Pilgrimage route "The Path to the Relics of Saint John the Baptist" to be opened in 2026

16.02.2026 | Region

A new pilgrimage route "The Path to the Relics of Saint John the Baptist" connects Malko Tarnovo and Sozopol. The 81 km route will be opened on June 24, 2026, and will pass through the Strandzha Mountains, offering religious tourism and the opportunity for pilgrimage. Volunteer actions are planned to prepare the route, set up markings, create rest areas, and restore water fountains.

Снимка от Caravaggio, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The pilgrimage and cultural-tourist route "Path to the Relics of St. John the Baptist" between Malko Tarnovo and Sozopol will be officially consecrated on June 24, 2026.

The route, 81 kilometers long, is designed for hiking and cycling. It starts from Malko Tarnovo, passes through the Strandzha mountain, and ends in Sozopol, where the relics of the saint are kept.

The path is divided into seven stages, passing through the villages of Stoilovo, Zabernovo, Vizitsa, Pismenovo, Primorsko, and Arkutino.

Services for luggage transport and accommodation in guest houses are planned. A pilgrim's passport and a church certificate for the completed journey will be issued.

The preparation of the route includes volunteer actions, the placement of markings, information boards, rest areas, and containers for separate waste collection.

The initiative is being implemented with the support of the Sliven Metropolia, the Catholic Diocese, and the Municipality of Sozopol, with the partnership of the municipalities of Malko Tarnovo, Primorsko, and Burgas, the "Strandzha" Nature Park, and the "Nasam-Natam" tourist association.