How to Visit Bulgaria's Rose Valley

Every spring, a magical scent fills the air of central Bulgaria as millions of rose petals bloom across the fields.

The Rose Valley, nestled between the Balkan Mountains and the Sredna Gora range, is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also vital to the global production of rose oil. For centuries, locals have cultivated Rosa Damascena here, and today the valley remains one of the most aromatic and unique places to visit in Europe.

Whether you’re drawn by the history of rose oil production, the photogenic rose fields, or the Rose Festival itself, here’s how to plan your visit.

Rose Valley Map and Points of Interest

The Rose Valley isn’t a single town or landmark — it’s a region stretching between the Balkan Mountains and the Sredna Gora range. The area is dotted with charming towns and villages that each contribute to the area’s rich tradition of rose oil production.

Main Towns in the Rose Valley

The Rose Valley is centered around a few key towns. Kazanlak is the largest and most famous, with a few interesting sites to explore, although much of the town still reflects its communist-era architecture, when the city grew. To the west lies Karlovo, a charming small town in the foothills of the Balkan mountatin. Karlovo offers a more relaxed, local experience with its own rose festival and historical ties to the Bulgarian national revival. Pavel Banya is a great option for slow travellers and wellness enthusiasts. It’s a small SPA town known for its healing mineral springs and proximity to rose-growing fields and villages.

Rose Fields and Distilleries

Rose fields are scattered throughout the valley and are at their most beautiful during the blooming and harvesting season in late May to early June. There’s a rose field located just outside Kazanlak, across the Museum of Essential Oils – an interesting place where you can see and smell different essential oils. Other, more rustic fields are found near villages like Skobelevo, Rozino, and Yasenovo. These villages are also home to working distilleries, some of which open their doors to visitors during the Rose Season. One of our recommended distilleries is the family-run Lema, known for its authentic vibe. The largest and most famous distillery is Damascena Complex. Damascena feels more commercial but is easy to visit, as normally, no reservations are required. You can learn about the history of rose cultivation in Bulgaria in the Rose Museum in Kazanlak. If you’re into shopping, you will find plenty of places where you can purchase rose oil, popular and artisanal cosmetics, rose products, and souvenirs.

Historical and Cultural Sites in the Rose Valley

Beyond the roses, the valley is steeped in rich history. Part of it is known as the Valley of the Thracian Kings, due to the large number of Thracian tombs discovered in the area. The most famous is the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautifully preserved frescoes from the 4th c. BC. Nearby, you can also visit the Golyama Kosmatka tomb and other ancient burial mounds. Just outside Kazanlak, the striking Russian Church in Shipka with its golden domes is another must-see. Together, these landmarks make the Rose Valley not only a place of natural beauty and fragrance but also one of Bulgaria’s richest regions in terms of archaeology and cultural heritage.

How to Visit Bulgaria's Rose Valley

The best time to visit the Rose Valley is in May and early June, while the roses are still blooming. There are several ways to explore the area — as an independent traveller or someone who prefers a stress-free, guided experience. Here’s a look at your main options:

By Public Transport

You can reach the Rose Valley by public transport from major cities like Sofia or Plovdiv. Trains and buses regularly run to both Kazanlak and Karlovo, the two main festival towns.

Once you arrive, you’ll need to figure out how to get to the rose fields and distilleries. Kazanlak has a rose field right on the outskirts of town, which is one of the few accessible without a car. To explore more remote spots, you’ll likely need to hire a local taxi or arrange a private transfer.

This option is affordable and offers more freedom — but it does require advance planning, especially since hotels during the Rose Season can book up early.

Self-Drive: Rent a Car

If you’re comfortable driving in a foreign country, renting a car is one of the most rewarding ways to discover the Rose Valley. We recommend using Pavel Banya, Karlovo, or Kalofer as base and taking day trips to nearby fields, villages, and attractions.

Having a car gives you easy access to scenic rural areas, distilleries, markets, and viewpoints at your own pace.

Keep in mind that signage outside major towns may not always be in English, and some rural roads may be a bit rough — but the freedom and views totally make up for it.

Join a Rose Valley Tour

If you’d rather skip the planning and driving, and go for a seamless experience, joining a tour is a fantastic option.

There are one-day tours from Sofia or Plovdiv that cover the main highlights —ideal if you’re short on time. These usually include transportation, a guide, and stops at a rose field, distillery, or museum. Just be sure to check the itinerary carefully: many tours combine the Rose Valley with historical sites like Shipka or the Thracian tombs. While interesting, they add more kilometres to the already long drive from Sofia — and may leave little time to truly enjoy the rose fields and distilleries.

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the region’s culture, multi-day tours allow you to experience the valley at a slower pace, including lesser-known villages, rose-harvesting sessions, and visits to local producers.

Explore the Rose Valley with Us

If you want to experience the Rose Valley without the hassle of planning, we offer carefully designed tours that let you soak in the beauty, culture, and fragrance of the region—stress-free. Whether you have just one day or are ready for a deeper journey, there’s an option for you.

🌸 One-Day Festival Tour from Sofia to Karlovo
Join us for an unforgettable day in the Rose Valley, where you’ll participate in traditional rose-picking, visit an organic rose oil distillery and enjoy the local celebrations in charming Karlovo.

🌹 Fragrant Balkans: Valley of Roses Tour
This annual multi-day tour takes you beyond the typical stops to explore hidden spots, meet local producers, stay in picturesque towns, all while enjoying the comfort of four-star stays along the way.

While tours may offer less spontaneity, they’re ideal for travellers who prefer to relax and take in the valley’s charm without worrying about logistics.

Whether you go solo or with a guide, the Rose Valley is an unforgettable experience where scent, colour, and traditions come together in a magical way!