Airbnb or Booking.com for an Apartment in Bansko?
My practical experience with both platforms — guests, listings, pricing, calendars and the work behind every reservation.
Read the articleSelected by Mila
Stories and ideas I would share with a friend
Personal moments from Bansko and practical pieces for owners — written the way I’d tell them to someone sitting across from me.
Why Bansko? My Place for Mountain Air, Cosiness and the Little Things
The mountains, the feeling of home and the little details that keep bringing me back to Bansko.
Read the article
Bansko in Summer — My Favourite Ideas
Pirin, a mineral pool in Dobrinishte, Rila Fun Park and slow family days — without planning every minute.
Read the article
A Weekend in Bansko — How I’d Spend It
Two unhurried days — slow breakfast, mountains, pool or spa, a lovely dinner and time to switch off.
Read the article
Managing an Airbnb Apartment in Bansko: What Does It Really Involve?
What sits behind managing a holiday property — from pricing and guest communication to preparation, thoughtful details and responding when problems arise.
Read the article
Which Management Option Is Right for Your Holiday Property?
How to choose between Full Management, Boutique Management, By Your Side and Successful Start according to the time and involvement you want.
Read the article
How I’d Start a Holiday Rental in Bansko
How I would take a property from the first walk-through to the first booking — calmly, practically and with a clear process.
Read the article
Airbnb, Booking.com and ESTI — What I Would Prepare Before the First Booking
Before the ‘You have a new booking’ notification — how I would organise the platforms, ESTI and the practical side of hosting.
Read the article
Why a Holiday Apartment Needs Its Own Signature
A name, interior details, the listing and thoughtful touches can turn a beautiful apartment into a place guests remember.
Read the articleMy Recommendations
My favourite ideas for Bansko and the surrounding area
These are places, experiences and events I would happily recommend to friends — for food, the mountains, relaxation, family days and memorable moments in Bansko.
Banski Han
2 Vasil Kanchov St., Bansko
Traditional Bansko atmosphere, local cuisine, charcoal-grilled meats and homemade appetisers.Bay Kotse Mehana
1 Velyan Ognev St., Old Town
A classic mehana serving traditional Bulgarian and Bansko dishes.Dedo Yonkata Mehana
84 Pirin St., Bansko
A traditional Bansko house with local dishes, charcoal-grilled meats and a cosy atmosphere.Kasapinova Mehana
4 Yane Sandanski St., Old Town
A cosy traditional mehana known for grilled meats and local cuisine.Obetsanova Mehana
1 Vazrazhdane Sq., Old Town
A well-known Old Town mehana serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine.Vodenitsata Mehana
1 Nikola Y. Vaptsarov Sq.
A central location with a typical Bansko atmosphere.Babuch Mehana — Dobrinishte
1 Grigor Matsin St., Dobrinishte
Traditional Dobrinishte cuisine and local specialities.Izvoro Fish Restaurant — Razlog
Razlog
Fresh fish and a garden setting — a pleasant alternative to traditional mehanas.Bansko Ski Area
The gondola from town leads to the ski slopes around Banderishka Polyana, Shiligarnika and Todorka.Baikushev’s Pine & Banderitsa Hut
A lovely idea for a shorter mountain walk. Check seasonal access before setting off.Vihren Hut & Peak
The hut is a great starting point. Hiking to Vihren Peak is a full-day, physically demanding route for experienced and well-prepared hikers.Dobrinishte – Bezbog Hut
From Gotse Delchev Hut, the chairlift continues to Bezbog Hut and the higher parts of the Pirin Mountains.Popovo Lake
A moderately challenging high-mountain route from Bezbog Hut with beautiful views.Yavorov Hut
In the Betolovoto area above Razlog — a good starting point for mountain routes.Banya Village
One of the most popular areas near Bansko for mineral pools and spa complexes.Dobrinishte
Mountains and mineral water. Alpha SPA & Pool offers outdoor mineral pools and a spa area.Spa in Bansko
The town has hotels and spa centres offering day access, massages, saunas, steam rooms and pools.Bansko City Park
Green spaces, walking paths and playgrounds — ideal for a relaxed family stroll.Gondola & Banderishka Polyana
In summer there are seasonal family attractions, while in winter the area is suitable for first steps on skis.Summer attractions at Banderishka Polyana
Mini golf, mini football, climbing, tubing and a 400-metre water slide, depending on seasonal conditions.Horse riding
There are riding centres and countryside horse-riding experiences in the area. Age requirements for children vary by operator.ATV & buggy
An adventure for older children and teenagers. Age restrictions vary by operator.Casa di Papi Restaurant & Pizzeria
113 Pirin St., Bansko
A convenient option for family dining with a children’s play area.Bear Sanctuary Belitsa
A protected sanctuary for rescued brown bears with guided visits. The terrain is steep and not suitable for pushchairs.Rila Fun Park — Belitsa
Alpine coaster, playground, trampolines, climbing and a zip line. Some attractions have age restrictions.‘Never Give Up’ Adventure Park — Dobrinishte
An adventure park with children’s rope courses, a climbing wall and a zip line.Therme Fun & Sport Park — Banya
A family park with children’s zones, slides, go-karts, rope courses and other seasonal attractions.Mineral pools
Banya and Dobrinishte offer family-friendly mineral pool options. Check each complex’s rules for children before visiting.Throughout the year
Festivals, concerts, sport and local traditions in Bansko and the surrounding area.
Events in Bansko
January
Kukeri Festival
A colourful start to the year with kukeri groups, traditional costumes, bells and local customs.January
Snowboard World Cup
Bansko welcomes elite snowboarders and an international crowd for prestigious races in the ski area.March
Freeride
A mountain event for fans of freeriding, snow and adventurous lines beyond the prepared pistes.June
Nomad Fest
An international gathering with talks, networking, outdoor activities and plenty of new connections.July
Summer Film Mania Under the Stars
Open-air evenings of mountain, adventure and extreme cinema.July
Rock Fest
Several evenings of rock music, Bulgarian and international bands and a lively open-air atmosphere.July–August
Jazz Festival
One of the signature summer festivals, bringing international artists and open-air concerts to town.August
Bansko – In the Heart of the Balkans
A celebration of music, folklore and cultural traditions from across the Balkans.August
Feel Bansko
A festival combining music, nature, creativity and sensory experiences around the town and region.August
Opera Fest
Summer evenings of opera, classical music and stage performances.September
Unique Bansko
A celebration of local traditions, flavours and music that showcases the authentic character of Bansko.September
Pirin Ultra
An impressive mountain ultramarathon with demanding routes through the Pirin Mountains.October
Bansko Town Day
A day dedicated to the town, with cultural events, local traditions and a festive programme.November
Film Fest
An international festival of mountain, adventure and extreme cinema, with screenings, meetings and inspiring stories.December
Opening of the Ski Season
A festive start to winter with activities in the ski area and a special programme for visitors.December
New Year
A festive atmosphere around town with music, outdoor gatherings and memorable winter celebrations.Events in the Surrounding Area
January
Starchevata — Razlog
One of the most colourful starts to the year in the area, with chaushi, heavy bells, traditional dress and large horo dances.February–March
Todorovden — Bachevo
A much-loved local celebration with horse races, traditional rituals, music and dancing.April
1,000 Traditional Costumes in One Place — Razlog
A colourful Easter folklore celebration filling central Razlog with traditional dress, music and long horo dances.July–August
Dobrinishte Summer — Dobrinishte
Summer evenings of folklore, visiting ensembles and a relaxed local atmosphere beneath Pirin.August
Pirin Pee — Predel
A large mountain folklore gathering with songs, dances and traditions from across the Pirin region.August
Dormition of the Mother of God — Belitsa
A traditional local gathering with customs, folklore and the atmosphere of an old community celebration.August
‘I Feel Like Playing, Singing and Dancing’ — Banya
Folk music, dancing and authentic traditions in Banya, with performers from around Bulgaria.September
Bachevo Celebrates — Bachevo
A local celebration of home cooking, sport, music, folklore and traditions — the kind of event where visitors quickly feel part of the village.September
International Chess Festival — Dobrinishte
A relaxed and different event for chess enthusiasts and competitors from Bulgaria and abroad.Months and event programmes may change. Please check the latest information before visiting.
Opening hours, seasonality, prices and access conditions may change. I always recommend checking the latest information with each place before visiting.