Thrace and the Rhodopes

Region

The south-central plain and the forested Rhodope Mountains along the Greek border. Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities, has a Roman theatre and a colourful old town, Kazanlak has Thracian tombs and the Valley of Roses, and the Rhodopes have Bachkovo Monastery, cave systems, the Pamporovo ski resort and villages like Shiroka Laka. The roses bloom in late May and June.

Thrace and the Rhodopes Thracian Tomb of KazanlakBotev PeakRose ValleyCentral Balkan National ParkPerperikonSredna GoraSeuthopolisSakar (mountain)Dzhumaya MosqueBuzludzha monumentPlovdiv Regional Ethnographic MuseumGolyam PerelikCathedral of St Louis (Plovdiv)Thracian tomb of AleksandrovoTrigrad GorgeUhlovitsaAlyosha Monument, PlovdivPlovdiv SynagogueRilo–Rhodope massifDevil's Throat CaveDospat ReservoirGreat Basilica, PlovdivShipka MonumentStadium of PhilippopolisVilla ArmiraKoprinka ReservoirKurshum MosquePhilippopolis (Thrace)Vacha ReservoirOborishteVelingradPlovdivSmolyanDevinAsenovgradKazanlakPlovdiv Roman theatreBachkovo MonasteryStara ZagoraSlivenHaskovoYambolPazardzhikKardzhaliKarlovoDimitrovgradNova ZagoraPanagyurishteHarmanliPeshteraSvilengrad

Thrace and the Rhodopes essentials

Country: Bulgaria
Driest months: Aug-Oct
Pay in: Lev (лв)
Language: Bulgarian
Emergency: 166

Where to Go in Thrace and the Rhodopes

City Plovdiv PlovdivAncient city of a Roman theatre City Stara Zagora Stara ZagoraCity known for its historical significance City Sliven SlivenCity in Sliven Province, Bulgaria City Haskovo HaskovoCity in Bulgaria known for its historical sites History Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak Thracian Tomb of KazanlakThracian burial mound with well-preserved frescoes History Perperikon PerperikonAncient Thracian archaeological site with ruins and sanctuary History Seuthopolis SeuthopolisRuined ancient Thracian city from Hellenistic period History Plovdiv Roman theatre Plovdiv Roman theatreAncient Roman theatre in Plovdiv still hosting performances Nature Botev Peak Botev PeakHighest summit of Bulgaria's Stara Planina range Nature Central Balkan National Park Central Balkan National ParkBulgarian national park protecting central Balkan mountain ecosystems Nature Sredna Gora Sredna GoraMountain range in central Bulgaria with forested ridges Nature Sakar (mountain) Sakar (mountain)Low mountain range in southern Bulgaria with forests
Regions & Cities
Velingrad Explore Velingrad Nestled in the Rhodope foothills, Velingrad attracts spa-goers to dozens of mineral spring pools and small thermal hotels; pine forests surround hiking trails and tavernas serve grilled mutton and banitsa. Plovdiv Explore Plovdiv Cobblestones in Plovdiv lead from a Roman theatre to hilltop ruins and an Old Town of painted houses and narrow galleries. Smolyan Explore Smolyan High in the Rhodope Mountains, Smolyan is a mountain hub for skiing at Pamporovo, shepherding traditions and meandering rivers; tiled town squares, narrow alleys and nearby caves invite hikers and spelunkers. Devin Explore Devin High in the Rhodopes, Devin is known for mineral springs, spa hotels and trout-heavy cuisine; visitors come to chairlift views, forest hikes and local wellness treatments that draw weekend crowds from regional cities. Asenovgrad Explore Asenovgrad Beneath the Rhodope foothills Asenovgrad funnels pilgrims and wine lovers toward Bachkovo Monastery, Asen’s Fortress and local wine cellars; expect brick Ottoman streets, meze and grilled lamb, plus afternoon market stalls selling figs and walnuts. Kazanlak Explore Kazanlak Kazanlak anchors the Valley of Roses: rose-oil workshops, the Thracian Tomb museum and the nearby Shipka Pass memorial. Plovdiv Roman theatre Explore Plovdiv Roman theatre Well-preserved Roman theatre in Plovdiv’s Old Town; used for performances and open-air concerts, and visited for Roman stone tiers, city views, and summer cultural events. Bachkovo Monastery Explore Bachkovo Monastery Nestled near Asenovgrad, Bachkovo Monastery combines medieval Byzantine architecture, extensive frescoes and a museum.

Thrace and the Rhodopes at a Glance

Local Time
2:11 AM
GMT+2
Population
1,865,572

Best Things to Do in Thrace and the Rhodopes