Bansko For Digital Nomads: Everything You Need To Know

You might never have heard of Bansko, a little mountain town in Bulgaria. I didn’t until a bunch of years ago and I have travelled around the world A LOT. But Bansko is winning the hearts of many digital nomads and word is spreading fast: Bansko is amazing for digital nomads! It is very affordable, it is so much fun for outdoor lovers and it has an amazing expat & nomad community, so you won’t be bored easily. I have been living here for 3,5 years and enjoy my time to the fullest.

In this article you will find everything you want to know about Bansko for digital nomads. Think colivings, coworking spaces, ways to find affordable apartments, practical tips and fun things to do once you’re here.

Last update & prices in this article are from May 2025.

Bansko For Digital Nomads: Everything You Need To Know

1. Where the hell is Bansko?

Have you never heard of Bansko before? But now you have heard a bunch of nomads talking about this place, and you’re kinda curious?

Bansko is a mountain town in Bulgaria, about 2 hours south of Sofia. It’s only a bit more than an hour away from the Greek border, which makes it a perfect destination if you love mountains, but you don’t want to be too far away from the beach life.

In the travel industry Bansko is mainly known as a winter sports destination, although it’s a great place for outdoor activities and hiking in summer as well.

The town has just a few thousands people actually living there, but it’s becoming more and more popular as a mountain base or hub for digital nomads all around the world.

2. Why is Bansko such a popular destination for digital nomads?

There are multiple reasons that Bansko is winning the hearts of many digital nomads. I’ll share the 5 most important reasons with you.

1. Bansko is very affordable

There are not many places where you can live a nice and comfortable life for €1000 per month in Europe. Definitely not when you’re moving around solo as a digital nomad. That’s why Bansko is such an interesting place for digital nomads.

I’ll deepdive later in this article into the cost of living to give you an idea of the expenses, but some people even manage to live with €600 per month in Bansko!

A lot of digital nomads who want to have a home again at some point use Bansko as a base. Since Bansko is so affordable, it doesn’t really matter if you’re leaving your apartment for a month to travel. I always say that my apartment in Bansko is like an expensive storage place: it doesn’t hold me back to travel if I want to. I can even go to expensive places like Switzerland and Norway without feeling like I’m emptying my wallet for loads of expenses in 2 different places.

Bansko being so affordable has 2 big advantages for digital nomads:

• You can start to work part time and still live comortable in Bansko. With the extra time that you have you can either work on a side hussle, start a new hobby or spend lots of time on the mountain. Maybe you’re burned out a bit, and Bansko is the perfect place to step back and recharge yourself without worrying about money.
• You keep working full time, make loads of money while your expenses are lower than usual. This way you’ll be able to put more money aside. This means that expensive things suddenly become affordable (hello fancy trip to Japan or nice new camera lens!) or you can start to invest. Learn more about investments, the stock market and so on without worrying that you need that money for your basic expenses like food and rent. Your future self will thank you for it.

2. Super fast internet, which is great for digital nomads in Bansko

Digital nomads heavily rely on fast internet. It’s even more important than a decent roof above their head (just joking!). But all jokes aside, you don’t want to be in a place with shitty WiFi.

I love the Philippines, but when I was there for 6 weeks I had the worst time sending videos to my clients, since the internet was super slow or even non-existent. It definitely influenced my mental health AND my experience in the Philippines. I think I would have enjoyed the country much more as a tourist, not as a digital nomad.

Same with Dahab; I actually took a night bus once to the capital Cairo, just to check in into a fancy hotel and make sure I could send all my work to my clients before the deadlines.

Digital nomads are often super flexible and solution-focused, but it’s nice if you don’t have to find solutions for a stable connection every single day. Bansko provides very fast internet. In Altspace Coworking the download speed is 219mb/s and the upload speed is even 284mb/s. In my apartment it’s a bit more slow, but still 95mb/s for download speed and 90mb/s for upload speed.

You can ask property owners or managers in Bansko to do a speedtest before you rent a place. Just send them the link to Speedtest.net and ask for the screenshots.

3. It’s VERY easy to be social, even as an introvert

Bansko is big enough to have lots of things going on; every week people organize events and meet-ups, so you are never bored in Bansko. And the nice thing is that you don’t have to put a lot of effort in being social. Most places are walkable, which makes it way more easier mentally to go somewhere. If I have to walk 10 minutes to meet up for a coffee in Bansko versus taking the metro for an hour in a big city: the mental step for me is there to actually go or not.

And with multiple colivings and coworkings in Bansko it’s very easy to meet people. Even if you’re an introverted person like me you can easily meet and mingle with people. I still prefer one-on-one and small groups over big crowds, but I never feel it’s a big effort to be social in Bansko.

4. You’re right at the foot of the might Pirin mountains

One of the main reasons why I love Bansko is because you’re in the middle of nowhere, enjoying the beautiful nature. Yes, it takes some time to get to places like Plovdiv and Sofia. But I wouldn’t trade Bansko for any big city in Bulgaria. I love the instant view on the mountains. I love that I live right next to a field where I can walk and chill with my dog. I love that I can start my morning with a sunrise hike to one of the many peaks in Pirin. I love that I can grab my snowboard and do my first run already 30 minutes later. As an outdoor enthusiast Bansko is definitely a gem.

5. For entrepreneurs: the 10% tax rate is very interesting

And this one is interesting for anyone who needs to move their company to another country. Bulgaria is very interesting for entrepreneurs and freelancers. Bulgaria has a flat 10% income tax rate (both as a company and personal), which is very appealing for people who pay way more taxes in their own country. It’s one of the lowest in Europe!

You do need an accountant to find your way in the Bulgarian system, but even with paying an expensive accountant you will probably still pay less than in most countries like Germany or The Netherlands.

3. My personal story how I ended up in Bansko (for 3,5+ years now!)

One of the most frequent asked questions is: how did you end up in Bansko? Or some people are just blunt and ask: why Bansko? Some of the reasons above apply to most people who decide to stay in Bansko.

And like many residents here it was originally not my intention to move and stay in Bansko.

I was based in Portugal when I got an invitation to speak at the Bansko Nomad Fest in 2021. I loved my routine there; surf in the morning, work, eat pasteís de nata in the afternoon and have a nice run on the boulevard or meet my friends in the evening. But something was missing. I had Portugese friends and I knew some expats, but I felt I was not part of a community. Those people were – like me – all loose canonballs, ready to fly all around the world. Nothing felt long-lasting, especially after a very close friend moved from Portugal to Mozambique.

I started being a digital nomad in 2015; I was one of the OG’s in the nomad world, when it wasn’t normal yet. And that was a lot of fun. As many nomads I went to A LOT of places the first few years. Especially since I also work in the travel & event industry, which makes it even more “normal” to be on the road all the time.

But after a few years I needed to slow down and have a base. I lived for a bit in Suriname, but the fact that you always need to fly to get out of the country annoyed me. I stayed for a year in Israel, but it never felt like “my” place. I was in Portugal for over a year, but something wasn’t clicking when people talked about the feeling of a home base. Romania got close, but it wasn’t 100% right. I realized I never really felt that relief when you truly feel at home somehwere, not even in my home country. I love that I grow up in the Netherlands and the opportunities that I got, but even already as a kid I felt like an alien in my own society.

Also Read: 12 Nice Places For Coffee In Bansko

And then I went to Bansko in the summer of 2021 and it suddenly clicked. My gosh, I had missed the mountains. The fresh air. The lack of metros, busses and chaos around me. It was so easy to socialize and get to know new people, but also to withdraw and spend some days by myself to recharge my social battery. I went back to Portugal after the festival, but the mountains were literally calling me to come and in October I went back to Bansko again. Initially for a boy – isn’t that the story of so many nomads? It didn’t work out with the boy, but one evening I asked myself: if the boy leaves, do I still want to be there? The answer was a clear yes, with a shooting star above the Pirin mountains to confirm that feeling.

I definitely had commitment issues – with everything. Signing a contract for 1 year rent? No way! Making life easier with a car? That’s another thing to be responsible for when I want to travel again. Adopting a dog? Isn’t that the opposite of experiencing freedom?

But somehow I did all of that in Bansko. I overcame my commitment issues. Bansko taught me that it is okay to want a base and stability, to build structure in your days and to have a “boring” lifestyle after many years of adventures. I have more focus, more clarity and I feel more energized in Bansko than in a lot of places where I lived before.

I’m not saying I will spend the rest of my life in Bansko, but for now it’s definitely good for my soul, my body and my happiness.

4. Getting from Sofia to Bansko

If you’re coming to Bansko most probably you will first go to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. From Sofia there are several ways to get to Bansko:

• By bus. From the Central Bus Station (Centrala Autogara) you can take a bus to Bansko for 20 leva (€10). Usually the final stop of this line is Gotche Delchev and the bus goes via Blagoevgrad and Razlog. Just check if Bansko (Банско in Cyrillic) is listed in the ride as well. A bus ride from Sofia to Bansko is about 2,5 hours.
• By shuttle bus. In winter time there are shared shuttle busses going from Sofia Airport to Bansko via Traventuria. A trip cost 40 leva (€20) and the bus has space for about 12 to 15 people and luggage. Check the availability of the shuttle busses on the website of Traventuria.
• By private transfer. If your flight has an inconvenient arrival time you probably either have to stay in Sofia for the night or book yourself a private transfer. Private transfers are about 140 to 160 leva (€70-80), no matter how many people are joining.

5. Colivings in Bansko

Since Bansko is such a popular place among digital nomads, it’s not really a surprise that you will find multiple coliving in this tiny town. Colivings are ideal for people who love some privacy, but alsowant that instant, easy social connection with others. So where can you go if you want to stay at a coliving in Bansko?

1. Coliving Avalon

Coliving Avalon has a great location (short walk to either old town or gondola area), friendly staff (say hi to James from me!) and good vibes. Besides the community it’s nice to have a coworking area right next to your room, right? The rooms have private showers, but the kitchen is in the communal area.

For a room for 1 person it’s €654 per month. This coliving is very popular and not very big, so I would advise to book as soon as you know you want to stay here. This is including bills for heating, electricity and water.

2. Four Leaf Clover Coliving

The nice thing about Four Leaf Clover is that there is a good mix of residents and nomads. The residents bring in the best tips in Bansko and the nomads bring in the fresh energy! Four Leaf Clover has multiple buildings, so it’s quite a big place. They have a lively community, there is a coworking area and in summer time you can use the pool too.

There are different options in Four Leaf Clover: for a studio you pay €250 per month and for a 1-bedroom apartment it’s €330 per month. This is NOT including the bills; you have to pay these separately. Check the availability via the website.

3. Coliving Bansko

Coliving Bansko is the newest coliving in town – and I believe also the biggest. The communal area is quite nice and modern and they have events as well. It used to be a big hotel and you can definitely still feel that vibe. A good option if you are looking for a bigger coliving in Bansko.

Prices vary per month, but on average a room is about €600-650 per month. Bills are included in the price. You can check the availability via the website.

4. Valentina Coliving

This is mainly a residential building, but they are more and more changing it into a coliving. There is a coworking area and the community managers organize weekly events. I love their garden in summertime for board games and barbecues! Location wise this is the smartest choice if you want to be on the mountain a lot: from Valentina to the gondola it’s only a 6 minute walk.

There are different options: a studio is €650 per month and a 1-bedroom apartment in Valentina is €750 per month. Bills are included in the price. Check the availability via the website.

6. Coworkings in Bansko

I think Bansko is a great place to have your own apartment and some privacy, since you have easy access to all the social stuf via the coworkings. Most coworkings have member-only events, but also open events like the Friday beers at Altspace Coworking. Everyone is welcome to mingle and meet people, but as a non-member you have to bring your own drinks, members have their drinks included in the membership.

Like the colivings in Bansko, there are also multiple coworkings in town. They each have their own atmosphere and pros, so I usually suggest to check them all out (usually you can get 1 trial day for free) and see what fits your needs and personality.

And who says you have to stick to 1 coworking in Bansko? I am cheating a bit, since I am a member at Altspace Coworking, but I also buy day passes to work sometimes at Nestwork Coworking. 😉

1. Altspace Coworking

This is the first coworking that I used in Bansko, mainly because they were the only coworking that was connected to Croissant; an app where you can check in and out in lots of coworking places. Often I don’t use a coworking all day, but just for 3-4 hours, so a day pass is not always worth the money. If you wanna try out Croissant, please use my referral link to get €15 discount on your first membership.

And it’s the coworking that I still use after years. I think Altspace has the right mix of being social and being productive. With events like movie night, board game events, marketing workshops and masterminds I fit right in this coworking.

Altspace has 3 locations: one on Pirin Street (Downtown), one on Gotche Delchev Street (Central) and one in the gondola area (The Summit).

A 1 month membership for Altspace is €149.

2. Nestwork Coworking

I sometimes joke that I am polyamorous when it’s about the coworkings in Bansko. Because if I have a day where I want to hyperfocus, I will go to Nestwork. This coworking has more of an office vibe, with very nice ergonomic chairs, a separate kitchen area with high ceiling (love it!) and lots of space on the big tables to set up my remote office. Although there are definitely less social events in Nestwork than Altspace, they do have some events and workshops.

For Nestwork I usually buy day passes for 26 leva (€13). You can do this easily online once you have an account.

Nestwork has 2 locations in Bansko. Both locations are in the old town area, the 2 buildings are next to each other.

A 1 month membership for Nestwork is €142.

3. Coworking Bansko

And last but not least there is Coworking Bansko; the first coworking in town. You will recognize their locations and events usually because of the orange brand colour. I mainly know Coworking Bansko as the previous founder of Bansko Nomad Fest; the event that brought me initially to Bansko in 2021.

I think I can call Coworking Bansko the most social coworking in town. They organize a lot of events and it’s a good coworking if you want to have a buzzing social life in Bansko. To be honest, I usually get the impression that the members do more partying and socializing rather than hardcore working and building businesses. I usually say that this coworking is a great place for starting digital nomads, who want to get used to the lifestyle, get very social and maybe work part-time on a (new) business or as a freelancer.

Coworking Bansko nowadays has 2 working locations; the Main Location and The Lounge. Both locations are in the old town. Besides that the coworking also owns a spot in the forest called the Playground. Especially in summer time they organize barbecues and sleep overs here.

A 1 month membership for Coworking Bansko is €149.

7. Cost of living in Bansko

As I mentioned before, the affordable cost of living is one reason for digital nomads to go to Bansko. I have written a huge article (more than 4000 words!) about the costs of living in Bansko and all the expenses that you can think of. But I’ll share a quick overview with you, to get an idea of the expenses when you are in Bansko.

Total: €1550 in winter and €950 in summer for 1 month in Bansko

Please keep in mind that this summary doesn’t cover your personal expenses like toiletries, clothing, other hobbies, business expenses, insurances and so on. But I think it gives a good idea what you can expect for cost of living in Bansko.

Also read: How Much Is The Cost Of Living In Bansko For 1 Month?

Do you still have more questions about visiting Bansko as a digital nomad? Please drop your questions or comments below in the section below or send a message to jessica@explorebulgarianow.com!

Disclaimer: this page might contain affiliate links. This is a free website, but of course it takes time and energy to gather information, take pictures and videos and create articles to help you. Via affiliate links we get a commission if you buy or book something online. At no extra cost for you! See it as a little thank you for this information. 🙂