Discover Plovdiv Province

Plovdiv Province stretches from the Upper Thracian Plain across parts of the Rhodope Mountains and Sredna Gora to the sub-Balkan valleys and the Balkan Mountains. Rivers also shape the region: the Maritsa and its tributaries, as well as the Pyasachnik, Stryama, Vacha and Chepelarska, flow through it. Its diverse landscapes and rich history offer a range of possible focuses for your trip. When choosing where to stay, it helps to first decide which places and experiences interest you most.

Plovdiv as a reference point

Plovdiv is the geographical and logistical centre of the Thracian tourism area. The city is also an important international railway hub and part of European transport corridors of national and international significance. The Trakia Motorway runs through the region. When planning your journey, you can therefore consider transport options separately for the places you want to visit; specific distances and journey times depend on your itinerary.

Within Plovdiv itself, notable sights reflect different historical contexts. The Ancient Plovdiv architectural and historical reserve offers walks through different eras and views of ancient buildings adapted to modern life. It lies on a natural rise formed by the three closely situated hills of Dzhambaz Hill, Nebet Hill and Taksim Hill. The reserve is open to visitors year-round; admission fees apply to some sites. Check visitor information before your trip.

Ancient and religious history

The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis was built in the 90s of the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. It serves as a venue for opera, music and theatre. If you would like to attend a performance, check the programme for your travel dates. Plovdiv is also home to the Small Early Christian Basilica, which dates from the 5th or 6th century. The Roman Stadium is located on the city’s main pedestrian street, between Sahat Tepe and Taksim Tepe.

Among the region’s significant religious sights is the Bachkovo Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God; it is also one of Bulgaria’s 100 national tourist sites. Krastova Gora is a sacred place with opportunities for religious tourism. The Red Church of the Holy Mother of God near Perushtitsa, meanwhile, represents a different historical period: this Late Antique and early medieval basilica was in use from the 4th to the 14th century. These places offer different starting points for a trip focused on religious history and early architecture.

Landscapes, springs and places to visit

Belintash is a natural landmark in Plovdiv Province, in Asenovgrad Municipality near the village of Sini Vrah. Chervenata Stena is a nature reserve in the region. The Rhodope Mountains offer opportunities for mountain, eco, hunting and fishing tourism. The range of activities extends beyond historical sightseeing; you can take your interests into account when choosing a base for your trip.

Mineral springs can be found in several parts of the region, including Hisarya, Klisura, Asenovgrad and Banya. The springs are one regional feature to consider when choosing a focus for your trip. A narrow path leads uphill to the church and feudal castle at Asen’s Fortress; there is a car park at the fortress. Check local conditions before setting out. This way, you can plan your trip around specific destinations rather than treating landscapes, culture and transport as a single focus.

Discover more destinations: Plovdiv, Vinitsa, Borovo, Sopot, Kalofer, Belitsa, Brestnik, Hisarya, Parvomay, Bresovo, Parvomay, Laki, Krichim, Kuklen, Rhodope Municipality, Asenovgrad, Kaloyanovo, Stamboliyski, Karlovo, Hisarya, Brezovo, Maritsa, Perushtitsa, Rodopi.

For an overview of the wider area: Bulgaria.