Traditionally Bulgaria is visited because of the beach rest. Many tourists have heard about the Bulgarian summer resorts Golden Sands or Sunny Beach. Mounting skiing resorts, such as Bansko or Pamporovo have also become popular now. However neither the sea nor winter entertainments had attracted people to Bulgaria since ancient times. Here they had come to recover their health.
There are over two thousand sources of mineral water 800 of which are certificated in Bulgaria. The debit of mineral sources of the country is more than 6 thousand liters in second; therefore the local people do not save the healing water here. Actually they fill pools with this water and even provide it in local water systems. Besides, in Bulgaria there is peat dirt which is very useful for balneal procedures.
The balneotherapy in Bulgaria has tradition that lasts for thousand years. Sources of mineral water were known even at the time of the Roman sovereignty - ancient Romans had built here original balneal centers. The ancient Thracians occupying this lend, had idolized the water. After that period, during the Ottoman Empire, along with other thermal sources of Bulgaria Turkish baths also had raised up. And in the XX-th century the set of sanatoria, which have turned today in modern balneal and wellness hotels have been constructed.
Velingrad is considered a health resort of Bulgaria. It has the greatest resource of mineral waters in the country. More than 80 mineral sources with a water temperature, which varied from 48°C to 94°C are located here. The general mineralization is up to 648 mg on liter. Local waters are characterized as hydrocarbon, sulphatic, sodium and contain fluorine. They are useful for both drink and for external application.
In Velingrad departmental bases of rest and sanatoria are built. Modern hotels offer to their guests unique medical programs and spa-procedures. 36 hotels using mineral water and four spa-centers currently operate in the city.
In this region diseases of respiratory system are treated, as well as diseases of locomotory system, peripheral nervous system, a gastro-enteric tract, kidneys, skin and gynecologic problems.
Hisaria is another wonderful spa and balneo center, which is located in the central part of Bulgaria, in 140 km to the east from Sofia. The Sredna Gora massif protects this little town from north winds. The combination of an excellent climate, sights and mineral water does it very attractive for rest.
On the city territory 22 sources of mineral water with temperature from 41°C to 52°C operate. Water is characterized by a low mineralization and pleasant flavoring qualities. In some sources the radon maintenance is raised. Local water is used for treatment of nephritic diseases, and also illnesses of a gastro-enteric tract, a liver and the locomotory system.
Bulgaria is a hospitable mistress who offers the tourists the best that is in its territory: mountain air, non-polluted products, healing herbs, mineral water and dirt, a set of cultural-historical sights and natural phenomena, and also safe rest and availability of the prices. Bulgarian union of balneology and spa-tourism underlines the incredible benefit if a combination of health recovering and rest, which will allow the tourists not only to improve their health and appearance, but also to receive a set of new memorable impressions.