I have just had the most amazing 5 days.
I flew from Gatwick to Sofia in just over 3 hours absolutely no hassle.
Then hired a car with a SATNAV that took me in about 2 hours to my resort.
The journey was really good once I had got out of the capital city (road pretty poor here).
Joined the new EU funded road (really good) and was walking into my luxury apartment at the 3 - mountains resort just over 2 hours later.
Well the resort has a touch of class about it, but is surrounded by a few resorts of lesser quality.
However, the resort next door but one had a superb restaurant - The place was called Redenka and myself and my brother ate and drank all evening for less than 10 pounds each.
The apartment was nicely furnished and comfortable.
We had everything we needed for a really pleasant break.
This place must be really something during the ski season.
The views from the ample balcony were to die for.
You know why the resort is called 3-Mountains.
We had great views of the mountains, some of which were already snow topped namely the Rila, the Pirrin and the Rhodope ranges.
Something else! The food was wholesome, tasty and excellent value.
Nothing like some of the really expensive ski resorts in other parts of Europe.
The nightlife although out of season was plentiful and again cheap - no rip off clubs charging huge entry fees.
Bansko had a reasonable range of shops although the majority as you got towards the top end were all about the skiing.
There is a really good Gondola and a second in the process of being built.
So if it is not in use this year it clearly will be next.
All in all an excellent break.
But don't think Bansko is just for the ski season.
There are several really nice resorts including the 3 - Mountains where we stayed that have spa centres and really good opportunities throughout the summer months a well.
From walking, cycling.
excellent excursion programmes, paragliding, horse riding, golf, spa breaks including massage the list goes on.
So I really enjoyed this mostly undiscovered gem.
I hope you may try it and have an equally good time.