What to Visit South of Blago
As we are all looking forward to the time it is safe to travel again, AUBG student writer Kristiyan Nachev has prepared a list with some of the most interesting things to see south of Blagoevgrad.
Sandanski
Sandanski, the warmest town in Bulgaria, is famous for its thermal water springs. Located between Kresna and the Rupel Gorges, Sandanski is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, visited by international travelers and Bulgarians alike. That's thanks in part to the strategic geographical location of the town, which is only twenty kilometers away from the border with Greece. According to some legends, Spartacus lived in Sandanski, and that's why there is a statue in the park area of the town.
Sandanski is about fifty-three kilometers away from Blagoevgrad, which means that AUBG-ers will need less than an hour by car to get there.
The Ferris wheel in the town, which is the highest in Bulgaria and works throughout the whole year, is the perfect way to see the beautiful landscape of the Pirin Mountains, the view of the town and its huge park.
Among the other tourist attractions in town are the Basilica, the Park “Saint Vrach,” Sandanski monastery “St. St. Kozma and Damyan," and the Monument of Spartacus.
The Basilica in Sandanski was the town's most representative building in the late antiquity. With its spectacular architecture, wall paintings and mosaics, the Episcopal complex is one of the largest and most interesting archaeological sites in southwestern Bulgaria. The Basilica is part of the Archaeological Museum in town and is an important historical and cultural landmark.
"Pirin Folk," the festival for folklore music from the Pirin region, happens in Sandanski every summer while the international "Balkan Youth Festival" showcases talent from Bulgaria and the neigboring countires.
Because of its thermal water springs, Sandanski is visited by many foreign tourists, and the prices are a bit higher than those in other Bulgarian towns. Still, the town is an affordable destination for spa tourism, or simply a weekend escapade from Blagoevgrad. The air in Sandanski has the lowest content of allergens in Bulgaria as well as the highest natural healing properties. In the municipality of Sandanski, there are over eighty springs with a temperature varying from 42 to 81 degrees Celsius. The favorable combination of natural resources, low mineralization and rich chemical composition of the water give it strong healing powers.
Last but not least, the town’s cuisine includes traditional Balkan dishes as well as some specific only to the southwestern region. One popular dish is the so-called “sarmi (dolmades) in vine leaves”. And If we have to choose the most famous dessert in the area, that would certainly be the jam made from green and ripe figs.
Melnik
Melnik, which is the smallest town in Bulgaria, with a population of 385 people, is situated only ten kilometers south of Sandanski. Famous for its sand pyramids, Melnik offers a variety of traditional Bulgarian dishes, which can satisfy almost everyone’s taste. But beyond the tasty food, Melnik is one of the best places in Bulgaria to taste top-quality wine. Walking around town, you will see a number of wineries kept by skillful local winemakers.
The Kordopulov’s House is the largest Revival house on the Balkan Peninsula, which is still well-preserved. Built in 1754 specifically for the production, storage and trade of wine, the house belonged to the rich Greek family of merchants Kordopoulos. Underneath the house is a huge underground wine cellar where you can taste and buy delicious red wine.
Another archeological site, which is part of the 100 national tourist attractions of Bulgaria, is the Melnik Historical Museum that stores about five thousand exhibits. There, you will see an ethnographic exposition and learn more about the region's traditions and culture. Melnik barrels, accessories and historical photos related to the processing and storage of Melnik wine are among the most interesting exibits in the museum.
Near Melnik, you will find the Zlatolist village which is famous for its 1300-year-old and nearly 30-meter high tree. Although the population of the village is about 10 people, many tourists go there to see the tree and the church "St. George."
Another interesting site in the region is the Rozhen Monastery which dates back to the medieval times. The monastery was painted in 1597, but was then destroyed by fire and restored over the next century.
Petrich
Heading closer to the border with Greece, you will reach the town of Petrich. Mostly famous for the small mountainous protected area Rupite, Petrich is the second largest town in the Blagoevgrad region. Rupite is also the place where the famous mystic, clairvoyant, and herbalist Baba Vanga lived. Many people also go to Rupite for the healing thermal springs that help with cardiovascular and nervous system problems.
Those keen on mountain hiking should head to the Belasitsa mountain range, which is close to both the borders with Greece and North Macedonia. In fact, the borders of the three countries meet at Tumba peak, which is 1880 meters high.
And if you are fan of waterfall, you will find many in Belasitsa -- the Leshnichki waterfall, the Kamenishki waterfall, Sramezhlivetsa (The Shy One), the Yavornishki waterfall, Mangaro, Dabitsata, the Smolarski waterfall, the Koleshinski waterfall. The paths to some of the waterfalls is not the easiest climb, but the view is worth the effort.
Sandanski, Melnik and Petrich – these are three towns in southern Bulgaria that are quite different from each other, but all worth visiting. But they are certainly not everything that the country has to offer. Stay tuned for our next article, where we will tell you more about the places worth exploring north of Blago.