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Kyustendil is situated at the foothills of the Osogovo Mountain in the Kyustendil valley, near the border with Macedonia (22 km) and Serbia (about 30 km). It is 86 km from Sofia and the Pan-European transport corridor 8 goes through there. Its ancient name is Pautalia and the medieval one - Velbazhd. The city is a tourist and SPA centre, as well as an archaeological and architectural reserve. Kyustendil has an 8000-year history, making it one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. During the reign of King Kaloyan it was joined to the Bulgarian state and a certain Konstantin Dragas was appointed a feudal leader. The city is named after him now. The rich cultural heritage of Kyustendil is of interest to the visitors and is presented in museums, archaeological sites, churches, revival buildings and parks. Among the biggest attractions in the town are the ancient baths, the Acropolis of Pautalia, the Dervish Bath, the house museum of Emfiedzhieva, etc. There are also protected areas around the town - the Osogovo Mountain, Mount Viden in the Konyavska Mountain, the ancient beech forest and the Zemen Gorge, the Tsyrna River Reserve and the natural sites of Yuchbounar and the Polish-Skakavishki Waterfalls. Rural and sports tourism is developed in the region of Kyustendil. It is suitable for hunting and fishing as well. There are marked hiking routes and recreational areas. The Lesopark of Hisarlaka is near Kyustendil, too. Visitors may enjoy the beautiful scenery of the town and from the meadows the pedestrians may see the mountains of Osogovo, Rila and Pirin. There are also romantic alleys, rest areas, children's playgrounds, and fountains. The park today is associated with the celebration of Kyustendil's Spring which is a traditional local celebration and it is expressed in receiving and giving away the symbols of the spring, as well as by a carnival and celebrations. This is a place for recreation and cultural activities, green schools and biking. The presence of geothermal water provides conditions for the developing of wellness and SPA tourism in Kyustendil. The mineral water temperature is 74 degrees and it is one of the hottest in the country. It is limpid, colorless, with a strong smell of hydrogen sulfide. The mineral water is suitable for the treatment of respiratory tract, musculoskeletal and gynecological diseases. The accommodation base in the town is limited. Besides classic hotels in Kyustendil, there are several guest houses. A very good alternative to the Kyustendil hotels are the private apartments rented out on a hotel base.