Bansko, Bulgaria, Visited July 2021
The resort town of Bansko is the ideal base for hiking into the Pirin mountains. A bus service brings you up to the Virhren hut at 1950 m.
The town itself is also interesting to visit, with fantastic views of Pirin all over, the old town, the church, and the many traditional or not so traditional cafés and restaurants.
Nearby are the interesting villages of Banya and Dobrinishte, that are only 6 to 7 km away and can be reached by bus and or train. There are multiple spa centre with mineral water for swimming and relaxing after walking. In winter skiing is all over Bansko and these towns receive tired skiers too ! From ski gear to bathing suit (outdoors , water is hot !) in full winter, just amazing.