In this era of COVID-19, more and more people are looking for holidays that will aid in restoring health and boosting their immune systems. Bulgaria with its long white sandy beaches and tranquil nature reserves in the mountains, abundant thermal springs and fresh tasty cuisine has plenty to offer those who are looking for more than just a break from daily routine or a cheap beach holiday.
Pamporovo in the Rhodope Mountains has century old traditions and is known for its vitalising effect. The density of regional conifers increases the ionization of the air and the high level of phytoncide saturation acts as a type of natural antibiotic. Experts report that the region offers a particularly good healing effect due to the low humidity, many sunny days (2000 hours per year) and high air ionisation. It is said to improve the mood, treat lung diseases and migraines and leads to significant relief from tiredness, poor concentration, insomnia, allergies, cardiovascular problems, rheumatism and high blood pressure. The therapeutic effect of negative air ions for the treatment of asthma has been researched and documented by many studies. So maybe the next time you visit choose the late spring, early summer, and do something for your health.
The Summer is mild and the fields are filled with the aroma of healing herbs. There are many hiking trails and opportunities for sporting activities in this karst area which impresses with its deep gorges along the river, and large caves and sculptural rock formations such as the Trigrad Gorge and the 'Wonderful Bridges' near the village of Zabardo. After a stay in the region you will enjoy a higher level of concentration and a significant overall improvement in performance is promised.
Similar favourable microclimatic conditions can be found south of Sofia in the Rila and Pirin Mountain ranges. Here in one of the many spa hotels in Velingrad or around Bansko the power of the thermal springs perfectly compliments hiking and other sport opportunities. Among the regional attractions are the picturesque 7 lakes in the Rila Mountains, a must see and one of Bulgaria's 'Points of Power' with strong healing energy long revered by the followers of Petar Deunov. In the valley lies the sleepy town of Sapareva Banya with Europe's only mainland geyser and together with Belchin Banya and Kostenets offer outdoor mineral pools popular with locals.
The thermal springs of Kyustendil and Sandanski dating back to early Roman settlements and earlier, nestled in beautiful hilly landscape are well known in the region. Today they are quiet but modern health resorts, where the Thracians once established their settlements around the springs, and later the Romans built one of the great thermal centers of the eastern provinces of their empire here.
The SPA Hotel Strimon Garden offers traditional treatments with the unique ionised thermal water as well as detox programs. The Pirin SPA complex in Sandanski offers anti-stress programmes and treatments for lung problems combined with Nordic walking and bike tours.
The nearby town of Melnik with it's charming architecture and taverns offers tasty local wine, not to be missed.
Negative ions occur in high numbers in nature where the air is particularly pure, clean and healthy. Climatic health resorts are usually in the mountains or directly on the seashore, where the ion density is particularly high. A particularly fortunate location is complemented by other natural wonders such as mud, lye and mineral water.
The 5 km long holiday peninsula Pomorie, located in the middle of the Black Sea fruit and wine-growing region, is along established popular destination for the world's largest natural mud bath, Lake Pomorie, rich in minerals. Most hotels offer natural healing treatments and the pools are filled from their own mineral springs. Pomorie offers a unique combination of helio, mineral, mud, lye and sea air ... so many natural and effective healing factors that the strengthening of the immune system is guaranteed. These therapeutic muds are a precious natural resource and are used at the Saint George SPA, the Grand Hotel, the Wave Resort and Festa Via Pontica Resort therapy centres with good result for improving blood circulation. The high sulphur content of the healing mud has an extremely beneficial effect on diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the peripheral nervous system as well as gynaecological problems.
This is just a snapshot of what Bulgaria can offer in terms of climatotherapy. Bulgaria is versatile and can be experienced from the healthy side by all that are looking to get more out of their holiday – these resorts are a great decision year round! The coronavirus pandemic has been a wake-up call to rediscover the importance of good health and natural remedies.
All of the mentioned resorts are working in accordance with strict government guidelines in the current epidemic situation.
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