Lester Stewart becomes first American to complete Camino Bulgaria

American pilgrim Lester Stewart, a veteran of 23 Camino routes, has become the first US national to complete the 81-km Camino Bulgaria, walking from Malko Tarnovo near the Turkish border through the Strandzha Mountains to Sozopol on the Black Sea coast.

Along the way, Stewart visited historic churches, met local priests and encountered the traditions and hospitality of the Strandzha region, the Municipality of Burgas said. An experienced Camino walker, he rated the Bulgarian route’s trail markings on a par with those of the famous Camino de Santiago.

On reaching Sozopol, Stewart received his “Joannia”, the certificate awarded to pilgrims who complete Camino Bulgaria. His was among the first 100 issued since the route was established.

Sozopol was not the end of Stewart’s journey. He continued on foot to Burgas before travelling on to Plovdiv and Asenovgrad.

Now back home in the United States, Stewart summed up his experience simply: “Bulgaria was wonderful and I hope that one day I can return.”

Editor: Miglena Ivanova