Plovdiv, Bulgaria · Europe
Karlovo is worth a stop: 30 minutes from Kalofer, 23km from Troyan Pass (Beklemeto).
Karlovo is in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, with about 30,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Kalofer, about 15 km away.
Karlovo (Bulgarian: Карлово [ˈkarɫovo]) is a historically important town in central Bulgaria located in a fertile valley along the river Stryama at the southern foot of the Balkan Mountains. It is administratively part of Plovdiv Province and has a population of about 19,373 (as of 2021), the mayor being Dr. EmilRead more
Kabaivanov. Karlovo is famous for its rose oil, which is used in producing perfume. Karlovo is also the birthplace of Vasil Levski, the most distinguished Bulgarian to start preparing the national liberation from the Ottoman rule in the late 19th century. There is a museum and large monument dedicated to him. Karlovo is also a popular location for tourism in the region.
During the 2000s, Bulgarian archaeologists made discoveries in Central Bulgaria which were summarized as 'The Valley of the Thracian Kings'. On 19 August 2005, some archaeologists announced they had found the first Thracian capital, which was situated near Karlovo in Bulgaria. Many polished ceramic artifacts (pieces of roof-tiles and Greek-like vases) were discovered revealing the fortune of the town. The Bulgarian Ministry of Culture declared its support to the excavations.
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Within an hour or so of Karlovo: Troyan Pass (Beklemeto) (23 km), Koprivshtitsa (37 km), Shipka Pass (45 km), Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex (49 km).
The nearest famous roads are Troyan Pass (Beklemeto), Shipka Pass and Trigrad Gorge.
Karlovo is in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, about 15 km from Kalofer.
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Places within a drive of Karlovo. Keep the ones you like and add them to your trip.
Essential numbers in Bulgaria
Vignette required for all roads outside towns.
Full driving guide for Bulgaria7 notable places within an hour's drive.
mountain pass
At 1,525 m the highest paved pass over the Balkan Mountains, following an old Roman road between Troyan and Karnare with hairpins, panoramic ridgeline views and the Arch of Freedom monument.
23 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Bulgaria's only town-museum: a Sredna Gora valley of cobbled lanes and brightly painted National Revival mansions where the 1876 April Uprising began. Six house-museums preserve the interiors of merchants and revolutionaries.
37 km · about 40 min drive
mountain pass
A historic 1,150m Balkan Mountains pass crowned by the Freedom Monument commemorating the 1877 battle.
45 km · about 50 min drive
museum
An open-air museum village near Gabrovo where water-driven workshops from the Bulgarian Revival still operate: craftsmen forge, weave and carve along a lane of 50 reconstructed houses powered by the Sivek river.
49 km · about 55 min drive
landmark
A colossal flying-saucer-shaped Communist monument abandoned on a 1,432m Balkan peak.
50 km · about 60 min drive
landmark
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with colorful Revival-period houses perched on ancient hills above Roman ruins.
54 km · about 60 min drive
ancient ruins
A remarkably well-preserved 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre seating 6,000 spectators, still hosting performances today.
54 km · about 65 min drive
5 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 150km.
Other places to explore near Karlovo.
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