By Our Staff Writer
Home to more than 700 mineral springs famed for their healing properties, Bulgaria is fast emerging as a sought-after wellness tourism destination in Europe, attracting growing numbers of travellers drawn to its expanding spa and wellness tourism offer in 2026.
According to Irena Georgieva, Bulgaria’s caretaker tourism minister, in recent years the desire to come for spa tourism in Bulgaria has increased by 15 percent. “At present, the question of what kind of destination Bulgaria is should not be framed as ‘is Bulgaria a cheap destination’, but rather ‘is Bulgaria worth visiting’ the minister reportedly said. “And I believe that more and more European tourists are answering this question positively,” she added.
The erstwhile European country is now touted for its increasing number of spas, with the town of Velingrad, located 130 kilomotres from Sofia, is billed as the spa capital of the Balkans. Velingrad is also known for its mineral-rich waters, believed to benefit those suffering from hypertension, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
In the southwest, various hotels in Sandanski, such as Medite Spa Resort & Villas and Park Hotel Pirin, offer relaxing spa and wellness services. Adjacent to the borders with North Macedonia and Greece, Sandanski is also home to around 80 mineral springs ranging from 42C to 81C. Influenced by its Mediterranean climate, the town is known for waters believed to benefit musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions, as well as arthro-rheumatism.
Bulgarian state media reported that the country’s tourism ministry has dubbed 2026 the “Year of Cultural Tourism”. The move comes within the framework of encouraging year-round travel, unlocking local tourism potential and aligning with global trends favouring authentic experiences.
Key priorities will include health, gastronomic, mountain, pilgrimage and luxury tourism. Almost a third of the country is adorned with mountains, inviting visitors to go skiing during the winter, with the ski season lasting about 130 days each year in the medium-high and alpine resorts, or hiking in the summer.
