Flights to Plovdiv
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| Airport of departure: | Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) |
| Airport of arrival: | Plovdiv Airport (PDV) |
| Flight time from Antalya to Sofia: | 1 hour 10 minutes |
The Bulgarian city of Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, with a population of 348,000 people. Plovdiv Airport (PDV), located 12 kilometers from the city center, is the closest airport to Plovdiv.
With a driving time of 1.5 hours, Plovdiv Airport serves South-Central Bulgaria, with a population of over 2 million people. The nation's second-largest city and cultural center, Plovdiv makes a good starting point for exploring the Balkan Peninsula because it is located right in the middle. Plovdiv, with a history spanning more than 6000 years, was recently crowned the oldest city in Europe. The city and its surroundings have several historical, archeological, cultural, and ecological attractions. Festivals, concerts, and conferences related to music, art, and culture are held all year round throughout the city.
The Rhodopes offer ideal alpine, ecological, hunting, and fishing tourism destinations. Wine tourism is made possible by the area's moderate environment, and the numerous vineyards and wineries present there. Along with the churches and monasteries in the Mountains of Rhodope and the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, the nearby towns of Velingrad, Hisar, Banya, and Narechen are popular spots for religious and spa tourism. During the winter, Plovdiv Airport serves as a gateway for international skiers who have chosen to visit Pamporovo, Borovets, and Bansko. The Plovdiv Fair and the rising number of newly constructed lodging facilities are the key drivers behind the growth of business tourism. The region's well-developed tourism infrastructure complies with all current criteria and regulations.
Transportation
Several airports are located in and near Plovdiv. Other close-by airports include Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Alexandroupolis International, and Kavala International. The primary airport is Plovdiv.
Flying to a different airport close to Plovdiv could provide additional options for getting there.
For instance, you might be able to see Kavala (KVA) and Sofia International Airport are the closest substitutes (SOF). Traveling between Istanbul and Plovdiv by plane, you can experience new adventures and frequently save money and time.
When traveling from Istanbul to Plovdiv, passengers often leave from Sabiha Gökçen International. Before the high season, Pegasus Airlines promotions can be used to get cheap flights to Plovdiv. By planning earlier, you can save significant time and money on your flight from Istanbul to Plovdiv!
Getting to the City Center from the Airport
The 12 kilometer drive from Plovdiv Airport (PDV) to the city center. The driving distance is 16.3 kilometers. You can take a cab from the airport to the city for, on average, 15 to 20 leva (2023) depending on traffic, and travel there that way.
Plovdiv City Transportation
The only kind of public transportation offered in the city is buses. Plovdiv lacks a tram or metro system because it is a smaller city than Sofia. Buses in the city, however, have a reasonably consistent timetable and can carry you practically anywhere.
In Plovdiv, there are two main bus stops. The first buses typically start to leave as early as 05.30 to 06.00 AM, and the latest buses typically run until 11 PM. The bus lines 1, 11, 20, 26, 27, 37, 4, 44, 7, 9, 93, and 99 stop at the central bus station in Plovdiv.
You have the option of taking the bus or a cab, but the cost of a taxi far outweighs that of a bus ticket. Routes are typically near to one another because Plovdiv is a small city. Other than using buses and taxis, there is another mode of transportation. It is the only kind of public transportation that can get you to a particular location in the city, and is known locally as a "marshrutki." It resembles minibusses in appearance and function, has 12–15 seats, is white, and has the words "МАРГРУТНА линия" inscribed in large Cyrillic letters on the windscreen.
Accommodation
Plovdiv is divided into several sizable districts, subdivided into more compact neighborhoods. All the tourist attractions, eateries, and pubs are located in the Old Town. The Roman Amphitheatre, the majority of the art galleries, and the museums are all located here, so stay here to get a sense of what life was like in Bulgaria throughout the 19th century. Furthermore, Nebet Tepe, the ideal location to view the sunset, would also only be a short stroll away from you if you stay around the area.
Food
The local cuisine is an essential component of every culture and, in fact, of every vacation abroad. The use of herbs and vegetables in Bulgarian national recipes gives them a rich, spicy flavor that you must sample if you want a more in-depth understanding of Bulgaria.
One of the most well-known regional specialties is meshana skara (Bulgarian Barbecue), a typical Bulgarian supper made from a platter of meat and sides. The dish should be topped with kyufte, pork steak, kebapche, and pig skewer. Typically, lyutenitsa, french fries, and bean salad with onions are served with the meat. Try the delicious bread spread called lyutenitsa, made of peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and a wide variety of herbs and spices.
Useful Information
Seasonal Information About Plovdiv
June, July, and August are regarded as the high season. The humid subtropical climate of Plovdiv features warm, mainly clear summers and very cold, snowy, and partially cloudy winters. Summertime highs reach 31°C, with a 26°C average. Lows in the wintertime are -3°C, with an average temperature of 10°C.
Visa Requirements for Plovdiv
According to the practice of the Republic of Bulgaria, travelers who have a long-term residence visa or reside in countries that are members of the Schengen region or implement the Schengen acquis have the right to reside without a visa in Bulgarian cities, including Plovdiv, for three months every six months. Travelers who don't have a Schengen visa and are ordinary passport holders are obliged to obtain a visa, as they are not exempt from entry to Bulgaria with a visa. People who want a long-term Bulgarian visa, except for tourist, commercial, transit visas and family visits, can get one covering more than 90 days under the Bulgarian D visa.
Places to see
With well-known tourist destinations, including Plovdiv Old Town, Park Tsar Simeon, and the Ethnographic Museum nearby, Plovdiv is famed for its enormous amphitheater in the heart of the Old Town.
- Visit the Roman ruins from the first century to see the second-century stadium and theater.
- Admire Philippopolis' tall, meticulously preserved aqueducts that date back to the Roman Empire.
- Explore the 19th-century Eastern Orthodox churches. Take in the Cathedral of St. Louis's intricately carved interior.
- Travel a few kilometers south of Plovdiv to the Pamporovo ski area to spend a day skiing.
- Visit Banya and Strelcha or one of the area's many other spa resort towns to unwind.
- Visit the artist stalls in the Old Town area and make purchases.
