Sandanski

Sandanski sits in the Struma valley in the far south-west, where Mediterranean air comes up from the Aegean and gives the town the mildest winters in Bulgaria, and that combined with its mineral springs made it a spa: the water is used in a set of bath facilities and the climate has long been prescribed for respiratory conditions. The archaeological interest is the Bishop's Basilica, a large late Roman church excavated in the town with a substantial floor mosaic of birds, animals and geometric panels, now under a protective building. A second basilica and a Roman bath have also been uncovered. A long park runs through the centre, and the Pirin mountains rise directly behind the town with Melnik a short drive away.

What you actually see

• The Bishop's Basilica mosaic - birds and animals in a late Roman floor.
• Mineral springs and baths - the water the town was built around.
• The mildest winters in Bulgaria - Aegean air up the Struma valley.
• Pirin rising behind - the mountains directly above the town.

When to go

March to November; the mild climate makes shoulder seasons pleasant here when the rest of the country is cold. Half a day. The basilica has limited hours. Summer in the valley is very hot.

Honest expectations

The modern town is a plain spa resort with dated facilities. The basilica building has restricted opening. Summer heat in the Struma valley is severe. There is little else in the town itself.

Nearby

Melnik and Rozhen are east; Rupite lies south.