Bulgaria – spa and wellness

The natural thermal water springs in Bulgaria are some of the most sterling and unique resources of the country and welcome the prosperity of tourism; they are the “golden key” to boosting the development of the hospitality industry that keep tourism flourishing. Over 800 hydro mineral springs clustered in over 240 water formations, rich in hot and cold mineral water with temperature varying in a wide range from 37 C up to 101 C, gush forth and spout out of the bowels of the Earth from a depth of over 2000 meters. In the uniqueness, variety and abundance of hydrothermal, bioclimatic, mud treatment, sea cure, and other health resources, Bulgaria ranks among the first in Europe. Specialists are unanimous that all kinds of known mineral waters around the world find their counterpart in that country. Deposits of high quality peat and healing mud have been found at many places in the country.
The mineral water with the highest temperature measured on the Balkan Peninsula springs out as a geyser in the area of Sapareva Banya. The Mihalkovo natural soda-water is the third most famous of its kind in the world. The healing spring waters with curative effect in the spa resort of Merichleri, similar in quality to the mineral water springs in the famous resort areas of Karlovi Vari and Vichy, were awarded a gold medal at the International exhibition which took place in London in 1907. The up-to date mud center in the sea town of Pomorie is the largest on the Balkan Peninsula and is an incredible contribution to the development of domestic balneology (hot spring spas and therapy).
Bulgaria’s health spas and hot mineral springs have been noted for their restorative and recreative effects since the ancient Thracian, Greek and Roman times. Ancient civilizations settled in these mineral spring areas a long time ago. When establishing their dwellings on the Balkan Peninsula in the 5th century BC, the Thracians, preferred to settle in these wholesome and favorable unique lands with natural spring waters, following the old traditions and making a cult of the natural sparkling curative thermal waters. There are extremely good bio-climatic resources which, combined with the existing ancient traditions in thermal water use, provide a base of balneology development in the country of Bulgaria. In Thracian times, flourishing settlements sprang up around the hot mineral springs. Later, under the influence of the Greek mythology, nymphaeums were built where the Thracians practiced religious and health rituals ending by tossing coins in the mineral water areas “for health”.
The cultural and economic boom of these dwellings actually started after the Roman conquered the Thracians in the year 46. In addition to conducting health and religious rituals, for the next five-six centuries the nymphaeums welcomed other activities such as hospitalization. The “Asclepions” – baths with additional functions and curative health centers for hospitalization of the sick, were built and the largest of their kind was established in the ancient Ulpia Pautalia (present Kyustendil) spreading over a territory of 3600 sq.m and ranking second among the Asclepions in ancient Hellenic Epidavar. Today enormous wealth of natural factors, combined with the country’s modern hotels and spa facilities, provide excellent diseases of our times and truly make Bulgaria a country of health.
Evidences that the mineral springs and Roman baths were used in the time of the first and second Bulgarian Kingdom have been found during excavations near the villages of Merichleri, the baths in Stara Zagora area, the village of Varshets, the baths of Sapareva Banya and Haskovo baths.

The new history of the balneotherapy in Bulgaria starts in the 20th century. The clinical and experimental balneology is developed. A lot of practical information for the chemical and physical contents of the thermal waters, directions for use, the therapeutic indications and contra-indications is gathered. The balneology resorts are approved and the network for treatment and prophylaxis is created in the country. In the 80s of the 20th century Bulgaria is already one of the leading countries in Europe in terms of balneology tourist properties base. The Bulgarian entrepreneurs and hoteliers focus on balneology again in the beginning of the 21st century. The usage of the mineral waters varies from medical to recreational, from relaxing to strengthening the body. In line with the leading trends and tendencies, Bulgaria gets increasingly focused on the spa and wellness tourist services. A lot of tourist properties were established and continue to develop as well as hotels and recreational properties, where water treatment and procedures, recreating the internal harmony and physical strength of the body are applied and practiced. They are normally part of the existing balneology centers, but also they are often part of existing hotels and resorts. Spa and wellness services are forming unique possibilities for medical and recreational tourism in conjunction with classical balneology, magnificent climate, varied nature, centuries old culture and history. The experience gained in balneological procedures, as well as the well-educated and prepared medical personnel specializing in climatotherapy, physiotherapy, kinesitherapy and rehabilitation are not to be cast away.
A second use of mineral waters is for drinking. The focus on the bottling of the mineral waters is also a result of the leading health trends, which show a reduction of available drinking water and the rising danger of pollution in water collection basins. The third significant usage of the thermal waters in Bulgaria is the productions of derivates (lye, salt), which are used as basic components in different cosmetics and bio products.

Main regions

The mineral springs in Bulgaria are located in three main regions – South Bulgaria, including Rila, Rhodopes and Pirin mountains, Sredna Gora and Balkan Mountain Range. The second main region is formed in North Bulgaria – in the surroundings of Montana, Vidin and Pleven. The third main region is the northern part of the Black Sea Coast. Not to leave out the surroundings of Sofia itself: an area rich in hydrothermal springs, numbering more than forty.

Sofia

In the Sofia residential districts of Gorna Banya and Knyazhevo there are thermal springs of some of the most non-mineralized waters in Bulgaria. They are used mainly for bottling and as drinking water and for the production of non-alcoholic beverages. The mineral water in the residential district of Ovcha Kupel is recommended for treatment of diseases of the locomotive, nervous, cardiovascular, digestive and secretory systems, diseases of the lungs, etc. the mineral water in the residential district of Pancharevo has similar qualities. The first (and still in operation) spa medical center in Bulgaria was built in 1907 in the town of Bankya – one of the country’s best known and most frequented spa resorts. The climatic conditions are favorable for year-round spa treatment. The thermal spring of this town is slightly mineralized and is recommended for treating disturbances of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, as well as for preventing of diseases of the respiratory system, the locomotive, digestive and urinary systems.

Kostenets

This resort was popular in the past and is situated in the Maritsa valley, close to the main Sofia – Plovdiv road. Its water is slightly mineralized and hypothermal. It is recommended for disorders of the digestive and endocrine systems, the locomotive, cardiovascular system, as well as for respiratory problems. Momin Prohod is one of the residential districts of Kostenets. The water there is slightly mineralized but the radon value is one of the highest in Bulgaria after Narechen baths. The resort is focused on the balneology treatment of the nervous system but it is also famous for its possibilities to rehabilitate poliomyelitis. The treatment of respiratory problems and skin diseases is also popular.

Kyustendil

There are significant differences in the composition of the mineral waters in these areas. Overall the thermal waters in the Southern region have slight total mineralization and are among the hottest in Europe. They often contain fluorine (average concentration rate is 6-7mg/l) and sulphurated hydrogen (up to 10-15 mg/l). Situated at the foot hills of the Osogovska Mountain, Kyustendil (ancient Pautalia) is one of Bulgaria’s best known climatic and spa resorts. The village emerged due to this natural treasure and its Thracian name “Puteos” means bath. On a coin found dating back to the age of Emperor Karakal, a forest-covered hill can be seen which arises over the town, with a big temple on the top, a bath temple at its feet and three smaller temples nestling in its slopes. This is a part of the famous Aesclepion sanctuary dedicated to the God of medicine and healing waters – Aesculapius. The later names of the town are also connected with the thermal waters. During the 5th – 7th century the town was often mentioned under the name of Kolasia – identical with the small Asian town of Kolasia where the cult to the local warm mineral springs was held.
The water is the main natural treasure of Kyustendil now-a-days. All springs are slightly mineralized, hypo thermal, with a strong base reaction and high capacity. They are recommended for treatment of problems of the locomotive system, the nervous system, disturbances in the reproductive system, respiratory problems, sterility in women, treatment of gynecological malfunctions, endocrine, chronic, metabolic and respiratory diseases. Excellent results have been achieved with thousands of patients suffering arthritis.

Sapareva Banya

The hottest mineral springs out with the power of a geyser in Sapareva Banya. The town is located 12 km east from Doupnitsa and 28 km west from the city of Samokov. Sapareva Banya is a mountain resort and one of the biggest balneology centers in Bulgaria. Ancient relics from the Thracian settlement of Dzhermanezha founded in the 1st and 2nd century BC has been discovered here. The Thracians founded the village of Dzhermanezha and the Romans turned it into a fortress with a balneology complex for the care of war veterans. They named it Germania which is kept in the name of the German river. The climate here is mild and the proximity of the cool Rila Mountain turns Sapareva Banya into a healthy resort.
The thermal waters of Sapareva Bania are slightly mineralized and among the waters with the highest fluorine content. They are recommended for the locomotive and the nervous system, as well as for the treatment of gynecological malfunctions and skin diseases.

Blagoevgrad

Blagoevgrad is the heir of the Thracian village Scaptopara which emerged around a warm mineral spring. Historical and archaeological findings include remains of Roman walls and bricks. The thermal waters have always attracted people here. The waters are slightly mineralized, hypothermal, alkali. They are recommended for the locomotive, nervous system as well as for the treatment of gastro enteric diseases, some kidney and urological diseases and conditions of the digestive system.

Sandanski

The Thracians founded Medius – a settlement between the foothills of 3 mountains – Pirin, Ograzhden and Slavyanka. This ancient city also existed in the 5th – 6th centuries, as is evidenced by the discovery of Byzantine church devoted to the two healer saints St Kozma and St Damyan. When the Slavs settled in these lands they gave to the city the name of this church – St Healer.
Sandanski is famous not only as a balneology centre but also for its unique climate. Apart from its natural beauties and lush vegetation the resort also features a multitude of mineral springs. The Pirin Mountain protects the city from cold winds and the Struma river valley brings mild Mediterranean currents. The climate is warm, dry, and almost fogless. Qualified experts have recognized Sandanski as the best place for the prophylaxis and treatment of rheumatism. Resort conditions are particularly conductive to the treatment of bronchial asthma. The waters are clear, colorless, and odorless, with a pleasant taste, slightly mineralized, hypothermal, slightly alkali. It is recommended for respiratory diseases as well as for the locomotive system, the peripheral nervous system, gynecological, skin, and urological, gastro enteric, endocrine and metabolic diseases. This remarkable combination of balmy, health-giving weather and curative mineral water makes Sandanski the perfect place for modern climatic-therapy, spa treatment, rehabilitation, primary and secondary prophylaxis and recreation.

Dobrinishte, Banya, Ognyanovo, Rupite

Dobrinishte is a balneological resort located in the Western slopes of the Rhodopes Mountains. There are 17 mineral springs in the village with the temperature of 30 C to 43 C. There are several curative centers and an open air pool with mineral water.
The village of Banya is situated 6 km from Bansko and 5 km from Razlog. There are more than 25 mineral springs with temperatures varying in the range of 28 C to 58 C. There is also a balneological health center.
The famous Ognyanovski mineral baths are situated in close proximity to the village of Ognyanovo (12 km north east from the town of Gotse Delchev). The mineral springs were used even in the antique Roman age (Nikopolis ad Nestum); some balneology facilities from that time have been preserved. The climate is trans-continental, melded by the Mediterranean influence.
The water has the temperature of 43 C and the flow capacity of 70l/sec, slightly mineralized, slightly fluoride. It is suitable for the treatment and rehabilitation of the locomotive system, the peripheral nervous system, and some gynecological and urological diseases.
The area of Rupite is situated 17 km south from the resort of Sandanski. The climate is transitional continental, with clearly defined Mediterranean influence. The water has the temperature of 76 C and the capacity of 35l/sec, slightly mineralized, fluoride, and contains valuable bio-plankton from micro algae with proven healing quality.

Hissar

The ancient Bulgarian town and world-famous spa resort of Hissar is situated in the centre of Bulgaria, at the foot of Sredna Gora Mountain, 40 km north of the city of Plovdiv and 160 km east of Sofia, close to the Valley of Roses. Archaeological research shows that there was an ancient dwelling near the mineral water springs in the area of Hissar as early as 5000 years BC. Thracian people and Romans settled in these lands. Emperor Diocletian visited the village of Hissar and named it after himself – Diocletianopol. Palaces and marble baths were built and the village of Hissar became a very attractive resort area for the Roman patricians.
The temperatures are very attractive – mild winter, early spring season, mild summer, a real eye-catching autumn. The area is not urban and there are no production plants and factories nearby. Very interesting are the unique bead belts one can find in Hissar. It takes about three months to make a one-meter long belt.
Today Hissar is a modern spa resort that offers all facilities needed for balneotherapy. There are 22 mineral springs in Hissar – 16 natural and 6 deeply drilled, with temperatures ranging from 37 C to 52 C. The mineral water is light, clear, colorless, and tasty. It is slightly mineralized, hypo and hyper-thermal, with a predominance of hydro carbonic, sodium, sulphate and fluorine ions, as well as substantial amounts of radioactive gas. Hissar mineral water can be used both as drinking water and for the prevention and treatment of gastro-intestinal tract diseases, nephrolithiasis and nephrite-urological diseases, cholelithiasis, locomotive system diseases, gynecological diseases, kidney, liver and gall bladder diseases, endocrine-metabolically diseases, early atherosclerosis and processes of premature senility, dental diseases and prevention of dental caries, chronic heavy metal poisoning malfunctions with heavy metals and pharmaceutical substances.

Strelcha, Banya and Velingrad

The town of Strelcha in Sredna Gora Mountain also offers facilities in the balneological centre. The water is slightly mineralized, hypothermal, alkali, with high flow capacity. It is recommended for the treatment of locomotive, peripheral nervous, reproduction, endocrine, gastro enteritis and kidney urological problems.
The balneological resort Banya is only 8.5 km away from the glorious town of Panagyurishte and 45 km away from the city of Pazardzhik. Today it is a modern spa resort that offers all facilities for balneotherapy. The mineral water is light, clear, colorless, and tasty. It is slightly mineralized, hypo and hyper-thermal, with a predominance of hydro carbonic, sodium, sulphate and fluorine ions, as well as substantial amounts of radioactive gas. The curative mineral waters in this spa resort are good for treatment of skeleton – muscular system disorders, disease of the peripheral nerve system, inflammations of the degenerative diseases of the joints, gynecological disorders, abdominal disorders, kidney and urology. Suitable for treatment of injuries of the locomotive system. The temperature of the mineral spring is approximately 42 C, slightly mineralized and mildly alkaline.
The remarkable combination of balmy, weather and curative mineral spa waters makes the town of Velingrad one of the most attractive parts of the picturesque Rhodopes Mountains in Southern Bulgaria. Velingrad is a well-known spa and climatic resort in South Bulgaria. Surrounded by age-old pine tree woods, the town favors abundant sunshine. The resort’s mineral water well up from 70 springs with a total flow of over 10 000l/sec. There are 70 sources of mineral water with curative and preventive properties. Mineral waters are hypothermal with temperatures ranging from 31 C to 71 C, slightly mineralized, fluorine, and sulphate-carbonate-sodium. Successfully treated here are almost all diseases and disorders off the human body systems. The treatment of non-specific diseases of the respiratory tract is particularly successful. Considerable experience has been accumulated in the efficient treatment of diseases of the locomotive system, nervous diseases and gynecological disorders. Together with the numerous mineral waters Velingrad takes pride in another natural phenomenon as well – the Kleptutsa spring. This is the biggest Karst spring in Bulgaria with a flow rate of 900l/sec.

Narechen, Devin and Beden

The Narechen mineral bath is another famous balneology resort situated in the Rhodopes Mountain set amid magnificent pine forest 45 kilometers south-west of the city of Plovdiv. The Narechen baths consist of 14 spring mineral waters. The hypothermic waters contain radon, sulphates and hydro carbonates of sodium and calcium, silicon and small amounts of fluorine, and have a weak alkaline reaction. They are clear, colorless and palatable. The radon content ranges from moderate to high. It is suitable for the treatment of functional disturbances of the nervous system, cardio vascular diseases, and metabolic problems. Its positive influence on the gastroenterological system, gallous, respiration organs and kidneys is proven.
The town of Devin is a well-known balneology resort and is famous since ancient times with the healing qualities and the rich variety of mineral springs. They are combined with healthy mountain climate, pure forest air and modern hotel and wellness base which turn the town into an ideal place for balneology and spa tourism.
The water is slightly mineralized with high alkalis. It is recommended for treatment and prophylaxis of degenerative joint diseases of the locomotive system, treatment of the nervous system functional diseases, disorders of cardiovascular and reproduction systems as well as for kidney and urological, lever, gallous and endocrine diseases.
The Beden baths are situated 12 km east of Devin and 23 km west of the famous mountain resort Pamporovo. The climate is transitional continental, with Mediterranean influence.
The mineral waters are hot (76 C), with substantial capacity – 12l/sec, slight mineralization and slight acid. They are used for treatment of digestive system, endocrine, locomotive, neurological, gynecological and epidermal diseases, and disturbances of the locomotive system of a degenerative or inflammatory origin.

Banite and Haskovo

The village of Banite is situated in the heart of the magnificent Rhodopes Mountains, in the eastern part of Smolyan district, in the Valley of Malka Arda River. The village of Banite is a spa resort. A warm mineral spring has been found in the center of the village. The healing water is slightly mineralized, hypothermal with neutral pH factors. It is suitable for the treatment and rehabilitation of the locomotive system, treatment of gynecological and urological malfunction diseases, cardiovascular and epidermal skin problems, digestive and urinary systems, root canals disorders of teeth, prophylaxis.
The health resort of Haskovo mineral baths is situated 60 km south east of the city of Plovdiv and 18 km to the west of Haskovo. The history has played an important role and brought its influence to the relics from ancient settlements – there are lots of Roman bath facilities in the area of the mineral spring natural water resorts, fortress walls, folk-style goods, coins not only from the Roman cultural heritage but dating back to old Thracian epochs and ages, which confirms once again the curative use of these mineral spring waters.
There are 15 natural and drilled sources of slightly mineralized water and mildly alkaline which temperature varies in the range of 54 C to 56 C. The water is both drinkable and therapeutic. The total water capacity is 36l/sec. There is a water pipe facility leading to the city of Haskovo, where the natural mineral water is used in the specially designed balneal treatment center and hospital. They are recommended for all year round treatment of the locomotive, nervous system as well as for gastro entomology diseases, some kidney and urological diseases and conditions of the digestive system: gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers in remission, colitis, glomerulonephritis, cystopyelitis, chronically vascular diseases and initial diabetes.

Merichleri, Pavel Banya and Stara Zagora

The popularity of the world famous town of Merichleri situated 16 km North West of the city of Dimitrovgrad and 17 km away from Chirpan is due to the curative power of the mineral water, rivaling the springs in popular resort areas like Karlove Vari and the French mineral water Vichy. The curative properties of the spring waters in the resort area were awarded the gold medal of the International Exhibition in London which took place in 1907.
Mineral waters are hypothermal with temperatures ranging from 25 C to 45 C, slightly mineralized. Successfully treated here are almost all diseases and disorders: considerable experience has been accumulated in the efficient treatment of diseases of the locomotive system, nervous system diseases and gynecological disorders. The combined climatic and balneology treatment is recommended for patients having chronics respiratory system and urological problems, osteoporosis and complete body prophylaxis.
Pavel Banya is also in the top chart of the Bulgarian balneology resorts. Pavel Banya is situated 18 km south east of Kalofer, 25 km to the west of Kazanlak and 9.5 km from the artificial pond Koprinka. It offers its guests a recreation and rehabilitation complex with underwater gymnastic pool, balneal sanatoriums and hotels. The waters of the seven mineral springs are slightly mineralized, alkali, with high temperature and capacity.
In the vicinity of the town of Stara Zagora are the Stara Zagora Mineral Baths – a spa resort famous for ages. They are widely visited because of their closeness to the town and the curative effect in the treatment of diseases of the digestive, urinary and endocrine systems, considerable experience in treatment of the locomotive system, nervous diseases and gynecological disorders and other conditions for healing of heavy metals / chronic lead based intoxications.

Sliven and Banya Korten

The mineral springs in the Mineral Baths of Sliven have proved their effectiveness in the treatment and prophylaxis of stomach, liver diseases, as well as locomotive, cardio vascular diseases, gastro enteritis and peripheral nervous system, intoxications, flour prophylaxis in osteoporosis and tooth cavities.
Banya Korten (Novozagorski Bani) – its slightly mineralized water can be used both as drinking water and for prevention of gastro-intestinal tract diseases, locomotive system diseases, early gall bladder diseases, gynecological diseases, endocrine-metabolically diseases, early atherosclerosis and processes of premature senility, dental diseases and respiratory problems.

Varshets and Ovcha Mogila

There are plenty of natural mineral springs in the northern part of Bulgaria which are unique in their water characteristics and differ from the natural mineral springs in the southern parts of the country. The waters of the springs in the northern regions of Bulgaria – Vidin and Montana are highly mineralized with high level of NaCl, iodine and brome salts and hydro sulphide. The mineral spring waters in Pleven region are less mineralized.
The most unique balneology center in the region of Western Balkan Mountain Range is Varshets. One of the oldest and most popular resorts in Northern Bulgaria, it is famous for its curative mineral springs, mild mountain climate, beautiful scenery and a large well-kept park. It is an ancient Bulgarian village. The temperature of water from the “Hot spring” is 36.4 C; the other cold mineral water spring has a temperature of 32.6 C.
The mineral water of Varshets is suitable for external use, as well as for inhalations, irrigations and drinking. It is applied for treatment of functional diseases of the central nervous system, cardiovascular diseases; various diseases of the cardiac muscle and valves; chronic cardiac insufficiency; post-infraction conditions; endocrine and metabolic diseases. Good results have also been achieved in the treatment of some diseases of the peripheral nervous system, the locomotive system and some gastrointestinal diseases and retina disorders.
Ovcha Mogila is a newly formed resort area in comparison to Varshets and because of its thermal spring waters, the resort gains popularity. The mineral water is recommended for the treatment of rheumatism, bones and muscle disorders, problems of the nervous system, gastro and liver problems, metabolism problems, malfunctions of the glade bladder and chronic intoxications. Such health disorders are also treated in the spring areas of Voneshta Voda, Shipkovo and Chiflik village.

Black Sea Coast Spa Centers

Plenty of thermal water springs, curative firth mud, lake brine, lye, favorable sea climate and attractive landscape – you can find all these on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. Recently most of the Bulgarian resort areas rely on the main tourist and natural attractions. When gaining their popularity and attracting people, they consider also the “golden unique” opportunities which the balneology, spa and wellness factors can offer. There is a whole variety of facilities like baths, kinesitherapy, mineral pools with healing water resources, electro and light treatment, electrophoresis as well as many others. These services as well as world-class health programs are offered in Grand Hotel Varna, the International Home of Scientists “F.J. Curie”, Sunny Day Complex, and Dobrudzda Hotel in Albena resort complex.
Mineral waters along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast have different physical and chemical characteristics, but they are generally with low mineralization, containing calcium, magnesium and hydrogen sulphide (St. St. Konstantin and Elena, Golden Sands, Albena, town of Kavarna, etc). Particularly valuable are the salty highly mineralized waters containing iodine and bromide in the Kamchiya region (good for the treatment of arthrosclerosis, diseases of the bones and joints, the nervous system) and in Tyulenovo.

Albena

Thermal waters in the resort area of Albena and Balchik are slightly mineralized, hypo thermal and alkali with a whole range of medical and healing indicators for treatment of different diseases and human body system disorders. The mineral water of the Balchishka Tuzla is with similar components. The curative mud taken from both firth lakes eases bone and muscular disorders treatment and the treatment of disturbances of the locomotive system – arthritic and rheumatic complaints, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic states, gout diseases of the muscles and tendons, etc. there is a mud health center offering mud healing procedures and applications of the so called “Egypt method”. There is a specially designed children sanatorium center which takes professional care of kids less than 14 years age through kinesitherapy and healing massage procedures, hydro thermal pool area facilities as well as many others.

Varna

The gem of the Bulgarian Black Sea with a convenient and well conserved water area is the largest sea climatic and balneology center in Bulgaria where mud treatment, sun, sea and sand procedures are gaining popularity and attracting tourists. The city’s peculiar sea charm is sublime and moving with its 12 thermal springs with slight mineralization and high level of temperature difference, high water flow capacity and the abundance of firth mud in the Varna Lake.
Beyond the high season its balneotherapy facilities can help you unwind and enjoy the many sights and sounds in peace.
The mineral waters are extremely good for treatment of cardio vascular diseases, nervous system problems and disorders, upper respiratory tract and lung diseases, fatness; however good for various treatment procedures, rehabilitation, primary and secondary prophylaxis and recreation. Similar health disorders are also influenced by the good chemical composition, the value of hydrogen sulphide and hydro dioxide at the spa balneology center “St. Konstantin”. The thermal water in Golden sands and Riviera areas is suitable for systematic treatment of digestive system diseases, urinary and endocrine systems.

Bourgas

Bourgas thermal baths, located 15 km away from the 4th largest city in Bulgaria, are among the most ancient balneology spa resorts described in the memorials of Philip Makedonski, dating back to the 4th century BC. The thermal water is slightly mineralized, hypo thermal with a high value of pH and high water capacity. It is excellent for the treatment of ailments of the locomotive system, the central and peripheral nervous system, the digestive tract and gynecological diseases, endocrine gland problems and kidney and urology disorders. The healing water resources in combination with the mild and specific favorable climate conditions are the perfect opportunity for all-year round prophylaxis, treatment and active vacation and recreation.
The mineral water in the area of Nessebar and Sunny Beach contains similar chemical components but with higher temperature.

Pomorie

The resort Pomorie, one of Bulgaria’s best known mud treatment and seaside resorts possesses a unique nature which makes it an attractive place for year-round recreation and treatment of various diseases. Founded during the 6th – 5th century BC near salty lake called by the ancient Thracians “sacred” because of its curative abilities. It is situated on a peninsula 22 km north of the city of Bourgas. It is proved that according to its qualities Pomorie curative mud, extracted from the salty lake, is among the best in the world. The first mud-cure established was built here in 1927 and the national mud cure center was established in 1983 – the biggest in terms of area and facilities on the Balkan Peninsula. Pomorie is famous with its curative mud, the favorable sea climate, the sea and beach. The mud eases bone and muscular disorders. In the modern sanatorium different diseases are cured all year round. Main indications for year-round treatment: disturbances of the locomotive system – arthritic and rheumatic complaints, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic states, gout diseases of the muscles and tendons, etc.