Fit nature-lover Desi Leshtarska offers her pick for a single-day escape.

People who live in Sofia have a saying: every place outside Sofia is a good place. After a number of efforts to release stress in an urban environment, I am beginning to think that they are right.

Bankya is a picturesque town just 10 km west of Sofia and, depending on the time of day and week, is reachable in 10 to 40 minutes. It is in the foothills of Lyulin mountain, and real estate agents insist on calling it “the small spa resort” Bankya. This is not far from the truth, because the town of Bankya is most popular for its mineral springs. Still, I prefer to think of it as an unpretentious, green spot close to Sofia, with plenty of fresh air, domestic animals and a beautiful landscape.

In the past, Bankya was the residence of Bulgaria’s long-time communist dictator Todor Zhivkov. Now, apart from the spa centres and the Bankia mineral water plant, Bankya is famous as the birth place and residence of Sofia mayor Boiko Borisov.

Bankya offers great opportunities for spending free time. Here’s one suggestion:

Start your Bankya day at Spa Hotel Bankya Palace (www.bankyapalace.com) with a coffee in the swimming pool bar. Then ask the receptionists how to get to the National Race Course. Horse-back riding is a superb experience. Even if you fail to conquer your nervousness and do not have a go at horse-riding, just being around them, watching them and communicating with them will bring you peace and satisfaction.

For the more adventurous, there are lessons for beginners. If you decide to try, bear in mind that you’ll remember the experience for a long time, at very least because of severe muscle cramps. And if gambling is your cup of tea, take note that from May 18 to August 10 there are horse races every Saturday at 3pm (bets are taken).

Afterwards, I suggest that you to go back to the hotel for a 75-minute massage with chocolate. It is described in the hotel brochure as “the most sensitive and tender massage” and this is not just sweet talk.

Before you leave, ask the way to St Petka Monastery, which is on the road for Klisura, and well worth seeing.