Plovdiv Holidays

Plovdiv region sits in southern Bulgaria, centred on the country’s much-loved second city and stretching from the Thracian Plain towards the foothills of the Rhodope and Balkan mountains. It is an excellent choice for a holiday that combines history, food, wine, spa traditions and scenic day trips, without the pace of a beach resort.

Plovdiv city is the natural starting point. Its Old Town is one of Bulgaria’s most atmospheric historic quarters, with cobbled lanes, colourful Revival-era houses, Roman remains and viewpoints over the surrounding hills. The Ancient Theatre, Roman Stadium remains and the Kapana creative district are among the highlights, while the city’s cafés and restaurants make it easy to slow down and enjoy local dishes such as grilled meats, shopska salad, banitsa and regional wines.

Beyond the city, the region offers plenty of variety. Asenovgrad is a useful base for exploring Asen’s Fortress and the impressive Bachkovo Monastery, one of Bulgaria’s most important religious sites, set in a wooded valley on the edge of the Rhodopes. Hisarya is known for its mineral springs and Roman walls, making it a popular spa destination for travellers looking for a more relaxed stay. Nearby Starosel is associated with Thracian heritage and wine tourism, with wineries and ancient tomb sites in the surrounding countryside.

To the north, towns such as Karlovo, Kalofer and Sopot sit close to the Balkan Mountains and the Rose Valley, an area known for rose-growing traditions, mountain views and Bulgarian National Revival history. Walking, gentle hiking and cultural sightseeing are all easy to include, particularly in spring and autumn when the weather is generally comfortable for exploring.

Holidays in Plovdiv region suit travellers who prefer culture and countryside over coastal resort life. It is especially rewarding for independent touring, short breaks with day trips, or longer stays combining Plovdiv city with spa towns, monasteries, vineyards and mountain scenery. With its mix of Roman heritage, Ottoman and Bulgarian architecture, traditional food and easy access to nature, the region offers one of Bulgaria’s most rounded inland holiday experiences.