Official Name

Сандански (Sandanski). The name is quite new and was given in the 20th century - Yane Sandanski was a national hero, who fought the Ottomans for an independent Bulgaria. Before, the place was known as Sveti Vratch, which means 'Holy doctor'.

Location

	Sandanski

When heading north from Thessaloniki in Greece direction →Sofia, you will pass Sandanski around 30 km north of the border. Sandanski itself is the south-westernmost town of Bulgaria. It's almost the same distance to the border crossing to →Macedonia west of Sandanski. The town stretches along the beautiful, deep Struma valley right in the middle of the Pirin mountains. The valley has a distinctive climate. Since it's not far from the Mediterranean Sea, Sandanski is warmer and much sunnier than any other place in Bulgaria. Additionally, there are some hot spas in and around Sandanski.

Population

Around 31,000.

Orientation

Thanks to its special microclimate, Sandanski is a famous health resort. There's also some industry in and around the town, but guidelines regarding emission etc are extraordinarely strict. Sandanski is the centre of the region and therefore houses the appropriate institutions and shopping facilities. The town itself is laid out as a spa, but you will miss historic or other interesting sites. However, the town makes for a perfect base for touring the surrounding mountains, the marvellous city of Melnik (see below) etc. In the valley as well as in the mountains, agriculture dominates. As a result of the favourable climate, tobacco, vine, tomato, figs, pomegranates, nuts etc can be cultivated.

History

Sandanski was probably already founded around the year 3000 BC as a small Thracian settlement. The famous leader of the Slaves' revolt in Rome, Spartacus, is said to be born in Sandanski. In medieval times, two brothers, both of them practising doctors and helping the poor, lived in Sandanski. Later, the two brothers were beatified for their engagement with the poor. Therefore, the town was renamed Sveti Vratch (Holy Doctor, see above) and kept the name for many centuries. Besides that, Sandanski has always been a rather small local town with lots of agriculture and some spas.

Getting there / transportation

Most trains running between →Sofia and Thessaloniki in Greece stop in Sandanski - the distance to both cities is almost the same. The train station of Sandanski is west of the town centre and a bit away from it all. The best way to get around in the mountains around the town are buses. A minor but very scenic road leads from Sandanski to the east all the way through the Pirin mountains to →Smolyan in the Rodopi mountains.

There aren't any highlights in Sandanski, but the place is good for a pleasant stroll through the centre of town. The town stretches from east to west with пл. България (pl. Bulgariya, Bulgaria square) as the central square and a long pedestrian zone called ул. Македония (ul. Macedoniya, Macedonia st.).

When in the south-west corner of Bulgaria around Sandanski, one shouldn't miss a visit to Мелник (Melnik). Melnik is a small town, although the term 'microtown' would be more appropriate. As a matter of fact, Melnik is Bulgaria's smallest town, but this was not always like that. Some 100 years ago, around 20,000 people lived in Melnik - today there are only 300 people left in the city.

	The centre of Melnik....or what is left of it

Since many of the old houses in town are more or less well preserved, Melnik appears to be something like a ghost town. The place was and is famous for the cultivation of tobacco and its heavy red wine. In addition, the sandstone mountains in the vicinity are quite impressive (see picture). In the 13th century, Melnik marked the border between the Bulgarian empire in the north and the Ottoman empire in the south. For a short period of time, it even became the capital of Bulgaria and, besides that, a very wealthy place. The town consisted of 3,640 houses and 72 churches. Furthermore, it was the place where the first Bulgarian school was founded. The Ottomans weren't driven out of Melnik before 1912. The revenge of the defeated Ottomans couldn't have been worse: The place was burnt down completely. All that was left were 96 houses and five churches; until now the town hasn't really recovered.

Things to see in Melnik include the largest National Revival Style building (the distinctive Bulgarian 18 to 19th century style), which was built for a Greek wine merchant in the year 1754. It's possible to see the interior of the building, too.

	Near Melnik: Roshenski Monastery

Just a few kilometres away from Melnik there's a small village called Roshen. Probably more famous than the village itself is nearby Roshenski monastery, which was built during the 12th century. The monastery is still active, very small but fine. Actually, Roshenski monastery is exactly what one might expect from a monastery. The place is surrounded by bizarre sandstone formations, called Melnik pyramids.

Melnik and Sandanski are just another proof of the diversity this small country can offer. A place which shouldn't be missed. And somewhat of a hidden treasure: As for today, not many travelers find their way to Melnik.

	Spa Hotel Medite
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$65 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: air conditioning, bathrobes, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, jacuzzi bathtub, DVD/CD player, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Spa Hotel Medite is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Sandanski. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each of the hotel's guestrooms offers non smoking rooms, air conditioning, bathrobes, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer. Services and amenities available for guests at this Sandanski accommodation consist of room service 24hr, shops, executive floor, elevator, bar/pub. To unwind, guests can enjoy the leisure facilities provided on the hotel's property, including massage, pool indoor, jacuzzi, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, tennis courts, spa. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To make your reservation at the Spa Hotel Medite quick and easy, please select your preferred dates of stay and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Time Out Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$50 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: air conditioning, daily newspaper, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Time Out Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Sandanski. The Time Out Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each of the hotel's guestrooms offers non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, hair dryer, television, bathtub. To suit guests' convenience, this Sandanski accommodation offers room service 24hr, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service, business center. For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including massage, pool indoor, jacuzzi, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, spa. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. For your reservation at the Time Out Hotel Sandanski, please choose your period of stay and fill out our secure online booking form.

	Interhotel Sandanski
	Rating: 4 Room amenities: air conditioning, bathrobes, desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Interhotel Sandanski is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Sandanski. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. All of the guestrooms are replete with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, bathrobes, desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub. The basic amenities provided at this Sandanski accommodation comprise room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities . For guests to unwind, the hotel offers a variety of facilities and services including massage, pool indoor, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, tennis courts. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Sandanski. To make your reservation at the Interhotel Sandanski quick and easy, please select your preferred dates of stay and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Adjev Han Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$41 Price: from US$4 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, air conditioning, internet access (wireless), television, shower, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Adjev Han Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Sandanski. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom features amenities such as non smoking rooms, air conditioning, internet access (wireless), television, shower, satellite/cable TV. The basic amenities provided at this Sandanski accommodation comprise room service 24hr, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, safety deposit boxes, disabled facilities. Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise massage, jacuzzi, kids club, steamroom, tennis courts, spa, garden. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. To make your reservation at the Adjev Han Hotel quick and easy, please select your preferred dates of stay and proceed with our secure online booking form.

	Panorama Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$59 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: air conditioning, desk, television, shower, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Panorama Hotel is located in Sandanski making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Panorama Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom has non smoking rooms, air conditioning, desk, television, shower, balcony/terrace. Guests can experience the high standards of comfort while staying at this luxury Sandanski hotel with everything they need right on the site such as room service 24hr, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, jacuzzi, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, tennis courts, spa. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. For your reservation at the Panorama Hotel, simply submit your dates and complete our secure online booking form.

	Sveti Nikola Hotel
	Rating: 3 Room amenities: i >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Sveti Nikola Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Sandanski. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom has internet access (wireless). Hotel facilities offered at this Sandanski accommodation include casino, bar/pub, restaurant, salon, WiFi . For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including massage, pool indoor, jacuzzi, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, steamroom, spa. Along with its convenient location in Sandanski, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. To make your booking at the Sveti Nikola Hotel Sandanski, please enter the dates of your stay and sumbit our secure online booking form.

Especially in and around Sandanski it's not a big problem to find cheap hotels or pensions. Choices in Melnik seem to be limited, so it might be a good idea to opt for another place outside of Melnik.

• www.foodnotbombs.net/sandanski.shtml: Images and impressions from Sandanski. In English.
• bulgaria.domino.bg/sandanski: Extensive website about Sandanski, Melnik and the entire area around - countains even useful city maps etc, English.
• www.lebivino.com Website of "Leb i vino" (Bread and Wine), a folk band from Melnik. The website includes some audio files of their traditional music from the Pirin area, which is definitely worth a try. English, French etc.

Do you have or do you know a good website about Sandanski and/or Melnik? Don't hesitate, let me know! After checking it, I would love to add it to the link list. You can submit a link by using the →contact form. Note that commercial websites will be treated differently.