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Thrace
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Explore Bulgarian Thrace through Plovdiv’s ancient streets, Thracian tombs, Rhodope landscapes, vineyards and historic cities across the southern plain.

Thrace is the broad historical and cultural landscape of southern Bulgaria, centred on the fertile Upper Thracian Plain and extending towards the foothills of the Rhodopes, Sredna Gora and Sakar. It is not a single modern administrative region, but a useful travel area linking Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Stara Zagora, Haskovo, Kardzhali and surrounding districts. Vineyards, sunflower fields and orchards occupy much of the plain, while wooded hills rise towards the south and south-east. The Maritsa River, Bulgaria’s largest river, crosses the region on its way towards the Aegean.
Read more about Thrace
Plovdiv is Thrace’s principal cultural centre and one of Bulgaria’s most rewarding historic cities. Its Roman theatre, ancient stadium, Ottoman-era streets and colourful National Revival houses reflect the many civilisations that shaped the plain. Eastwards, Stara Zagora combines a modern, spacious city with an important archaeological story: beneath parts of the present settlement lie the remains of Augusta Traiana, while the Neolithic Dwellings Museum preserves evidence of one of Europe’s earliest settled communities. Pazardzhik offers access to the western plain and nearby mountain landscapes, while Haskovo and Kardzhali provide gateways to the eastern Rhodopes.
Ancient Thrace is the region’s most evocative historical layer. Tombs, sanctuaries, fortresses and precious objects testify to the power of Thracian rulers, whose societies flourished before Roman rule. The Kazanlak area, at the northern edge of the Thracian plain, contains celebrated tombs associated with the Valley of the Thracian Kings, while the eastern Rhodopes preserve imposing archaeological sites such as Perperikon and Tatul. These places are part of a wider cultural landscape rather than isolated monuments, and their settings among hills and open farmland are central to their appeal.
The region’s food and drink draw on both Bulgarian and broader Balkan traditions. Plovdiv has the most varied restaurant scene, but smaller towns are well suited to grilled meats, slow-cooked dishes, seasonal vegetables, banitsa and local dairy products. Thrace is also one of Bulgaria’s important wine-producing areas, with vineyards on the plain and around the foothills. Wineries, cellar tastings and wine routes are most practical by car or organised excursion, especially when travelling between towns.
Thrace rewards an itinerary that combines urban heritage with archaeological and rural journeys. Plovdiv works well as a base for western Thrace, while Stara Zagora, Haskovo or Kardzhali can help divide longer routes. Summer heat on the plain can be intense, whereas spring and autumn are comfortable for ruins, vineyards and walking. In the Rhodopes, roads become more winding and distances take longer than the map suggests, making time, weather and transport planning particularly important.

When is the best time to visit Thrace?

Best: May–June, September · 24–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January540
February835
March1445
April1950
May (best)2455
June (best)2850
July3145
August3040
September (best)2635
October2140
November1445
December750

Getting to and around Thrace

How to get there

Plovdiv is the principal urban gateway to Bulgarian Thrace and is connected by rail and road with Sofia, the Black Sea and southern Bulgaria. Plovdiv Airport is outside the city and has a more limited, changeable international programme than Sofia Airport, which lies outside the region but is the main international gateway for most visitors; Sofia can be linked with Plovdiv by road or train. Stara Zagora, Haskovo and other regional towns are reached by intercity trains and buses. Travellers heading to the eastern Rhodopes generally continue by road from Plovdiv, Stara Zagora or Sofia.

Transportation

Rail and intercity buses connect the principal cities, although services are less convenient for scattered archaeological sites, wineries and mountain villages. Plovdiv and Stara Zagora are walkable in their central areas, with local buses and taxis for longer urban journeys. A hire car is particularly helpful for linking Thracian tombs, rural wineries, Bachkovo Monastery and eastern Rhodope sites, but roads become narrower and more winding south of the plain. Allow generous journey times in the hills, and avoid assuming that a short map distance represents a quick drive.

Top city travel guides in Thrace

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

Destinations in Thrace

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

Best attractions in Thrace

Bulgarian Thrace offers an unusually broad mixture of urban archaeology, prehistoric heritage, religious monuments, wine country and open landscapes. Plovdiv’s Ancient Stadium, Roman theatre and archaeological complex make the city the region’s principal historic attraction, while the Neolithic Dwellings Museum in Stara Zagora presents a rare, tangible view of prehistoric domestic life. Around Kazanlak, tombs and memorial sites associated with the Valley of the Thracian Kings reveal the artistic culture of ancient Thracian rulers. Bachkovo Monastery provides a contrasting experience of medieval and Orthodox heritage in a wooded mountain setting. Further east, Perperikon and Tatul bring visitors into the eastern Rhodopes, where sanctuaries and fortified remains occupy dramatic rocky terrain. Wine estates across the plain offer tastings by arrangement, and the Rhodope foothills provide opportunities for walking, photography and village visits. The attraction landscape is dispersed: city museums can be combined with archaeological excursions, but rural sites require careful transport planning and are rarely suited to an improvised route.

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Best landmarks in Thrace

Plovdiv’s Roman theatre is the most recognisable architectural landmark in Thrace, occupying a hillside above the city and still used for performances. Nearby, the Ancient Stadium and the layered streets of the Old Town illustrate how Roman, Ottoman and Bulgarian National Revival architecture coexist within one urban landscape. Stara Zagora’s Forum complex and surviving sections of Augusta Traiana mark the city’s Roman importance, while the Neolithic Dwellings Museum preserves an even earlier landmark of settlement history. The Kazanlak Tomb, known for its finely painted Hellenistic-era murals, is among the region’s most significant ancient monuments, although its conservation-sensitive interior is carefully managed. In the hills south of Plovdiv, Bachkovo Monastery is distinguished by its medieval foundation, churches and painted courtyards. Perperikon, a vast rock-cut and fortified complex in the eastern Rhodopes, gives the region one of its most powerful archaeological silhouettes; the sanctuary and tomb complex at Tatul adds another important Thracian site in the same broader landscape.

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Best restaurants in Thrace

Dining in Thrace reflects the fertile plain, agricultural traditions and cultural connections linking Bulgaria with the wider Balkans. Plovdiv has the most varied choice, from contemporary restaurants in the central districts to traditional mehanas serving shopska salad, grilled meats, kavarma, banitsa and seasonal vegetable dishes. Stara Zagora, Haskovo and Kardzhali provide more local, informal dining, including cafés, family restaurants and bakeries. In villages and wine-producing districts, menus commonly emphasise regional produce, yoghurt, white cheese, peppers, aubergines, herbs and slow-cooked meat rather than elaborate presentation. The Rhodope influence becomes stronger towards the mountains, where potato-based dishes, dairy products and hearty stews are especially appropriate in cooler weather. Local wineries and cellar restaurants may pair regional food with Bulgarian wines, but visits often need advance booking. Farmers’ markets and food shops are useful for fruit, honey, preserves and baked goods, while visitors should expect meal times and menu availability to be more limited outside the larger towns.

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Best bars in Thrace

Evening life in Bulgarian Thrace is concentrated in Plovdiv, with smaller but active scenes in Stara Zagora, Haskovo and other sizeable towns. Plovdiv’s central streets and creative districts contain wine bars, cafés, cocktail venues, traditional pubs and places hosting live music, while theatres and cultural events add alternatives to late-night drinking. Stara Zagora and Haskovo offer restaurants, beer bars and modest club scenes, particularly for local residents and younger visitors. In rural Thrace and the Rhodopes, evenings are more likely to centre on a family restaurant, village inn, winery or hotel terrace than a nightclub. Bulgarian wine is an important part of the regional identity, and tastings provide a more place-specific evening activity than a standard bar crawl. Opening arrangements and seasonal programming vary, so check locally rather than relying on outdated listings.

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Best nightclubs in Thrace

Evening life in Bulgarian Thrace is concentrated in Plovdiv, with smaller but active scenes in Stara Zagora, Haskovo and other sizeable towns. Plovdiv’s central streets and creative districts contain wine bars, cafés, cocktail venues, traditional pubs and places hosting live music, while theatres and cultural events add alternatives to late-night drinking. Stara Zagora and Haskovo offer restaurants, beer bars and modest club scenes, particularly for local residents and younger visitors. In rural Thrace and the Rhodopes, evenings are more likely to centre on a family restaurant, village inn, winery or hotel terrace than a nightclub. Bulgarian wine is an important part of the regional identity, and tastings provide a more place-specific evening activity than a standard bar crawl. Opening arrangements and seasonal programming vary, so check locally rather than relying on outdated listings.

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Best shops in Thrace

Shopping in Thrace is strongest in the historic centres and market districts of Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Haskovo and Kardzhali. Plovdiv combines ordinary high-street retail with independent design shops, bookshops, galleries, antiques and craft stores, particularly around its central pedestrian areas and the Old Town. Smaller towns are useful for practical local shopping, bakeries, seasonal produce and markets rather than extensive specialist retail. Regional food products make reliable souvenirs: Bulgarian wine, honey, rose products from the wider central Bulgarian area, preserves, dried herbs, cheese and sweets are widely available, though labels and provenance should be checked. Pottery, woven goods, woodwork and religious items can be found through craft outlets and monastery shops, but quality varies. Rural markets provide a more direct view of everyday commerce, with fruit, vegetables, pickles and household goods changing according to the season.

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Thrace essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Bulgarian lev, with the international code BGN, used throughout Thrace and the rest of Bulgaria. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, established restaurants, supermarkets and urban shops, especially in Plovdiv and the larger towns. Cash remains useful for small cafés, village shops, local markets, taxis and some rural attractions. ATMs are common in cities but less dependable in remote villages, so carry a modest amount of lev when travelling through the Rhodopes or between archaeological sites.
Safety
Ordinary precautions are appropriate in busy transport areas, historic centres and crowded summer venues. The main regional hazards are practical: strong summer heat on the open plain, uneven surfaces at ruins, slippery paths after rain and winding roads in the Rhodopes. Drink water, use sun protection and wear firm footwear for hilltop sanctuaries and fortresses. If driving, expect differing road conditions and avoid rushing on mountain routes. Check local conditions before walking in remote areas, particularly in hot or stormy weather.
Emergency Situations
The national emergency number 112 operates throughout Bulgaria for police, fire and ambulance services and can be used by visitors. Give a clear location, especially near a village, archaeological site or mountain road, and keep identification and travel insurance details accessible. Mobile coverage can be uneven in parts of the Rhodopes, so do not rely solely on a phone for remote walks. For urgent medical help, contact 112; pharmacies and medical facilities are more readily available in the larger towns than in rural districts.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when entering churches and monasteries, and follow instructions at archaeological sites, where fragile interiors may have restricted photography or access. Ask before photographing people, religious ceremonies or private property. In restaurants, service charges are not universally included, and rounding up or leaving a modest tip is customary for good service rather than an obligation. Do not remove stones, pottery or other material from ruins, and respect marked paths, vineyards, village customs and quiet residential streets.
Local Tips
Plovdiv is an efficient starting point, but the region is best understood through a route that includes at least one smaller city and one rural or Rhodope excursion. The Valley of the Thracian Kings is most rewarding when several sites are considered together rather than treated as a single stop. Wine visits usually require advance arrangements, while village restaurants may have limited menus and irregular hours. Public transport is more practical between major towns than between their surrounding monuments, so check the final connection before committing to a day trip.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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

Neolithic communities and early settlement

Southern Bulgaria contains some of Europe’s earliest settled communities. The Neolithic Dwellings Museum in Stara Zagora preserves remains of a substantial prehistoric house settlement dating from the sixth millennium BC, when farming communities built timber-and-clay homes and developed increasingly complex domestic lives. Other archaeological finds across the Upper Thracian Plain show that fertile soils, reliable water and routes through the surrounding hills encouraged settlement for thousands of years. These communities formed the deep prehistoric foundation of the region’s later agricultural and urban history.

The Thracian kingdoms

From the first millennium BC, Thracian communities and dynasties occupied the plain, river valleys and Rhodope uplands. Rather than forming one permanently unified state, Thrace was divided among competing rulers and tribes who traded with the Greek world and later confronted Macedonian and Roman power. Tombs near Kazanlak, the sanctuary at Tatul and the hilltop complex of Perperikon illustrate the religious, political and artistic sophistication of these societies. Gold and silver objects, painted tomb chambers and monumental stonework reveal an elite culture whose legacy remains central to Bulgaria’s historical identity.

Roman cities and roads

Rome incorporated Thrace during the first century AD and reorganised the region through roads, military administration and urban institutions. Philippopolis, modern Plovdiv, became one of the empire’s leading cities in the Balkans, while Augusta Traiana, modern Stara Zagora, developed as an important urban centre. Roman streets, theatres, forums, baths and defensive structures remain visible in both cities. The Maritsa corridor also formed part of wider networks connecting the interior Balkans with the Aegean, enabling trade, movement and the spread of Roman culture.

Medieval frontiers and Christian foundations

During the medieval period, Thrace occupied a contested frontier between the Byzantine Empire and the Bulgarian states. Plovdiv changed hands more than once, while fortified settlements and mountain passes gained strategic importance. Christianity shaped the region’s institutions and landscape, with monasteries becoming centres of worship, learning and artistic production. Bachkovo Monastery, founded in the eleventh century in the foothills south of Plovdiv, is one of the most significant surviving foundations from this tradition. Its buildings and murals reflect Bulgarian, Byzantine and later Ottoman-era influences.

Ottoman rule and the revival of Bulgarian towns

The region became part of the Ottoman Empire in the late fourteenth century and remained there for several centuries. Plovdiv, known under its Ottoman name Filibe, grew as a commercial and administrative centre, while market towns across the plain connected agricultural producers with regional trade routes. Mosques, baths, bridges and houses survive alongside Christian churches and later Bulgarian National Revival architecture. In the nineteenth century, schools, churches, publishing and commercial networks helped foster Bulgarian cultural and political movements before the region became part of the modern Bulgarian state.

Modern agriculture, industry and urban growth

After the establishment of modern Bulgaria, the Upper Thracian Plain developed as one of the country’s principal agricultural areas, producing cereals, vegetables, fruit and grapes. Railways and improved roads strengthened links between Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Pazardzhik and the wider national economy. Socialist industrialisation brought substantial manufacturing and urban expansion, particularly around the larger cities. Since the political and economic changes of the late twentieth century, the region has combined established agriculture and industry with tourism, cultural conservation, wine production and a growing service economy.

Thrace in Photos

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The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate App-Based Travel Guide to Thrace, Bulgaria

Discover the wonders of Thrace with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more to make your trip unforgettable.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information for each location including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app
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More about the Evendo app

Experience Thrace like never before with Evendo. This free travel guide app offers detailed information on attractions, restaurants, hotels, and more, ensuring you make the most of your trip.

  • Comprehensive history and travel essentials for visiting Thrace
  • Curated local tips to experience Thrace like a local
  • Easy navigation through the app and the destination
  • 'Near Me' feature to see what's around you
  • 100% free to use with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Thrace, Bulgaria—a region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. With Evendo, your travels will be simplified and enriched, providing you with comprehensive information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Imagine exploring the ancient ruins of Perperikon, savoring local cuisine at the famed Paldin Restaurant, or wandering through the beautiful landscapes of the Rhodope Mountains—all with the help of a single app.

Evendo is designed to be your all-in-one travel companion. Each location featured in the app comes with a rich set of information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. This makes it easy for you to plan and organize your trip, ensuring you don’t miss out on the hidden gems of Thrace. From booking your hotel stay to reserving tickets for a guided tour of Plovdiv’s Old Town, Evendo has you covered.

The app also offers unique features like the 'Near Me' function, allowing you to see what attractions, restaurants, and shops are close by, no matter where you are in Thrace. With curated local tips, you can experience the region like a true local, discovering lesser-known spots that are often overlooked by traditional travel guides. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

Whether you're a history buff eager to explore the ancient city of Philippopolis or a foodie looking to indulge in Thracian wines and local delicacies, Evendo is your gateway to an unforgettable adventure. Download Evendo today and embark on a journey through Thrace that you'll cherish forever.

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