Blagoevgrad is the main city of Bulgarian Macedonia, a geographic region politically divided into three parts: Republic of North Macedonia, Greek Macedonia and Bulgarian Macedonia.
The city is located in the Struma river valley, at the foot of Rila Mountain (boasting the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula, Musala at 2925 m).
It is home to two universities: the Southwest University and the American University in Bulgaria.
The workshop participants will have the unique possibility to visit this very special part of Bulgaria.
For those who would want to spend a bit more time in the area, there are several suggestions for sights here.
The Southwest University's Centre "Bachinovo" has a hostel on site with double rooms (that can be used as a single room). Registered participants
will receive an accommodation form a few weeks before the start of the workshop. They should fill the form with their preferences if they choose accommodation on-site at the Southwest University Centre "Bachinovo".
Payment for accommodation at the Centre will be made directly in cash (BGN) at the Centre during the Workshop.
The Centre.
Facilities at the Centre:
There is a bar with a garden near the lobby of the Centre. The Centre also offers a fitness room, sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi, table tennis (at an additional cost).
ATM and cash withdrawal: There is no ATM at the Centre.
We recommend that you withdraw cash (BGN) at the ATM ("bankomat") in the Arrivals hall at Sofia airport or at the ATMs located inside the railway or central bus station in Sofia.
The nearest ATM near Blagoevgrad's railway and bus station is located on bul. Sveti Kiril i Metodi at the Unicredit Bulbank office (7-8 min on foot straight ahead from the railway station).
Board and lodging outside the Centre: please arrange your own reservation if you wish to stay outside the Centre. Please note that the Southwest University Centre "Bachinovo" is located at the eastern end of the city park Bachinovo, and the choice of hotels at walking distance is limited.
Location of the Centre
Address: Southwest University Centre Bachinovo, Park Bachinovo, 2728 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.
GPS coordinates: 42°01'59.6"N 23°07'46.6"E, Website: http://bazabachinovo.swu.bg
The Centre "Bachinovo" is located at the eastern end of the park Bachinovo along the river Bistritsa, about 6 km from the bus and railway stations.
The Centre is accessible by taxi from Blagoevgrad's bus and railway station (10-15 BGN).
After you arrive to Blagoevgrad, you can take a taxi from the parking lot next to the railway station/LIDL supermarket.
You can order a taxi in Blagoevgrad from OK Taxi (Tel: +359-73-832121).
The road sign showing the turn towards the Centre, past the Dino Park located in the park Bachinovo.
Travel
Major international airports near Blagoevgrad are Sofia, Bulgaria (IATA Code: SOF) and Thessaloniki, Greece (IATA Code: SKG).
Blagoevgrad is located about 110 km south of Sofia, and is served by direct buses and trains to Sofia.
Please note that the last train from Sofia to Blagoevgrad leaves about 19:30 (7:30pm), while the last (mini)bus leaves about 19:00 (7:00pm).
The bus and railway stations in Sofia are accessible by metro from Terminal 2 of Sofia airport (about 40-50 min ride with a change at Serdica Metro). The metro station is located outside the terminal at the far left end as you exit customs.
If you arrive at Sofia airport, Terminal 1 (used by Easyjet and Wizzair), use the free airport shuttle bus (every 20-30 mins) or city bus 184 (6-7 mins ride) to get to the metro station at Terminal 2.
The fare can be paid by contactless upon boarding the bus/metro (1,60 lev = 0.82 Euro).
If you take a taxi from the airport to the railway or bus station in Sofia, please use the airport licensed taxi (taxi company Yellow!) from the company counter or from the official taxi stand at the exit to your right.
The distance to Thessaloniki, Greece is 195 km, but the train service has been suspended and buses are infrequent (1-2 daily).
