6 of the best · Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia sits on dozens of mineral springs, and it has a summer pool and beach-club culture to match. Here is the story of the springs, and the best places to bathe and swim.
Our 6 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
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Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Sofia.
A restored bath of the 1900s
The historic mineral bath of the spa town of Bankya, beautifully restored and reopened in 2022, with thermal pools, saunas and steam rooms.
Иван ВазовExplore View on map
Warm water in the city centre
Public fountains of warm mineral water beside the Central Mineral Baths, where Sofians fill their bottles.
A beach by the lake
A resort and sports complex at Pancharevo, opened in 2020, with beach volleyball courts, a swimming pool, a spa and a hotel.
Sofia, city of springs.
The back story
Why Sofia is a city of hot springs: Roman baths, an Ottoman mosque of many baths, a palace of 1913, public fountains of warm water, and the best places to bathe today.
Bathe in, or drink, the water of Sofia’s springs.
A restored bath of the 1900s
The historic mineral bath of the spa town of Bankya, beautifully restored and reopened in 2022, with thermal pools, saunas and steam rooms.
Иван ВазовExplore View on map
Mineral water by the lake
A popular pool and water park complex at Pancharevo, beside the lake below Vitosha, in the area of the Pancharevo mineral springs.
Самоковско шосе 211Explore View on map
Warm water in the city centre
Public fountains of warm mineral water beside the Central Mineral Baths, where Sofians fill their bottles.
Summer swimming and a beach by the lake.
Pools in the west
An outdoor and indoor pool complex in the west of the city, a summer favourite with locals.
Суходолска 185Explore View on map
A beach by the lake
A resort and sports complex at Pancharevo, opened in 2020, with beach volleyball courts, a swimming pool, a spa and a hotel.
Many pools are seasonal; check opening times and prices before you go.
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