The town of Sandanski has a population of 26 inhabitants and is the municipal administrative centre with 53 component settlements. Sandanski lies at a distance of 65 km to the south of the district centre Blagoevgrad. It is an ancient settlement developed around the mineral springs at the southwestern foot of Pirin Mountain in a picturesque valley along the Bistritza River. The town is well-known for its mineral springs, the favourable mild climate, its natural landmarks and its cultural heritage. The mineral springs have a capacity of about 21 litres per second and the temperature of the water is 33-83^oC.

The present town is the successor of an ancient Thracian settlement founded by the Medi tribe. The most prominent representative of the tribe is Spartacus. He is sold as a slave in Rome where he becomes a gladiator and afterwards the leader of the greatest slave rebellion of the Ancient times. The ancient settlement is known under the name Medius. During the period of the Roman Empire Medius is developed and urbanized. The healing springs are captured and a big public bath is built. The Romans called the settlement Dezudava. During the Middle Ages the Bulgarians gave it the name of Sveti Vrach in honour of the two brother-doctors Kozma and Damyan. During the Revival Period the small town grows into an economic and cultural centre. Sandanski is liberated in 1913 and since 1929 it has been proclaimed for a town. The town has its present name since 1949 as a token of gratitude towards Yane Sandanski.

Among the tourist sights of the town are: the archaeological remains of the Thracian settlement Medius, ancient thermal springs, Turkish baths, remains of an Episcopal basilica, the "St. St. Kozma and Damyan" Church (1861), the "Popina Laka" resort and the "Popina Laka" waterfall.

The town is a starting point for the town of Melnik and the Rozhen Monastery.

Tourist sights:

The Archaeological Museum in Sandanski possesses precious exhibits from IV-VI c. related to the history of the town.

The "St.St. Kozma and Damyan" Church in Sandanski is a cultural monument. It is built in 1861.