Way to the Relics of St. John the Baptist, also known as Camino Bulgaria, is the first-of-its-kind pilgrimage and cultural-tourism route from Strandzha to Sozopol, similar to those like the Camino de Santiago, the Rota Vicentina, and the Via Francigena. The end of The Way is at the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the ancient city of Sozopol, which dates back even before Rome, where the relics of St. John the Baptist are kept.

Pilgrims, tourists, and visitors will be able to travel the distance that generations before them walked for their hopes and faith, and will be able to devote themselves to a meaningful journey

In 2010, during archaeological excavations in the ruins of the monastery complex "St. John the Baptist" on St. Ivan Island near Sozopol, Prof. Kazimir Popkonstantinov discovered a reliquary believed to contain the relics of St. John the Baptist.

In 2011, scientists from Oxford dated the bones via radiocarbon analysis to the 1st century. Later,-researchers from the University of Copenhagen reconstructed the mitochondrial DNA and established that all fragments belonged to a single individual – a man with a genetic origin characteristic of the Middle East.

In 2012, National Geographic aired a documentary dedicated to this discovery – one of the most-significant in the modern archaeological history of Bulgaria.

In 2026, National Geographic featured the Way to the Relics of St. John the Baptist at nationalgeographic.bg

Why The Way is important?

‐Way to the relics of St. John the Baptist‐ combines spirituality, history, and sustainable tourism in the first-of-its-kind pilgrimage and cultural-tourism route in Bulgaria.

A way to a sanctuary with scientific confirmation
A way to spiritual renewal
Offers sustainable and mindful tourism
Strengthening the country's international image
Establishes Bulgaria as one of the major spiritual centers in Europe
Aims to place Bulgaria on the map of European pilgrimage routes

Start your Camino Bulgaria

1. Plan the stages

According to the desired distance

Here

2. Find accommodation

Places for pilgrims

Here

3. Pilgrim Passport

An integral part of the journey

Here

4. Receive a church certificate

Collect stamps and receive "Ioannia"

Here

Associate member of Camino Europe Compostela

"To trust The Way, your companions, your abilities, and to believe in those you meet along The Way. It was unique! We truly cannot put it into words! Our souls are full, and we feel nostalgic that this adventure has ended."

Gergana Kostadinova, Polina Kostadinova, Nevena Shopova - Bulgaria

"It was very beautiful. We all had a wonderful time. An unforgettable experience that we will remember for a lifetime."

Georgi Vlaev - Bulgaria

"The area is exceptionally 'sensitive' and demands deep respect for Mother Nature. The images captured in my memory are unique. We are but guests, not exploiters, in this unique habitat of plants and animals!"

Ted Beat - Switzerland