Top Thermal Spa Resorts in Bulgaria and the Balkans

Looking for the best places to relax and enjoy the benefits of spa tourism?

Bulgaria and the Balkans are home to some of the most famous thermal spa resorts, offering mineral baths, hot springs, outdoor hot mineral pools, and luxury spa hotels.

Whether you need stress relief, wellness treatments, or a weekend getaway, these destinations have it all!

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Best Spa Resorts in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a deep-rooted balneological tradition. The word “banya” means “bath“ in Bulgarian, and many resorts include it in their names. The country has become a top spot for spa tourism thanks to its natural mineral springs.

Velingrad – The Spa Capital of the Balkan Peninsula

Velingrad is the most famous spa resort in Bulgaria and is often called the Spa Capital of the Balkans. The town has over 80 mineral springs, each with unique healing properties.

Visitors enjoy luxurious spa hotels offering:

• Thermal baths;
• Aroma steam baths;
• Finnish sauna;
• Infrared sauna;
• Panoramic sauna;
• Outdoor hot mineral pools.

All of these facilities are perfect for relaxation, even in winter.

🏩 Recommended spa hotels in Velingrad:

• Santé SPA Hotel – The resort offers a 5-star experience with spa facilities, a wellness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna, a fitness center, a sun terrace, and a lush garden.
• Park Hotel and SPA Vella Hills – This 4-star hotel features an outdoor pool and an indoor pool, a spa and wellness center, and a restaurant.
• SPA Hotel Elbrus – A 3-star hotel with mineral water indoor and outdoor pools, and a restaurant in Rhodope style.

Hisarya – Ancient Spa & Roman Ruins

Hisarya (or Hissar) has been famous for its hot springs since Roman times. The town features well-preserved Roman ruins, alongside thermal spas and mineral baths with high-temperature waters known for their detoxifying and stress-relief properties.

Many spa hotels offer:

• Himalayan salt saunas
• Hammams;
• Steam baths for a full wellness experience.

🏩 Recommended spa hotels in Hisarya:

• Hissar Spa Hotel – The 4-star hotel is set in one of Hisarya’s most famous parks, surrounded by hot mineral springs. The spa center offers a wide variety of services, including massages, facial and body therapies, and specialized programs for treatment, prevention, rehabilitation, and detoxification.
• Terme di Hissar Village – The resort features a spa and wellness center, sauna, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Guests can relax in the indoor swimming pool, steam room, and outdoor fireplace.
• C Comfort Hotel & Wellness – This 3-star hotel offers a large indoor pool, sauna, gym, hot tub, steam bath, and a relaxation zone, all free of charge for all guests.

Pavel Banya – Healing Waters in the Rose Valley

Located in the beautiful Rose Valley, Pavel Banya is a top destination for balneological treatments. Its mineral springs are rich in healing elements, making it a popular spot for joint and muscle recovery.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor hot mineral pools and various spa treatments for wellness and relaxation.

🏩 Recommended spa hotels in Pavel Banya:

• Atmosphere Balneo Hotel & SPA – A 5-star experience with a spa and wellness center, sauna, fitness center, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool. The hotel also features a modern restaurant serving Italian, Mediterranean, local, and European cuisines.
• Hotel Sevtopolis Medical & SPA – The 5-star hotel offers world-class service, including a spa and wellness center, indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, and seasonal outdoor pool.
• Kings’ Valley Medical & Spa Hotel (18km away from Pavel Banya) – This 5-star hotel features a hot spring bath, spa and wellness center, massage services, a sauna, a solarium, a fitness center, and outdoor and indoor swimming pools.

Bankya – The Spa Near Sofia

Just a short drive from the capital of Bulgaria – Sofia, Bankya is known for its mineral baths and balneological therapies.

The town is ideal for a quick spa weekend, with several modern spa hotels offering thermal baths, steam baths, and aroma steam rooms.

🏩 Recommended spa hotels in Bankya:

• Hotel Bankya Palace – This 4-star hotel offers guests a wellness center with mineral water, sun beds, steam bath, sauna, hot tub, mineral water baths, a fitness center, massage facilities, and aromatherapy.

Sapareva Banya – The Hottest Geyser in Bulgaria

Sapareva Banya is home to the hottest mineral spring in Bulgaria, reaching 103°C! The town offers thermal spa experiences, outdoor hot mineral pools, and wellness treatments.

The warm waters are perfect for relaxation and stress relief, making it a favorite for nature lovers and hikers.

🏩 Recommended spa hotels in Sapareva Banya:

• Emar Hotel & SPA – The 4-star hotel features a spa and wellness center, sauna, and a year-round outdoor swimming pool. Guests can relax in the garden or on the terrace.
• 103 Degrees Hotel & Spa – Guests of the 4-star hotel can relax in the hot spring bath, sauna, or indoor swimming pool. The spa and wellness center provides beauty services, fitness classes, and a hammam.
• Complex Koko Hills – This 3-star hotel offers a spa center and a swimming pool. Superior rooms feature a spa bath or a hot tub.

Best Spa Resorts in the Balkans

The Balkans are famous for their thermal baths and hot springs. Whether you want to visit the largest spa center in Europe or explore hidden gems, here are some of the best destinations:

Therme Bucharest – The Largest Spa in Europe

Therme Bucharest is a massive spa complex with indoor and outdoor hot mineral pools, Finnish saunas, Himalayan salt saunas, infrared saunas, and aroma steam baths. It is located on the outskirts of the Romanian capital.

The resort also offers a tropical botanical garden and a huge water park, making it a perfect place for relaxation, wellness, and fun.

🏩 Recommended places to stay near Therme Bucharest:

Banja Koviljača – Serbia’s Royal Spa

Known as the “Royal Spa”, Banja Koviljača in Serbia is a historic balneological resort. It features mineral springs, steam baths, and thermal spas, offering therapeutic treatments for various conditions.

🏩 Recommended spa hotels in Banja Koviljača:

• Hotel Podrinje – Guests of the 4-star hotel can relax in the spa facilities, enjoy the terrace, or use the fitness center. The hotel features a modern restaurant, bar, lounge, and coffee shop.
• Hotel Royal Spa – This 4-star hotel is surrounded by unspoiled nature. Wellness facilities include a swimming pool, steam bath, Finnish and Russian sauna, 3 massage rooms, and a fitness center.
• B&B Etno Village Sunčana Reka – The complex offers a private beach area and beachfront access to the river. The property is also near a hot spring area, making it ideal for nature trips.

Rogaska Slatina – Slovenia’s Healing Spa

Rogaska Slatina in Slovenia is famous for its mineral water with high magnesium content. Visitors come here for spa hotels, wellness treatments, and thermal baths aimed at improving digestion and reducing stress.

🏩 Recommended spa hotels in Rogaska Slatina:

• Hotel Slatina Superior – Guests of this 4-star hotel can enjoy spa facilities, a sauna, an indoor swimming pool, and a terrace. Additional amenities include a steam room, hot tub, and fitness center, catering to relaxation and active pursuits.
• Grand Hotel Rogaška Premium – The 4-star hotel features a wellness and spa area and a swimming pool complex. Guests can also enjoy the on-site casino and restaurant.
• Grand Hotel Rogaska – Offering a relaxing and revitalizing spa holiday, the 4-star hotel features swimming pools, saunas, and massages, as well as an on-site restaurant and a bar.

Whether you want to soak in a thermal bath, unwind in a hammam, or enjoy a panoramic sauna, Bulgaria and the Balkans have incredible spa resorts waiting for you. Plan your next spa tourism adventure and experience true relaxation!

👉 Read also our guide: What to Know Before Visiting the Balkans: Local Tips for a Stress-Free Trip