Pchelin
Sofia region
Sofia/Rila Mountains
Pchelinski Bani is what the Bulgarians call the 'villa zone' of the village of Pchelin. It is a picturesque area surrounded by uninterrupted pine forest with breathtaking views of the Rila mountains. Facilities in the village consist of a large hotel with a restaurant and bar, a small shop and a pensioners cafe.
Pchelinski Bani is most popular for its source of one of the hottest natural mineral waters in Bulgaria. The mineral water has a temperature of 72 degrees centigrade and is renowned for its healing properties, in particular for the treatment of skin diseases. There is a small traditional public bathing house at the source itself, which contains segregated bathing areas for men and women and is frequented by the locals.
The village is located in the Kostenets municipality in the Maritsa valley at the foot of the Rila mountains. This municipality is one of the main regions for spa and wellness tourism in Bulgaria and contains 3 different hot mineral water sources: at Momin Prohod, Kostenets and Pchelinski Bani. It also neighbours with the spa resort of Dolna Banya, which contains two open-air mineral swimming pools within a 20 minute drive of the house.
For birdwatchers, the Kostenets region is a fascinating place to observe storks from April to September. The birds flock in large numbers to this area and nest all around on everything from telegraph poles to disusued factories. Furthermore, a couple of hours relaxing on one of our balconies with our telescope (provided free of charge) is a very rewarding experience. You are likely to see any of the following in and around our garden:
barn owl
black redstart
blackbird
blue tit, great tit
cuckoo
great spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker
golden oriel
house martin
jay
magpie
sparrow
spotted flycatcher
starling
swallow
swift





