Travel China and Beyond

Travel to Melnik, Bulgaria

First let me give you an idea as to where we have traveled so far and where we will be going next. Here is a map of Bulgaria with our route (step 1 through 5) on this trip:

After staying in Bansko for two days, we decided that it is time to experience some more of the nature and sites Bulgaria has to offer. So we drove to the town of Melnik — according to government and provincial statistics (Melnik is located in the province of Blagoevgrad) - this is the smallest town in Bulgaria. Population: approximately 230.

The town is not that difficult to find.  From Bansko, we first drove  through the town of Razlog, to Simitli, where we got on the E79 highway (which leads also from Sofia to Greece).  While on E79 watch out for the city of Sandanski (it will be about 40 minutes before you get close to the city).  After you go through Sandanski, look for exit for Melnik.  The road to Melnik after E79 is a tiny one with hardly any traffic… You will pass through several small villages before you reach Melnik.  The long journey is well worth it.  Melnik is a very old settlement (according to scholars dating back to Thrace and the Roman Empire).  Later on in the middle ages, the Crusades passed through and currently the town is restoring a small chirch which dates from that time.

Melnik is famous for its sand piramides (limestone or porous stone formations in the mountains surrounding the town),  interesting houses (see pictures in this posting) and very good wines.  The climate is good and there are many wineries in the town.

      Kristin and Sarah in Melnik (they enjoyed the trip)
With regard to timing, you can make the trip from Bansko to Melnik as a day visit.  This will give you plenty of time to walk around the town, sample some of the wines, see the architecture, may be even do a short hike in the hills outside of the town.  Enjoy!