For a swimmer, there is nothing more frustrating than a hotel pool with an irregular kidney shape, waist-deep, and a temperature of "tea" in which children jump on your head. When you go skiing or mountain climbing in 2026, but want to swim well, you need scale - length, corridors, and space.
There are hundreds of places to stay in Bansko and nearby villages (Banya and Razlog), but only a handful hotels with large indoor pools offer real conditions for swimming lengths. As long-time observers of the region, we have made an updated selection of places with "real" large-scale water facilities.
💡 Why is swimming in Bansko different?
Swimming at an altitude of 900-1000 meters (where Bansko and Razlog are) acts as a mild form of hypoxic training. The air is thinner, which makes the body work more efficiently, improving lung capacity and endurance.
1. Regnum Bansko Ski Hotel & SPA – The leader in the city
If you want to be within the city and not travel by car to the neighboring villages, "Regnum" is the undisputed leader among all hotels with large indoor pools in Bansko itself. The hotel is famous for its huge aquapark in the summer, but its winter facilities are just as impressive.
Technical parameters:
- Dimensions: Semi-Olympic standard (approximately 20-25 meters long).
- Form: Strict rectangular shape, ideal for turning.
- Temperature: It is kept comfortable but not too hot (like in thermal areas), allowing movement without the risk of overheating.
Why choose it: This is one of the few pools in the center of the resort designed with active swimming in mind, not just soaking in. It's wide enough to pass other people without bumping into each other.
2. Hot Springs Medical & Spa Hotel (Banya village) – Mineral power
Just 5 km from Bansko, the village of Banya is the kingdom of mineral water. Hot Springs has raised the bar very high, offering a facility that combines the healing properties of water with large dimensions.
Pool specifications:
- Length: Classic 25 meters – a rarity for a SPA hotel.
- Water: Mineral, which helps accelerate muscle recovery after a hard workout or ski day.
- Corridors: Visually separated swimming areas.
Bonus tip: The outdoor pool is also huge and open year-round, but for active swimming, opt for the indoor one, where the geometry is correct.
3. Grand Hotel Therme (Banya village) – Scale and space
This is one of the newest and largest complexes in the region. Everything here is subordinated to scale, and the concept of "cramping" does not exist.
- The scale: The main indoor pool is massive. Although it is part of the spa area, its size allows you to do a long series without frequent turns.
- Zoning: The complex also has „Adults Only“ areas. Although the large pool is shared, its size usually allows you to find a quiet line, especially in the morning hours.
- Depth: Good depth, suitable for swimming freestyle without hitting the bottom.
4. Pirin Golf and Country Club (Reason) – Calmness and discipline
Located between Bansko and Razlog, this complex offers a more clubby and elite atmosphere. It is the choice for people looking for peace and quiet.
- The base: They have several water areas, but the main indoor pool in the spa is long enough (about 20+ meters) for swimming lengths.
- The atmosphere: The crowds here are usually smaller than in the big hotels in Bansko. The large windows with views of the snow-capped peaks of Pirin make the monotonous swim a real visual pleasure.
5. Katarino SPA Hotel (Razlog) – Cleanliness and technology
„"Katarino" is a legend in the region and after the complete renovation offers excellent water facilities with a focus on hygiene and technology.
- The connection: The indoor pool has direct access to the outdoor pool ("swim-out"), but the indoor part is large enough for swimming.
- Temperature: Usually around 34°C. This is on the limit for active sports, but acceptable for lighter, restorative workouts.
- Chlorine-free: The purification system without aggressive chlorine is a huge plus for people with sensitive skin and eyes who spend hours in the water.
Comparison table: Where to swim?
| Hotel | Length (approx.) | Water type | Scale level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs | 25 meters | Mineral | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Regnum Bansko | 20-25 meters | Ordinary | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Grand Hotel Therme | Large area | Mineral | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pirin Golf | 20 meters | Ordinary | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
⚠️ Important about water temperature
In many of the listed spa hotels, the water is maintained at around 30°C – 36°C. For active swimming, the ideal temperature is lower (26°C – 28°C). If the water is warmer than you are used to, be sure to slow down to avoid overexerting your heart.
Pool Etiquette and Tips
Since these are not specialized municipal pools, but places for relaxation, here's how to ensure a quality experience:
- The Golden Rule of the weather: Avoid the “rush hour” between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM (after skiing). The pools are full then. For serious swimming, get up early – between 07:00 and 09:00 in the morning The pools are usually empty and the water is crystal clear after nightly filtration.
- Signal intent: Swimming caps are rarely required at these hotels, but wearing one (plus goggles) sends a clear signal to other guests: “I am actively swimming, please keep your distance”.
- Select an end corridor: Even if there are no tightropes (corridors), stick to the far end of the pool to leave the center for the "soaking" tourists.
Whether you are training or just keeping fit, Bansko and the region offer excellent conditions if you know where to go. Choosing the right hotel can turn your holiday into a fulfilling experience.
English (UK)