Camino Bulgaria: the Way to the Relics of St John the Baptist

Camino Bulgaria is one of Europe's newest pilgrimage routes, opened in June 2026 and walked in the spirit of the Camino de Santiago, the Rota Vicentina and the Via Francigena. Its 81 km lead from Malko Tarnovo, deep in the Strandzha mountains, through the oak and beech forests of Strandzha Nature Park, Bulgaria's largest protected area, past old chapels, springs and small villages, to the sandy shore of the Black Sea. It ends in Sozopol at the Church of St Cyril and St Methodius, where relics of St John the Baptist are kept. They were found in 2010 on St Ivan Island, just off the town.

You start with a night in Burgas and a self-guided walk around the city that opens your pilgrim passport. A transfer takes you to Malko Tarnovo, and from there you walk four stages, between 11 and 24 km a day: ford the Veleka river, pass the Twelve Springs of the Strumnitsa, cross the old border between the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia, visit the Thracian sanctuary of Beglik Tash, and finish along the beaches of Arkutino into Sozopol. A mountain guide walks with you, your luggage goes ahead each day, and you sleep in village guest houses and small hotels.

In Sozopol you receive your official certificate, and day 7 is yours: a seasonal boat trip to St Ivan Island, the beach, or simply time to take it all in. Flights are not included, so you can fly to Burgas from the airport that suits you.