Sandanski

Sandanski is located in southwest Bulgaria, about 157 km from Sofia and 63 km from the district town of Blagoevgrad.

The population of the town is about 26,000 people. Sandanski is an important crossroad town. Main road E79 passes nearby; about 20 km from the town lays the border with Greece.

They call Sandanski the warmest city in Bulgaria. It is located at 240 meters altitude, and the climate is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean. The average yearly temperature is +14.7 degrees; the winters are mild and warm. The unique microclimate is suitable for lung disease treatment.

Sandanski is a popular balneological and spa center. There are 80 springs in the area, the temperature of which ranges from 42 to 81 degrees (Celsius).

The salinity of the water is low; it has a rich chemical composition. It is successfully used for treatment and prevention of many diseases of the respiratory tract, artro-rheumatism, diseases of the loco-motor system, the nervous system etc.

The healing mineral water is the main reason for the region to be inhabited since ancient times. The settlement occurred in the 2^nd millennium BC. According to the legends, the Thracian Spartacus, who led the largest slave uprising against the Roman empire, was born here.

In the 6^th century the town was one of the first Christian Episcopal centers in these lands. In the end of the 6^th century the town was destroyed by Barbarian tribes. Until 1947, the name of the town was Sveti Vrach, after that it was renamed in honour of the great Bulgarian revolutionary Yane Sandanski (1872-1915).

Sandanski has occurred and developed on the ruins of the Early Byzantine town. Remains of four Episcopal basilicas were found in Sandanski.

The central Episcopal basilica dates back to the period of the 5^th – 6^th century AD and impresses visitors with its unique mosaics. The archaeological museum of the town was built on the foundations of the basilica of bishop Yoan.

One of the favored places of the residents and visitors of Sandanski is the town park. Its total area is 344 dca; Over 200 Mediterranean plant species grow there.

Another popular destination lies near Sandanski – the smallest town Melnik. The towns of Bansko, Razlog and Petrich are also situated near Sandanski. Near Petrich lies the area of Rupite, where the Bulgarian prophet Vanga spent her last years.

Many people come here to worship the phenomenon of Vanga, who helped thousands of people and uttered many prophecies come true.

Part of the territory of Sandanski municipality is in the range of Pirin national park.

The options for accommodation and recreation in Sandanski are quite well-developed. The town has many high-end SPA hotels, smaller family hotels, rooms are also given for rent.