in Velingrad surpasses other mineral resorts. In addition, the city is located at an altitude of 740 m above sea level in a picturesque valley. In the center of Velingrad there are several drinking fountains with free mineral water. You can get here by narrow gauge railway.
Sapareva Bath
The city is very close to Sofia, it takes only 45 minutes to get there. Here is the hottest and only geyser in the country, the water temperature is 100°C. The local waters are rich in calcium, manganese and iron and have a healing universal effect. In addition to the gated complexes, there is an open-air swimming pool.
Village Banya
Located 10 minutes drive from Bansko, in a valley between three mountain ranges, Rhodope, Pirin and Rila. Throughout the winter, skiers and snowboarders, tired after skiing in Bansko come here for relaxation. The cost of visiting the mineral pools varies from 10 to 60 levs. The average water temperature is about 60°C. The water has slight mineralization and is suitable for internal consumption. A detailed overview of the mineral pools in the village of Banya can be found in previous article.
Ognyanovo
The village is located almost on the border of Bulgaria with Greece, 230 km from Sofia, an hour's drive from the famous ski resort Bansko. Source temperature 40°C. The local mineral water contains radon, so it is recommended to stay in it for no more than 40 minutes. In Ognyanovo there is a whole settlement of hotels. There are many visitors here at any time of the year, mainly due to low prices.
Before swimming, you should remove gold and silver jewelry, as mineral water may cause them to become cloudy. It is important to understand that the therapeutic effect manifests itself only with a systematic approach; you need to take mineral baths for at least a week.
