Sapareva Banya
Sapareva Banya is located in southwestern part of Bulgaria, on the northern slope of mountain Rila, in two hours drive from Sofia, the Capital of Bulgaria. Municipality is the popular tourist zone, known by its Seven Rila Lakes, the Skakavitza Reserve and Waterfalls. Municipality with the administrative centre Sapareva Banya, also includes villages Saparevo, Recilovo, Ovchrtzi and the mountain resort Panichishte, located 15 kilometers to the east from Dupnitza.
Municipality proudly shares one third of its territory with Rila National Park, which was established in 1992.
Sapareva Banya is well-known for its unique geothermal mineral water. Here you will find the hottest mineral water in all Europe (103 C) and the only active Geyser in the Balkans. You can reach Sapareva Banya and the Panichishte Resort, driving in southern direction from Sofia on international highway E - 79 within 45 minutes, than take the Doupnitza exit and follow the signs to Sapareva Banya (15 minutes). For public transportation services to Sapareva Banya there is one direct bus dailyat 2:00p.m. from the "Ovcha Kypel" bus station. Buses run hourly from the same station to Doupnitza where you can catch any of the "Saparevo" buses that run every half hour. All buses will drop you off in front of the Tourist Information Center in Sapreva Banya.