Pilgrimage route to link Malko Tarnovo and Sozopol

Between 28 February and 3 March, the association “Path to the Relics of St John the Baptist” will establish a new 81-kilometre pilgrimage and cultural tourism route linking Malko Tarnovo and Sozopol. The trail, which is suitable for walking or cycling, will be officially consecrated on 24 June 2026, to mark the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist in both the Orthodox and Catholic traditions.

Starting in Malko Tarnovo, the route passes through Strandzha Mountain and ends at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Sozopol, which houses the relics of St John the Baptist. The relics were discovered in 2010 on St Ivan Island in the Black Sea.

The trail will run through the villages of Stoilovo, Zabernovo, and Vizitsa, continuing via Pismenovo, before reaching the coast near Primorsko and Arkutino, and ending in ancient Sozopol. The terrain has low elevation gain, and organisers plan to provide luggage transport and accommodation in guest houses along the way.

The project aims to promote Bulgaria’s spiritual and cultural heritage, establishing the country as a religious tourism destination. Pilgrims will be able to collect stamps in a special passport at various points along the route, and upon completing the full distance, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church will issue an official certificate.

Editor: Elena Karkalanova

Text by Tsvetana Toncheva