Nestled in a mountain that is so green,
Filled with aroma of pine trees,
Warmed by sun and mineral springs,
Velingrad is the perfect place to check in.

Since I was a kid I visit Velingrad almost every year – the sunny climate and mineral water have such a positive effect on me. Today’s luxurious and expensive hotels make it difficult to have a family holiday here, but if you search well you can always find a bargain. So I continue the family tradition, and my children regularly enjoy the warm mineral water, and fresh air here.

Located in the Western Rhodopes, Velingrad proudly bears the nickname SPA capital of the Balkans. This is one of the most cloudless cities in the country and has numerous healing mineral springs. There are also several excellent playgrounds for the kids, giving their parents more time to relax. One of my favorite is the playground at the Pine Park,

Another favorite place for us is Kleptuza Lake, which unfortunately in recent years has been quite neglected. In the summer of 2023, there was only one working restaurant (fortunately for us with a large children’s playground). We always drive water wheels here, but there are not as many fish as before and the water is not as crystal clear as it used to be. The lake is surrounded by abandoned buildings, once expensive and nice restaurants.

The pedestrian center of Velingrad is another favourite for us place to walk. There is a glowing fountain in different colors, a stage that is often used on different occasions, and many restaurants and shops. Here our daughter learned to ride a tricycle, taking advantage of the slight slope of the pedestrian street.

Velingrad is an excellent place for a short or longer SPA weekend and if you do not like the hotel prices, you can always stay in a tent here. A little outside the town in the direction of Yundola, Thermal Camping Velingrad is located – the only campsite with its own Thermal Center on the Balkans. For children there is an outdoor playground, indoor playground and children’s mineral pool. The campsite itself covers an area of 6 acres and offers 36 places for campers and tents.

From Velingrad start many Eco trails to Rodopa mountain suitable for outings and games in nature. Wonderful is also the trip by car to the nearby village of Dorkovo, where the medieval fortress Tsepina is laying, and the Pliocene Park with a reconstruction of animals and plants from 5 million years ago are located.  42 km from Velingrad in the town of Peshtera, the medieval fortress Peristera (meaning place of pigeons) is located, restored and discovered in 2014.

Velingrad is undoubtedly one of the best spa destinations with healing waters, fresh mountain air and over 250 sunny days per year. The abbreviation SPA can come from Latin and mean Sanus Per Aquam (health through water), but in Velingrad besides health and water, SPA can also mean active sun pause.

General information about Velingrad:

Location: Velingrad is located in Southern Bulgaria, Pazardzhik District, in the Chepino valley of the Western Rhodopes.

Living area: 125  sq.km

Population: 24,661 people (2015 data)

Official language: Bulgarian

Altitude: 755 m