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Religious paths have attracted more and more travelers in recent decades. The Way of St. James or the Via Francigena are now famous, but they are not the only routes that intertwine nature and spirituality. There are lesser-known routes that hold ancient stories and surprising landscapes, such as the Saint Paul’s Way in Turkey.
Origins: the apostle Paul and his journey
The St. Paul Trail in Turkey retraces the steps of the Apostle Paul on his first missionary journey. In the 1st century AD, Paul departed from Perge, in the coastal region of Pamphylia, and reached Antioch of Pisidia- the modern-day
Yalvaç
, whose name means “prophet” in his memory. This route was a path of preaching that carried the Christian message into the Anatolian hinterland, marking a historic turning point in the spread of Christianity.
Today, the trail stretches for about 500 kilometers, linking the Mediterranean coast with the Anatolian plateau. Along the way, it crosses breathtaking natural scenery and sites of immense archaeological value. Walking the St. Paul Trail means immersing yourself in a story spanning millennia, encountering remains that range from Imperial Rome to the Byzantine era.
The route and main stops of the st. Paul trail
The journey begins in Perge, just a few kilometers from Antalya, where ruins of theaters, stadiums, baths, and agoras still testify to Roman urban life. From there, the trail climbs into the
Taurus Mountains
, following ancient paths, mule tracks, and stones worn down by merchants, shepherds, and pilgrims.
The scenery alternates between spectacular natural settings: pine and beech forests, deep canyons, sunlit plateaus, and clear streams. Along the way stand ruins of early Christian churches, medieval fortifications, and ancient necropolises, symbols of the region’s layered history.
One of the most striking passages is Köprülü Canyon, a dramatic chasm between rocky cliffs, today a national park. Further along lies the ancient city of Adada, with remains of temples and paved streets. The trail then ascends toward the interior highlands, reaching Lake Eğirdir, a turquoise expanse surrounded by mountains that offers breathtaking views and the chance to rest in nearby villages. From there, olive groves, orchards, and cultivated fields lead to
Yalvaç
, ancient Antioch of Pisidia, where visitors can still explore the Temple of Augustus, the large Roman theater, and the remains of Byzantine basilicas.
Walking the entire route takes on average twenty-five to thirty days, but many travelers choose to tackle only certain sections, turning the trail into two- or three-day excursions. The variety of landscapes and the presence of archaeological sites make each stage meaningful in itself. The best months for the journey are spring and autumn.
The trail reaches up to two thousand meters in some places, and while it is marked with red-and-white signs, signage is not always continuous. Updated maps or GPS tracks are therefore recommended. Hikers should be equipped with trekking boots, poles, and plenty of water—essential, especially in the more remote stretches.
Life along the st. Paul trail
Walking the St. Paul trail means long, intense days: six to seven hours on foot, often with demanding elevation changes. It is an itinerary best suited to experienced hikers, though some easier sections allow anyone to get a taste of the experience.
Daily life follows the rhythm of the landscape. In the morning, when the air is cooler, the route winds through woods and mountain paths. Lunch is often a picnic, enjoyed against the backdrop of a sunlit plateau, forgotten ruins, or a cultivated valley. Evenings are spent in
guesthouses
or rural homes, where local families offer simple yet warm hospitality. Wood-fired oven baked bread, fresh cheese, garden vegetables, and the inevitable hot tea become an essential part of the journey. In the more remote sections, where villages or lodgings are scarce, carrying a tent and camping gear is necessary
Encounters with local communities are among the trail’s most distinctive aspects. In the villages, life still follows traditional rhythms: shepherds drive their flocks across the highlands, and women bake bread in courtyard ovens. These glimpses of daily life offer an authentic dimension to the journey, far removed from mass tourism.
A path less beaten
Despite its historical and natural significance, the st. Paul trail remains relatively uncrowded. According to estimates by Turkish associations, between three and five thousand travelers walk it each year—numbers that keep it far from the large crowds of Europe’s most famous pilgrimage routes. This relative solitude enhances its charm, giving hikers the feeling of moving through untouched landscapes and discovering places off the beaten tourist track.
Walking this ancient route means crossing an authentic Turkey-of wild mountains, rural villages, and scattered archaeological sites. Whether undertaken in its entirety or in shorter stages, the St. Paul Trail stands out as one of Anatolia’s most fascinating cultural treks, uniting nature and history in a story that has been unfolding for two thousand years.
