Cyrillic Spelling: долна баня

Popular: circa. 5000

Altitude:650m above sea level

Situated on the Eastern side of Borovets, this is the more well known and famous spa region. It is recognised as one of Bulgaria's most ecologically purest towns due to the high ionisation in the air (this has excellent health benefits), the abundance of natural warm mineral waters and high altitude. It is also hosting the EUROEKOFEST for this year which is a convention to discuss about the preservation of the pollution free nature and prevention of pollution in this area..

History of Dolna Banya

Due to the very good mineral water that is available in the town, its history goes back for centuries. It was the Thracians who first recognised these amazing properties and colonised the area. Dolna Banya was originally three settlements known as Venetitsa, Yirta and Koychovets. They were merged into one large town which was named Banya (the English translation is "bath"- appropriate considering all the spa centres) and in the 19th Century, it was then changed to Dolna Banya.

As well as Thracians, the Romans visited Dolna Banya regularly, particularly the generals and high ranking officers who were stationed here. They would regularly stay at Dolna Banya for health treatments at the baths and bring with them their friends and family. Byzantines, Slavs from North East Europe and Proto-Bulgarians were also regular visitors to the spas and all have left their mark on the town.

Just outside Dolna Banya town is the first private airfield in Bulgaria. Inaugurated in 1999 by pilot Vatko Beshliev, it has become highly popular with training pilots, those who want to try sight seeing from the air and holiday makers. An hour in the plane with a qualified pilot costs just 120 Euros and pilot courses are also available too. The centre has its own pool, tennis court, snooker and billiards room and volleyball pitch among other things making it a great day out should you wish to have a go in a plane.

There are a good number of traditional Bulgarian mehanas and more modern restaurants in Dolna Banya but no night clubs. Taxis and public transport are readily available throughout the town so it is not a problem to get around. The bus stop and postal headquarters can be found right in the centre of Dolna Banya.

Dolna Banya is a sort of meeting place for four important rivers: the Maritsa river (most famous), Dolnobanska Bistritsa, Ochushnitsa and Gutsalska Rivers. The Maritsa in particular is quite abundant with fish and a fishing permit should cost you around 45 Euros per annum.

An interesting fact is that Dolna Banya has won the National Bulgarian prize for having the most storks! Storks in Bulgaria are considered a good omen, particularly for good health. Dolna Banya had a total of 21 nesting couple storks in the town itself!

The Nicklaus design company, the local municipality and private investor Kiril Nedev, have started to create an international standard 18 hole golf course just outside of Dolna Banya. The location of the course is absolutely stunning (the backdrop of the Rila Mountains really set it off) and it is easy to access as well. It is no wonder that this will be no. 29 in the world! The golf course will really raise the tourism profile of this fantastic area and provide plenty more investment and facilities. There are plans for 4 and 5 star hotels to be built there along with the most up to date spa, sport and entertainment facilities. So this can be really considered an up and coming area.

The chief designer is Steve Nicklaus and this will be their first major golf course project in Bulgaria to date. Being just over an hour from Sofia and close Plovidiv, this has to be a winner. For the all year round use, Borovets is just over 15 mins away. Another plus point is the weather. Although Borovets and the Samokov (Western side of Borovets) do get a lot of snow, Dolna Banya remains virtually clear with more than 260 days of sunshine each year and cloudless skies. This is strange for somewhere so close to Borovets, but it does have almost a micro-climate feel to it.