Sapareva Banya is a town situated in south west Bulgaria in Kyustendil district, 750 m above sea level. Sapareva Banya is known for having the hottest water springing from a geyser in Europe – 103 C, the geyser is the only one of its kind on the Balka Peninsula. Panichishte ski resort, located on the border of Rila National Park is only a coule of km away. Sapareva Banya is 70 km sout west of Sofia and 30 km away from Borovets – the biggest ski resort in Bulgaria. The Seven Rila Lakes, one of the biggest tourist destinations in Bulgaria is also nearby.

The mineral springs in Sapareva Banya have fascinated people from ancient times. There is evidence that the Thracians were the first inhabitants and the name of the town was at that time was “Germanea”. Linguists translate “Germanea” as hot water from Thracian language. The resort is the starting point to major tourist destinations in the region: Maliovitsa ski resort, Skakavitsa, Borovets, the Seven Rila Lakes, and the biggest historical sanctuary in Bulgaria – Rila Monastery.

Savareva Banya has been attractive investment spot and has been developing intensely over the recent years. The main reasons for this are the proximity to Sofia, the fact that the town is the starting place for Rila National Park, and the growing opportunities for balneologica, mountain, ski, religious, and ecotourism.

The mineral water in Sapareva Banya has many healing qualities. It is proven to have positeive effect on the nerve system, the locomotive system, the respiratory system; it has curing effects on skin diseases, intoxications, gynecological diseases, etc. The water is hypothermal, slightly mineralized, sodium, fluoride, sulphide water.

Sapareva Banya has many cultural sights to offer as well. There are a lot of churches, chapels and temples in the town. The biggest one is the Saparevska Chapel. Other famous churches are St Nikola (built during XII-XIII century), St Georgi (from XVIII century), St Chetirideset Machanici (St Forty Martyrs, built in 1859) and many other churches and monastery situated in many villages in the region.