Sapareva Banya (Сапарева баня) is situated in Kyustendil Province which is in southwestern Bulgaria. It is situated at 983 m (3,225 ft) above sea level on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria. It is 15km east of Dupnitsa and less than one hour from Sofia, has an area of 180.8 square km and a municipality population of approx 9,000 people. The municipality contains many popular tourist destinations and is known for its cool, clean mountain water and is famous for its unique geothermal mineral spring in the very center of the town. Here you can find the hottest mineral water in all of Continental Europe (103 C), and the only active geyser in the Balkans spraying water high into the air.

Sapareva Banya has been offering treatments for visitors for complications of the bones, joints, skin, upper respiratory system, nervous system, for over 50 years. There are specialists in mud treatments, hot water massage and physical therapy work. There is an outdoor mineral water pool for use during the summer season.

The region of the Municipality of Sapareva Banya is conducive to a variety of agricultural entreprises. The Dupnitsa basin and the lower slopes of Rila Mountain are ideal for growing crops, whilst the higher slopes of Rila are most suitable for stock breeding, pasture and milk production. The combination of altitude and climate in the immediate area are highly conducive for fruit and vegetable production and the community has a strong tradition in this area and as a natural bonus the geothermal water has been helpful in the agricultural development of Sapareva Banya. Vegetables and hot house flowers are grown throughout the year in local greenhouse buildings.

In recent years, the town of Sapareva Banya and the surrounding villages have been completely renewing their infrastructure in preparation to make the Sapareva Banya region one which will attract high level spa, ski and golf tourism throughout the year. The last few years have seen the construction of new roads, pavements, and drainage. This huge investment in infrastructure before hotel development will now see during 2008 the start of controlled, and environmentally conscious, development of hotels and visitor facilities including the development of the nearby mountain ski resort of Panichiste.

Welcome to Sapareva Banya and visit us to relax and we are sure you will want to be back. Please note the investment in infrastructure and that the scene is set to transform the region into Bulgaria's premier sustainable ski and spa year round destination. Come and visit the region to experience the opportunities for skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, religious and spa tourism - all just an hour from Sofia.