Bansko, a charming ski resort town nestled in the scenic Pirin Mountains of southwestern Bulgaria, has been gaining popularity among digital nomads seeking an idyllic location to live and work remotely. The town offers an affordable cost of living, fast internet speeds, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas, attracting a growing community of like-minded individuals.
With its low cost of living compared to other European digital nomad destinations, Bansko provides an ideal opportunity for remote workers to save money while enjoying a high quality of life. The surrounding mountains and natural hot springs offer a picturesque backdrop for both work and leisure, providing a tranquil and inspiring environment.
Exploring the hype about Bansko
One of Bansko’s standout features is its fast and reliable internet connection, ensuring digital nomads can stay connected and productive. This crucial aspect of remote work is well taken care of in this vibrant town.
Bansko boasts a thriving community of digital nomads, fostering networking opportunities and social interactions with fellow remote workers. The strong sense of camaraderie and shared experiences make Bansko an inviting and supportive place to pursue the digital nomad lifestyle.
In addition to work, Bansko offers a wide range of recreational activities. While renowned for its skiing and snowboarding opportunities, the town also provides ample options for hiking, biking, and cultural events. Digital nomads can strike a perfect work-life balance by immersing themselves in nature and exploring the local attractions during their downtime.
The success of Bansko Nomad Fest
The recent Bansko Nomad Fest, held from June 25 to July 2, 2023, further solidified Bansko’s position as a digital nomad hub as it positioned itself as the biggest digital nomad gathering!
This week-long event brought together hundreds of nomads, remote workers, and freelancers in the beautiful village of Bansko for an enriching mix of presentations, workshops, sports, mindfulness activities, and nature exploration.
Last year’s festival attracted 550 attendees from 41 countries, and this year’s event accommodated 729 nomads, according to the founder Matthias Zeitler.
Building nomad utopia: The Semkovo Coliving Project
Another exciting development in Bansko is the Semkovo Coliving Project. An entrepreneur, Matthias Zeitler, plans to transform a former hotel originally built for Bulgaria’s Communist Party members into a modern co-living space for digital nomads. Through a crowdfunding campaign, Zeitler aims to raise $6 million to renovate the hotel and create a cooperative to manage the facility.
With 98 out of 102 apartments already sold, the project is off to a promising start. We are finalizing legal procedures related to splitting the hotel building into apartments and starting renovations by October, says Matthias Zeitler
The Semkovo Coliving Project aims to leverage the extensive network of digital nomads that Zeitler has cultivated through his management of a coworking space in Bansko and the popular annual Bansko Nomad Fest. By involving both individuals and corporations, Zeitler intends to create a vibrant community and provide an attractive option for companies seeking to offer mountain retreats to their employees.
While the challenges of refurbishing a historic building remain, the Semkovo Coliving Project has the potential to breathe new life into this former communist-era hotel. The co-op ownership model aligns with the spirit of community that defines the digital nomad lifestyle and could help draw in more individuals to experience the unique charm of Bansko.
As the digital nomad movement continues to grow, Bansko stands out as a hidden gem, offering a combination of affordability, natural beauty, a welcoming community, and a range of activities. Whether it’s skiing down the slopes or networking with fellow nomads, Bansko provides a fulfilling and enriching environment for digital nomads seeking an exceptional lifestyle in the heart of Bulgaria’s mountainous landscape.
Check out the video by a Digital Nomad Sergio Sala about living in Bansko: