RAZLOG SPA & GOLF RESORT

Razlog Municipality is a Bulgarian municipality of medium size. It is situated in southwestern Bulgaria. It lies in the Razlog hollow along the course of the Mesta River, in the foot of the Pirin, Rila and Rhodopes Mountains. To the south it has a connection with the Gotse Delchev hollow, and to the north it passes into the Predel saddleback. Razlog Municipality borders on several municipalities, the administrative centers of which are the towns of Bansko, Kresna, Belitsa, Simitli, Rila and the city of Blagoevgrad.

Razlog town is a main administrative, economic, culture and transport center of whole region of Razlog and is used by the municipalities of Razlog, Bansko, Belitsa and Yakorouda.

The relief of the Municipality is mountainous hence the moderate climate and the wealth of water resources. The water resources are of various types - karst water, mountain rivers and lakes, tributaries of the Mesta River, as well as numerous warm mineral springs. Concerning culture and history the Municipality is famous for the preserved Thracian monuments of culture; marble slates dating back to the 3 c. B.C.; remains of fortresses, monasteries and churches, such as St. Theodor Tyron and St. Theodor Stratilat in Dobarsko village (1614); its murals showing Jesus Christ inside shapes resembling rockets are amazing to visitors from both Bulgaria and abroad. Two of the most significant folklore events in Bulgaria are carried out in Razlog Municipality, namely the Koukeri (mummers) Holidays in Razlog, and the Pirin Pee (Pirin Mountain Sings) folklore fair, which is held every second year in the Predel locality.

protection and tourism
Tourism is acquiring increasing importance in the local economy, which is due to the favorable location of Razlog among the Pirin, Rila and Rhodopes mountains, the favorable climatic conditions and the availability of numerous mineral springs. There are opportunities for mountainous (winter and summer), as well as balneology treatment tourism. The Municipality borders on the Pirin and Rila National Parks. The area of Pirin National Park, which falls within the territory of the Municipality, includes Bayuvi Doupki biosphere reserve famous for the numerous historical sights in it, unique co-habitats of white fir and Macedonian pine and a large variety of other endemits. Pirin National Park is covered by the Convention for preservation of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The localities of Predel, Koulinoto, Betolovo, Boykov Rid, Katarino, Perivol in Bachevo village and Titevitsa in Dobarsko village offer good conditions for recreation and tourism. There are several recreation areas formed in them with numerous rest homes, hotels, facilities and restaurants. A lot of mountain paths to Pirin mountain start from the Predel locality. A major advantage of the locality is the abundant drinking water and the good infrastructure. At a distance of 1.7 km from Predel locality is the Koulinoto ski-slope of length 1,500 m, which has a Pomagalski ski-lift. The Municipality is characterized also by a large number of warm mineral springs in Banya village, Eleshnitsa village, Katarino locality near Razlog, Razdhavets near Bachevo village and others. The water temperature in some of the springs reaches 60°С, and the water flow is 70-80 liters per second. Banya village is a balneology resort. It is 5 km to the east of Razlog and at 5 km distance from the winter resort of Bansko. Banya village is particularly attractive with the swimming pools in the open; they contain mineral water and are of Olympic size and of size for children. The construction of modern hotel complexes and summer-house complexes has been launched in the village. Bachevo village is a balneology and climate treatment resort of local importance; the archeological remains found near it are subject of interest.