Sofia

The GuardianOct 9, 2026

‘A candelit spa, followed by an ice-cold plunge and a nightcap’: readers’ favourite European wellbeing breaks

From a historic bathhouse in Sweden to forest bathing in Croatia, readers share their favourite places to relax and recharge • Tell us about a small European ski resort – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher Tucked away off a pretty shopping street in a beautiful art nouveau building is one of Stockholm’s oldest spas, Centralbadet where a day ticket costs from £23. As winter darkness descen…

18 things in this story

BankyaNeighborhoodOutskirts of Sofia with natural mineral springs.
Central Mineral Bath BankyaHotelOpulent bathhouse owned by Sofia municipality.
Elsewhere
Gamla StanTrain stationStockholm, SwedenOld town seen from Fotografiska restaurant.
CentralbadetHotelStockholm, SwedenStockholm's oldest spa in an art nouveau building.
Fotografiska restaurantRestaurantStockholm, SwedenRestaurant with views of Gamla Stan and Lake Mälaren.
Lake MälarenSightStockholm, SwedenLake seen from Fotografiska restaurant.
Cley and Salthouse marshesSightCley-next-the-sea, United KingdomBirdwatching spot in Norfolk with two bird hides.
Hello Outdoors shepherd’s hut saunaPlaceLymington, United KingdomSauna with window overlooking Lymington Sea Water Baths.
Lymington Sea Water BathsSightLymington, United KingdomHistoric sea water baths in Hampshire.
Terma BaniaHotelZakopane, PolandPool and spa centre in Zakopane ski resort.
Lochside Sauna at West Coast WellnessPlaceEvanachan, United KingdomPeaceful sauna on the shore of Loch Fyne.
Loch FyneSightEvanachan, United KingdomLoch where Lochside Sauna is located.
Inver restaurantRestaurantEvanachan, United KingdomRestaurant near Lochside Sauna.
Pool Bridge FarmSightYork, United KingdomSite with four lakes for wild swimming and sauna.
Wheldrake Ings nature reserveNature reserveYork, United KingdomWildlife destination for waterfowl in North Yorkshire.
Park mit Allen SinnenSightFreiburg, GermanyPark of all senses with barefoot sensory trail.
Sliabh Liag SaunaPlaceTeelin, IrelandWood-fired sauna on Teelin pier in Donegal.
Sliabh Liag sea cliffsSightTeelin, IrelandSea cliffs towering 601 metres above the sea.

Read the full piece at The Guardian →

Lonely PlanetSep 27

The Best Budget Destinations in Europe for 2026

Looking to travel for less? Check out our top budget travel destinations for 2026.

25 things in this story

Aleksander Nevski CathedralSightneo-Byzantine, Russian-inspired landmark built between 1882 and 1912
Serdica amphitheaterAttractionruins of the Roman-era amphitheater
Vitosha BoulevardTram stopbusy boulevard for people-watching
City GardenParkgarden home to the Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Ivan Vazov National TheatreTheatreelegant theatre in the City Garden
City Art GalleryMuseumfree on the second and fourth Thursday of the month
Vasil Levski Sofia AirportAirportserves Sofia with budget airlines
Elsewhere
Tirana International AirportSightTirana, Albaniaserves Tirana with budget airlines
Pazari i RiMarketTirana, Albaniamarket by Avni Rustemi Square for picnic ingredients
Pyramid of TiranaAttractionTirana, Albaniaco-designed by dictator's daughter
Sheshi SkënderbejSightTirana, Albaniagrand square with a restored 18th-century mosque
Namazgja MosqueSightTirana, Albaniaimposing mosque built after state atheism policy relaxed
National Historical MuseumMuseumTirana, Albaniaentry fee for Communist-era frieze
Tirana Lake ParkSightTirana, Albaniapark with church, palace, and zoo
St Procopius ChurchSightTirana, Albaniachurch within Tirana Lake Park
Presidential PalaceSightTirana, Albaniapalace within Tirana Lake Park
Tirana ZooParkTirana, Albaniazoo within Tirana Lake Park
ČaršijaNeighborhoodSkopje, North Macedoniaatmospheric old town to wander around
Tvrdina Kale FortressAttractionSkopje, North Macedonia6th-century fortress with views
National Gallery of MacedoniaGallerySkopje, North Macedoniahoused in a former Ottoman bathhouse
DestanRestaurantSkopje, North Macedoniaoffers tasty kebabs with freshly baked bread
Skopje International AirportPlaceSkopje, North Macedoniareceives low-cost Wizz Air flights
Kameni MostSightSkopje, North Macedonia
Sveti Spas ChurchPlace of worshipSkopje, North Macedonia
Mustafa Pasha MosquePlace of worshipSkopje, North Macedonia

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

‘A candelit spa, followed by an ice-cold plunge and a nightcap’: readers’ favourite European wellbeing breaks

The Best Budget Destinations in Europe for 2026

How We Pulled It Off: A Palace Wedding on the Bulgarian Coast Full of Happy Color