Thrace, Bulgaria Travel Guide

Discover Thrace in Bulgaria: A land of ancient ruins, vibrant festivals, and stunning landscapes. Explore rich history, local wines, and the beauty of nature in this captivating region.

Welcome to Thrace, a region rich in history and natural beauty, nestled in the southeastern part of Bulgaria. This enchanting destination is known for its rolling hills, fertile valleys, and ancient ruins that tell stories of a bygone era. The landscape is dotted with vineyards and sunflowers, creating a picturesque setting that captivates every visitor. Thrace is a treasure trove of archaeological sites, including the famous Thracian tombs that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. The town of Kazanlak is home to the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a well-preserved monument from the 4th century BC. Visitors can explore the tomb's intricate frescoes and gain insights into the life and beliefs of the Thracian people. In addition to its historical significance, Thrace offers a range of outdoor activities. The Strandzha Mountains provide excellent opportunities for hiking and bird watching. The region's rivers and lakes are perfect for fishing and kayaking. Wine enthusiasts will delight in the local wineries, where they can taste some of Bulgaria's finest wines. Thrace is also known for its vibrant cultural festivals. The Rose Festival in Kazanlak celebrates the region's long-standing tradition of rose oil production. Visitors can join in the festivities, which include traditional music, dance, and the crowning of the Rose Queen. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, Thrace has something to offer. Its blend of ancient heritage and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination in Bulgaria.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Thrace.

Visit in late May to early June to experience the Rose Festival in Kazanlak.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring archaeological sites and hiking trails.
Try the local wines; the region is famous for its Mavrud and Rubin varieties.
Check out the Thracian tombs and ancient theaters for a glimpse into the past.
Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant festivals.

Top City Travel Guides in Thrace

The cities of Thrace, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Varna

Burgas

Ruse

Stara Zagora

Shumen

Destinations in Thrace

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Nessebar

Sunny Beach

Sozopol

Bansko

Vitosha Mountain

Explore Thrace: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Thrace

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

"Vulchan Voivoda" Memorial Complex

Discover the Vulchan Voivoda Memorial Complex in Veliko Tarnovo, a historical landmark that honors Bulgaria's courageous fight for freedom during the Russo-Turkish War.

4.8

Regional Museum of History Kardzhali

Explore the Regional Museum of History in Kardzhali for an enriching journey through Bulgaria's vibrant past, filled with fascinating artifacts and stories.

4.6

Toplitsa

Explore the ancient Toplitsa Fortress in Mineralni Bani, Bulgaria, a captivating site where history and nature beautifully intertwine.

4.5

Museum of Religions

Uncover the rich heritage of spirituality and belief at Stara Zagora's Museum of Religions, a unique journey through diverse faiths.

4.4

Best landmarks in Thrace

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Rila Monastery

Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the stunning Rila Mountains of Bulgaria.

4.8

Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis

Discover the grandeur of the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis, an iconic symbol of Bulgaria's rich historical heritage and architectural marvel.

4.7

Ethno village Etar

Experience the charm of Ethno Village Etar, Bulgaria's cultural gem, showcasing traditional crafts, architecture, and folklore in a stunning natural setting.

4.7

Belogradchik Fortress

Explore the historical Belogradchik Fortress, a stunning blend of natural beauty and rich heritage in Bulgaria's captivating landscape.

4.8

Best restaurants in Thrace

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant

Experience authentic Bulgarian cuisine at Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant in Sofia, where tradition meets modern hospitality amidst live music.

4.5

Restaurant Vodenitzata | Вкусна Храна | Достъпни Цени | Безкомпромисно Обслужване

Savor the authentic taste of Bulgaria at Restaurant Vodenitzata in Sofia – where tradition meets exceptional service.

4.5

Under the Linden Trees

Discover authentic Bulgarian flavors at Under the Linden Trees in Sofia, where traditional dishes meet warm hospitality.

4.4

Cosmos Restaurant / Космос

Experience the best of Bulgarian cuisine at Cosmos Restaurant in Sofia - where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.

4.6

Best bars in Thrace

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Бирария Jägerhof - Пловдив

Discover the best Austrian brewpub in Plovdiv, where handcrafted beers and traditional cuisine create an unforgettable culinary experience.

4.6

Morado Bar & Dinner

Discover the vibrant ambiance and delicious offerings of Morado Bar & Dinner in the heart of Plovdiv, a must-visit for food lovers.

4.1

CLUB GRAPHITE

Experience the flavors of Bulgaria at CLUB GRAPHITE, a grill restaurant in Plovdiv known for its delicious dishes and welcoming atmosphere.

4.4

Club Fargo

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Club Fargo, Plovdiv's top cocktail bar, blending exquisite drinks with an unforgettable atmosphere.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Thrace

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Secrets Nightclub

Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Secrets Nightclub - the ultimate disco destination in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.

3.9

Club Pasha | Нощен клуб Пловдив | DJ парти | Алкохолни напитки | Гостуващи изпълнители

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Plovdiv at Club Pasha, where electrifying DJ parties and exciting performances await you.

4.0

Addict Fashion Club

Discover the heart of Hisarya's nightlife at Addict Fashion Club, where music, dance, and fun collide for an unforgettable experience.

4.4

Noir Club

Noir Club in Kazanluk: Dance the Night Away in a Lively Disco Atmosphere with Great Music and a Welcoming Crowd.

4.1

Best shops in Thrace

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

DECATHLON Plovdiv | Пловдив

Discover the ultimate sporting goods store in Plovdiv, offering top-notch gear for sports enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

4.5

Kaufland

Explore Kaufland in Plovdiv for a diverse shopping experience featuring fresh produce, local delicacies, and organic foods to enhance your travel experience.

4.1

Зоомагазин Д-р Стефанов - Нечовешки магазин

Discover a premier pet store in Plovdiv, featuring quality supplies for all your furry friends at Зоомагазин Д-р Стефанов.

4.8

Shop Feydom Bulgaria

Explore Shop Feydom Bulgaria in Plovdiv for a stunning range of sofas that blend comfort with exquisite design, perfect for any home.

4.9

Explore Thrace on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Thrace, mapped for you.

Thrace Essentials

Thrace is located in the southeastern part of Bulgaria. The nearest major airport is Plovdiv International Airport, approximately 150 kilometers away from the heart of Thrace. Sofia International Airport, the largest in Bulgaria, is about 250 kilometers away. From these airports, you can rent a car, take a bus, or use a train to reach Thrace. Buses and trains are frequent from major cities like Plovdiv and Sofia to various towns in Thrace.
Public transportation in Thrace is reliable and affordable. Buses and trains connect most towns and cities within the region. For local transport, taxis are readily available, and car rentals can be arranged in larger towns. Bicycles are also a popular way to explore the scenic countryside. If you prefer guided tours, several local agencies offer day trips and excursions.
The official currency in Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger towns. However, it's advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting rural areas and smaller establishments. ATMs are available in most towns, and currency exchange services can be found in major cities.
Thrace is generally a safe region for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some neighborhoods in larger towns may have higher crime rates, but they are not known for targeting tourists specifically. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number can connect you to police, medical services, and fire departments. Hospitals and clinics are available in larger towns, and pharmacies are widely accessible for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly nod or a slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Thrace like a local, visit the regional markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Bulgarian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and eager to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Thracian tombs, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For a unique experience, explore the Rhodope Mountains and the picturesque villages scattered throughout the region.

When is the best time to visit Thrace?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Thrace

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Thrace. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloЗдравейте
  [Zdraveyte]
- GoodbyeДовиждане
  [Dovizhdane]
- YesДа
  [Da]
- NoНе
  [Ne]
- Please/You're welcomeМоля/Няма за какво
  [Molya/Nyama za kakvo]
- Thank youБлагодаря
  [Blagodarya]
- Excuse me/SorryИзвинете/Съжалявам
  [Izvinete/Sazhalyavam]
- How are you?Как сте?
  [Kak ste?]
- Fine. And you?Добре. А вие?
  [Dobre. A vie?]
- Do you speak English?Говорите ли английски?
  [Govorite li angliyski?]
- I don't understandНе разбирам
  [Ne razbiram]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseБих искал да видя менюто, моля
  [Bih iskal da vidya menyuto, molya]
- I don't eat meatНе ям месо
  [Ne yam meso]
- Cheers!Наздраве!
  [Nazdrave!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseБих искал да платя, моля
  [Bih iskal da platya, molya]
- Help!Помощ!
  [Pomoshch!]
- Go away!Заминавай!
  [Zaminavay!]
- Call the Police!Викайте полиция!
  [Vikayte politsiya!]
- Call a doctor!Викайте доктор!
  [Vikayte doktor!]
- I'm lostЗагубен съм
  [Zaguben sŭm]
- I'm illБолен съм
  [Bolen sŭm]
- I'd like to buy...Бих искал да купя...
  [Bih iskal da kupya...]
- I'm just lookingСамо гледам
  [Samo gledam]
- How much is it?Колко струва?
  [Kolko struva?]
- That's too expensiveТова е твърде скъпо
  [Tova e tvarde skŭpo]
- Can you lower the price?Можете ли да намалите цената?
  [Mozhete li da namalite tsenata?]
- What time is it?Колко е часът?
  [Kolko e chasŭt?]
- It's one o'clockЧасът е един
  [Chasŭt e edīn]
- Half past (10)Десет и половина
  [Deset i polovina]
- MorningСутрин
  [Sutrin]
- AfternoonСледобед
  [Sledobed]
- EveningВечер
  [Vecher]
- YesterdayВчера
  [Vchera]
- TodayДнес
  [Dnes]
- TomorrowУтре
  [Utre]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?Къде е...?
  [Kŭde e...?]
- What's the address?Какъв е адресът?
  [Kakav e adresŭt?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Можете ли да ми покажете (на картата)?
  [Mozhete li da mi pokazhete (na kartata)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Кога е следващият (автобус)?
  [Koga e sledvashtiyat (avtobus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Билет (до ....)
  [Bilet (do ....)]

History of Thrace

Thrace, an ancient region encompassing parts of modern-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey, was home to the Thracians, an Indo-European people known for their fierce warrior culture and advanced metallurgy. The Thracians inhabited the region from as early as the 2nd millennium BCE. Their society was composed of various tribes, each with its own unique customs and traditions.
The Odrysian Kingdom, established in the 5th century BCE, was the most powerful Thracian state. Founded by King Teres, it unified several Thracian tribes and extended its influence over a large portion of the Balkans. The kingdom played a significant role in the region, engaging in both military and diplomatic relations with the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire.
In the 1st century BCE, Thrace came under Roman domination. The Romans established the province of Thracia in 46 CE, integrating the region into the Roman Empire. Roman rule brought significant infrastructure development, including roads, fortresses, and cities. The city of Philippopolis (modern-day Plovdiv) became a major Roman center, showcasing impressive Roman architecture and urban planning.
Christianity began to spread in Thrace during the early centuries of the Roman Empire. By the 4th century CE, it became the dominant religion in the region. The Edict of Milan in 313 CE, issued by Emperor Constantine, played a crucial role in this transformation, granting religious tolerance to Christians and facilitating the construction of churches and monasteries throughout Thrace.
Following the division of the Roman Empire in 395 CE, Thrace became part of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire. The region continued to flourish under Byzantine rule, serving as a crucial frontier zone against invasions from the north. Significant Byzantine sites in Thrace include the fortress of Tsarevets in Veliko Tarnovo and the remains of the ancient city of Nicopolis ad Istrum.
Thrace witnessed significant changes during the rise of the Bulgarian Empire in the late 7th century. Under the leadership of Khan Asparuh, the Bulgars established the First Bulgarian Empire, which included Thrace. Throughout the medieval period, Thrace was a contested territory, with control oscillating between the Bulgarian Empire and the Byzantine Empire. The region saw the construction of numerous fortresses, churches, and monasteries during this time.
In the late 14th century, Thrace fell under Ottoman control following the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396. The region remained part of the Ottoman Empire for nearly five centuries. Ottoman rule brought about significant changes in the social, economic, and cultural landscape of Thrace. The legacy of this period is evident in the architectural and cultural influences that persist in the region to this day.
The 18th and 19th centuries marked a period of national awakening for Bulgarians, known as the Bulgarian Revival. During this time, efforts to revive Bulgarian culture, language, and national identity gained momentum. Thrace played a pivotal role in this revival, with the establishment of schools, cultural institutions, and revolutionary movements aimed at achieving independence from Ottoman rule.
Following the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule in 1878, Thrace became an integral part of the modern Bulgarian state. The region has since experienced significant development and modernization. Today, Thrace is known for its rich cultural heritage, archaeological sites, and vibrant communities, making it a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history and culture.