| > | | | | activities, ask a local for advice or ask at your hotel. |
| Bansko is known for the its skiing. People flock to | | | | The picnic sites are well used because it is a popular |
| the area from all over Europe to enjoy the new | | | | activity for the locals. They feature stone slabs that |
| facilities and the ideal ski conditions. But what about | | | | are designed for cooking and roasting. The locals |
| the summer? Yes, Bansko is known for the its skiing. | | | | prepare dishes such as pork chops and stuffed green |
| People flock to the area from all over Europe to | | | | peppers. If you do decide to cook using the stone |
| enjoy the new facilities and the ideal ski conditions. | | | | slabs, smear it with bacon grease to prevent food |
| But what about the summer? Well, summer holidaying | | | | from sticking. |
| in Bansko is also fun. There are plenty of things to do | | | | A great hike to try is to climb Vihren, which is 2914 |
| in the mountains and in the town itself to make it a | | | | meters high. Vihren is a the highest mountain in the |
| worthwhile holiday destination. | | | | Pirin Mountain range. Since it is the highest peak, |
| Bansko is crowded in the winter. The taverns are | | | | climbing it is quite an accomplishment. But, be careful. |
| filled with people and the slopes are crowded. Parking | | | | Vihren means "the gale" and the locals refer to it is |
| can be a problem. But, in the summer, the peace of | | | | "the peak of storms". |
| the mountains and the beauty of the village make it | | | | Mountains tend to have their own weather patterns, |
| an ideal location for your summer holiday. | | | | especially when they are tall. The day could start off |
| The Taverns (Mehani)If you've been to Bansko in | | | | beautifully but halfway through your climb a storm |
| the winter, you know that the mehani are filled with | | | | could roll in. Just be careful and practice good |
| people. Finding a table is difficult. Parking your car is | | | | judgment. Don't be afraid to turn around. The |
| difficult. When all you want to do is relax after a day | | | | mountain will always be there and you can try again |
| on the slopes, this can be frustrating. | | | | some other time. |
| Not so in the summer. The mehani are significantly | | | | Other things to doThere are plenty of other things |
| less crowded. This means that you will be able to | | | | to do. You can watch the sunset near the micro |
| enjoy spending time with the people you are | | | | dam, take a train ride, or soak in the mineral springs |
| traveling with and can enjoy a few drinks without | | | | in Banya, a nearby town. The springs offer a great |
| worrying about the noise or without waiting for a | | | | way to relax and rejuvenate after a stressful week, |
| place to sit. | | | | or even after a physical day climbing Pirin Mountain. |
| The MountainsBansko is an ideal place if you want to | | | | There is also a golf course in Bansko. |
| spend your vacation enjoying the surrounding | | | | Although the ski slopes are closed in the summer, it is |
| mountains. Hiking is a popular activity, and so is | | | | still a great vacation destination, especially if you |
| picnicking. The surrounding Pirin Mountains, for | | | | enjoy the outdoors. Stay in one of Bansko's hotels or |
| example, are a popular destination and there are trails | | | | rent a vacation home or apartment. Once you get |
| and picnic sites located by streams and in meadows. | | | | there you can enjoy activities such as golfing, hiking, |
| If you are interested in doing either of these | | | | soaking in the mineral springs, or picnicking. |