Camino Bulgaria

Camino Bulgaria is Bulgaria’s first official pilgrimage trail. The route combines Christian heritage, centuries-old villages, unspoiled nature, and one of the most important archaeological discoveries connected to early Christianity.

The pilgrimage begins in the town of Malko Tarnovo, the gateway to Strandzha Nature Park, and finishes in the historic Black Sea town of Sozopol, which is even older than Rome. At the end of the journey, pilgrims reach the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, where the relics of St. John the Baptist are preserved for veneration.

The story behind the destination makes this trail unique. In 2010, archaeologists excavating St. Ivan Island near Sozopol discovered a marble reliquary containing human remains and an inscription referring to St. John the Baptist. Scientific analyses carried out by the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit and researchers from the University of Copenhagen concluded that the bones belonged to a single Middle Eastern man who lived during the early first century AD, consistent with the historical period of St. John the Baptist. Today, the relics are among Bulgaria’s most significant Christian treasures and attract pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

Unlike many famous pilgrimage routes in Europe, Camino Bulgaria remains peaceful and uncrowded. You’ll experience authentic Bulgarian hospitality in small villages where local guesthouses, museums, churches and tourism offices work together to welcome pilgrims. And rather than passing through heavily developed tourist areas, the trail crosses forests, meadows, rivers, traditional settlements and protected landscapes where nature is quite prominent.

Although the pilgrimage is inspired by the traditions of the Camino de Santiago, Camino Bulgaria has its own identity. It follows an Orthodox Christian spiritual tradition while welcoming people of every faith and background. Some walkers come for religious reasons, others for nature, history, or personal reflection. Like every pilgrimage, each person discovers their own reason for walking.

The pilgrimage begins in the heart of Malko Tarnovo, the smallest town in the Strandzha Mountains. Before leaving town, most pilgrims visit the Historical Museum, the Tourist Information Centre and the churches, where you can receive your first pilgrimage stamp. You will hike through ancient oak and beech trees throughout most of the first day, while streams cross the route. The destination for the night is the traditional village of Stoilovo, one of the oldest settlements in Strandzha.

The second day continues through one of the quietest parts of Strandzha Nature Park. Forest roads alternate with open clearings and small meadows where you might spot wildlife in the early morning hours. One of the highlights is the Twelve Springs area, a peaceful place with fresh mountain water. The stage finishes in Zabernovo, a picturesque village surrounded by forests.

Although the third stage is the shortest of Camino Bulgaria, it should not be underestimated. The route passes through some of the most beautiful old-growth forests in Strandzha and is a slower day, so you have time to visit local cultural spots. Vizitsa is considered one of the architectural gems of Strandzha. Additionally, the village museum is a great way to learn more about the history, customs and everyday life of the local population.

After resting on stage three, you’ll be ready for stage four: the longest and most varied stage of the pilgrimage. Leaving the mountains behind, the trail gradually descends toward the Black Sea region. The scenery will change noticeably throughout the day. Dense forests give way to open landscapes, fields and panoramic viewpoints before reaching the peaceful village of Pismenovo.

On stage five, you will come to know Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast and will hike past Beglik Tash, one of the country’s most important prehistoric megalithic sanctuaries. Dating back thousands of years, the site was used for religious ceremonies by the ancient Thracians and remains one of Bulgaria’s most fascinating archaeological monuments. After visiting the site, the trail continues through protected forest before reaching Primorsko, the coastal town where you’ll spend the night.

Stage six’s walk follows one of the most scenic coastal sections of Camino Bulgaria. The trail passes through forests, dunes and protected wetlands before entering the Ropotamo Nature Reserve. The day finishes near Arkutino Beach, one of Bulgaria’s best-preserved natural beaches.

The final stage follows sections of the Via Pontica migration corridor before entering historic Sozopol. Founded more than 2,600 years ago as the ancient Greek colony of Apollonia Pontica, Sozopol preserves a remarkable combination of archaeological heritage, medieval churches and traditional Black Sea architecture. The pilgrimage concludes at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, where the relics of St. John the Baptist are preserved.

Although the walk ends here, many pilgrims choose to spend an extra day exploring Sozopol, visiting St. Ivan Island by boat, walking through the Old Town, and reflecting on the journey before returning home.

The best seasons to hike Camino Bulgaria are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to mid-November).

During spring, the forests of Strandzha are at their greenest, wildflowers cover the meadows and temperatures are ideal for walking. Autumn is full of changing leaves in the forests, pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors on the coast.

Camino Bulgaria is considered a safe long-distance trail. The route follows existing public roads and forest tracks and passes through villages almost every day.

Basic hiking equipment is sufficient, such as comfortable waterproof hiking shoes, lightweight clothing, a waterproof jacket, trekking poles (optional), sun protection and a small first-aid kit.

Although the trail is fully waymarked, downloading the official GPX track before departure is strongly recommended. Mobile phone coverage is available along most of the route but may be limited in some remote forest areas.

Wildlife in Strandzha includes deer, wild boar, foxes and numerous bird species. Encounters are generally rare, and animals usually avoid humans. During spring and summer, you should take normal precautions against ticks by wearing appropriate clothing and checking yourself after walking through high vegetation.

Camino Bulgaria is best described as a moderately-difficult long-distance trail. It does not require technical climbing skills or specialized equipment, which makes it accessible to most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. So far, the youngest pilgrim on Camino Bulgaria was 6 and the eldest 80.