Bulgaria Gains Attention as Spa Tourism Grows Across Europe
Interest in spa and wellness travel to Bulgaria has increased by around 15%, according to the country’s caretaker Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva. The government is promoting year-round tourism focused on health, gastronomy, culture, mountains and pilgrimage routes. With more than 700 mineral springs known for their composition and temperature range, Bulgaria is drawing visitors looking for slower-paced trips centred on rest and physical recovery.
Spa destinations such as Velingrad, often described as the spa capital of the Balkans, are gaining recognition for mineral-rich waters traditionally linked to treatments for respiratory, digestive and circulatory conditions. Located about 130 kilometres from Sofia in the Rhodope Mountains, the town combines natural surroundings with developed wellness facilities. The region also holds cultural associations connected to ancient Thracian settlements that were established near thermal springs.
In the southwest of the country, Sandanski has around 80 mineral springs with temperatures ranging between 42°C and 81°C. The town’s climate is influenced by Mediterranean conditions and supports spa facilities such as Medite Spa Resort & Villas and Park Hotel Pirin. Authorities note growing interest in combining wellness travel with cultural experiences, gastronomy and local festivals, as part of efforts to distribute visitor numbers more evenly across the year.
Destinations linked with spa and cultural tourism
- Velingrad – mineral springs in the Rhodope Mountains
- Sandanski – warm climate and thermal waters
- Sofia – historic sites built near thermal sources
- Hisar and Kyustendil – towns associated with ancient springs
Travellers exploring Bulgaria may also encounter seasonal events such as the Rose Festival, Cherry Festival and traditional folklore celebrations. Mountain regions offer winter skiing seasons lasting around 130 days in higher altitude resorts, as well as hiking routes during warmer months. Plans to develop four-season tourism include activities such as cycling, climate therapy and nature-based travel linked with mountain landscapes.
The Global Wellness Institute values wellness tourism at $894 billion (€758.7 billion), showing the scale of interest in trips linked to health and relaxation. Bulgaria adopted the euro in January 2026, which removes the need for currency exchange for visitors from euro area countries. Its mineral springs and historic towns remain key reasons why many people choose to visit Bulgaria for spa-focused trips.
