Perge Ancient City
The starting point on St. Paul’s missionary journey across Asia Minor, the ancient city of Perge is now home to some of the most…
Trailing Türkiye: A guide to journeying off the beaten track
History has left a lasting footprint on some of the most remote landscapes in Türkiye, enticing a new generation of travelers to embark on a journey through time and terrain.
Present-day Türkiye is intertwined with millennia of history, with every city bearing reminders of the great empires that once ruled and the iconic figures who once roamed.
Tarsus, in Türkiye’s southern Mersin Province, stands proudly inland from the Mediterranean Sea as a portal to the storied past of St. Paul the apostle. Born here around 5 AD, he would go on to become one of the most influential religious leaders in the region’s history, and the inspiration behind one of Türkiye’s most intricate walking routes thousands of years later.
The St. Paul Trail—just west of Tarsus—is an opportunity for modern travelers to retrace the apostle’s first missionary journey, when he sailed to Perge (today’s Aksu, Antalya) and continued to Antioch of Pisidia (Yalvaç, Isparta) in 47-48 AD. Follow in his footsteps for an unforgettable pilgrimage and discover the legends and landscapes that define this historical trail.
1
2
Uçansu Falls
A hidden paradise of the Antalya province, the Uçansu Falls consist of a lower and upper waterfall, offering visitors an opportunity to…
3
Yazılı Canyon National Park
Yazılı Canyon National Park is a natural wonder in the Isparta province. Travelers can choose to walk “King’s Way” or “St. Paul’s…
4
Aspendos Ancient City
Once a thriving city for art and trade during the Roman period, today Aspendos is an archaeological marvel that boasts one of…
5
Köprülü Canyon National Park
Stretching 14 kilometers along the Köprü River and lush forest, the Köprülü Canyon National Park is an adventure playground…
6
Selge Ancient City
Nestled deep in the Taurus Mountains, the ruins of Selge are an insight into the lives of ancient settlers, including two temples, an…
7
Adada Ancient City
A stone-paved road leads travelers to the ancient city of Adada, where sacred temples, monumental fountains, and a Roman forum…
8
Sagalassos Ancient City
Sagalassos on the slopes of Akdağ (White Mountain) is one of the most stunning archaeological sites in southwestern Türkiye…
9
Kasnak Oak Nature Reserve
Kasnak Oak Nature Reserve stands as an ideal setting for trekking, picnicking, and admiring the mountain flowers and volcanic…
10
Eğirdir
Owing to its idyllic location on the edge of Lake Eğirdir, the Mediterranean city of Eğirdir lends itself to many outdoor activities, …
11
Yalvaç
An official slow city recognized by the Cittaslow Network, Yalvaç is known for its leisurely pace of life and enduring local…
1
Perge Ancient City
The starting point on St. Paul’s missionary journey across Asia Minor, the ancient city of Perge is now home to some of the most beautiful Hellenistic and Roman ruins in Türkiye.
2
Uçansu Falls
A hidden paradise of the Antalya province, the Uçansu Falls consist of a lower and upper waterfall, offering visitors an opportunity to swim in the turquoise pools at their summits and base.
3
Yazılı Canyon National Park
Yazılı Canyon National Park is a natural wonder in the Isparta province. Travelers can choose to walk “King’s Way” or “St. Paul’s Road”, which are steeped in as much color as they are history.
4
Aspendos Ancient City
Once a thriving city for art and trade during the Roman period, today Aspendos is an archaeological marvel that boasts one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world.
5
Köprülü Canyon National Park
Stretching 14 kilometers along the Köprü River and lush forest, the Köprülü Canyon National Park is an adventure playground that offers hiking trails, buggy tours, and watersports.
6
Selge Ancient City
Nestled deep in the Taurus Mountains, the ruins of Selge are an insight into the lives of ancient settlers, including two temples, an acropolis, and an impressive theater.
7
Adada Ancient City
A stone-paved road leads travelers to the ancient city of Adada, where sacred temples, monumental fountains, and a Roman forum serve as reminders of past empires.
8
Sagalassos Ancient City
Sagalassos on the slopes of Akdağ (White Mountain) is one of the most stunning archaeological sites in southwestern Türkiye, with highlights including a 9000-seat theater, a functioning Roman fountain, and colossal statues of the emperors Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius.
9
Kasnak Oak Nature Reserve
Kasnak Oak Nature Reserve stands as an ideal setting for trekking, picnicking, and admiring the mountain flowers and volcanic oak trees that are unique to this region.
10
Eğirdir
Owing to its idyllic location on the edge of Lake Eğirdir, the Mediterranean city of Eğirdir lends itself to many outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and boat tours.
11
Yalvaç
An official slow city recognized by the Cittaslow Network, Yalvaç is known for its leisurely pace of life and enduring local traditions—from food festivals to ancient handicrafts.
Aspendos boasts one of the world's best-preserved Roman theaters
Köprülü Canyon is a natural playground on the St. Paul Trail
Did you know? The St. Paul Trail is...
2,200 meters at its highest point
Türkiye's second long-distance walking route
Inspired by the first journey St. Paul took through Asia Minor
Swapping the sounds of classical music for the calls of nature, travelers can continue their hike of the St. Paul Trail through the Köprülü Canyon. A 14-kilometer-long route, complete this stretch of the trail on a rafting tour of the Köprü River or navigate the dense cypress forest to the heights of Selge—an ancient city where the ruins of a theater, agora, and public baths stand against an impressive backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.
Selge is home to settled villagers, who continue to practice the traditions of their ancestors. Opening their doors to travelers, they offer an insight into their local crafts and culinary delicacies, including herb tea and gözleme (savory pastry).
Aspendos—Selge
As a 500-kilometer footpath and the second long-distance walking route in Türkiye, the St. Paul Trail is not for the faint-hearted. However, numerous tours of varying lengths are available to suit all ability levels. For those opting for a self-guided tour, regular waymarks are in place to ensure they stay on course through the deep canyons, rocky hills, and unearthed cities of off-the-beaten-track Türkiye.
Travelers can begin their journeys with a short transfer from Antalya airport to the outer towns of Aksu or ancient Aspendos—believed to offer the more scenic route on the St. Paul Trail. Once a thriving city for art and trade during the Roman period, Aspendos is now an archaeological marvel that boasts one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. Having stood the test of time, the theater hosts the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival every September for a unique showcase of history and art.
Swapping the sounds of classical music for the calls of nature, travelers can continue their hike of the St. Paul Trail through the Köprülü Canyon. A 14-kilometer-long route, complete this stretch of the trail on a rafting tour of the Köprü River or navigate the dense cypress forest to the heights of Selge—an ancient city where the ruins of a theater, agora, and public baths stand against an impressive backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.
Selge is home to settled villagers, who continue to practice the traditions of their ancestors. Opening their doors to travelers, they offer an insight into their local crafts and culinary delicacies, including herb tea and gözleme (savory pastry).
Travelers can enjoy various water activities on the Köprü River
The Uçansu Falls are a chance to escape into the beauty of nature
A 2-hour drive from Selge, the Uçansu Falls are an invitation for travelers to escape into the beauty and simplicity of nature. Explore marked trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints before arriving at the lower waterfall. Cascading from a height of 51 meters, the natural pool at its base takes on the color of the surrounding forest and is an ideal spot for swimming.
Further north and roughly marking the halfway point on the St. Paul Trail is the Yazılı Canyon National Park. Following the path, aptly named “St. Paul’s Road”, travelers can experience the best of untouched Türkiye through towering cliffs, hidden caves, and crystal-clear waters. Every step brings them closer to the comforts of the nearby Çandır Village, where family-run accommodation and a locally sourced meal promise a moment to reflect on a day of unique exploration.
Uçansu—Yazılı
Although many of the cities crossed by the St. Paul Trail lay buried or fragmented, travelers can find solace in the natural landscapes that resemble those encountered by the apostle on his missionary journey almost 2,000 years ago.
A 2-hour drive from Selge, the Uçansu Falls are an invitation for travelers to escape into the beauty and simplicity of nature. Explore marked trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints before arriving at the lower waterfall. Cascading from a height of 51 meters, the natural pool at its base takes on the color of the surrounding forest and is an ideal spot for swimming.
Further north and roughly marking the halfway point on the St. Paul Trail is the Yazılı Canyon National Park. Following the path, aptly named “St. Paul’s Road”, travelers can experience the best of untouched Türkiye through towering cliffs, hidden caves, and crystal-clear waters. Every step brings them closer to the comforts of the nearby Çandır Village, where family-run accommodation and a locally sourced meal promise a moment to reflect on a day of unique exploration.
The ancient city of Adada bears the remnants of past empires
Eğirdir is the next stopover for many travelers, owing to its ideal location on the edge of Lake Eğirdir. Those seeking tranquility can take to the water on a boat tour or admire it from the shoreline at one of several beaches. Whereas those wanting adventure can cycle the picturesque loop of the lake or climb to the top of Mount Sivri. Rising to 1,749 meters, its path combines the beauty of natural farmland with the history of lost cities, culminating in a steep ascent that delivers panoramic views.
The end of the St. Paul Trail is marked by travelers’ arrival in Yalvaç (ancient Antioch, Pisidia)—an official slow city recognized by the Cittaslow Network. Known for its leisurely pace of life and enduring local traditions, the town represents the essence of the St. Paul Trail. It is a chance for travelers to ground themselves in nature, follow the stepping stones of history, and appreciate the hidden wonders of Türkiye.
Adada—Yalvaç
The final stretch of the St. Paul Trail begins on the stone-paved road to the ancient city of Adada, where sacred temples, a Roman forum, and other striking monuments serve as reminders of past empires. From here, there is an opportunity to trek to the vast pastures of Tota Yaylası and observe the wild horses.
Eğirdir is the next stopover for many travelers, owing to its ideal location on the edge of Lake Eğirdir. Those seeking tranquility can take to the water on a boat tour or admire it from the shoreline at one of several beaches. Whereas those wanting adventure can cycle the picturesque loop of the lake or climb to the top of Mount Sivri. Rising to 1,749 meters, its path combines the beauty of natural farmland with the history of lost cities, culminating in a steep ascent that delivers panoramic views.
The end of the St. Paul Trail is marked by travelers’ arrival in Yalvaç (ancient Antioch, Pisidia)—an official slow city recognized by the Cittaslow Network. Known for its leisurely pace of life and enduring local traditions, the town represents the essence of the St. Paul Trail. It is a chance for travelers to ground themselves in nature, follow the stepping stones of history, and appreciate the hidden wonders of Türkiye.
St. Paul returned to what is now modern-day Türkiye several times after his first missionary journey—a sign of his deep connection to his homeland and sense of open opportunity. His legacy lives on not only in the archaeological remnants or rugged landscapes of the St. Paul Trail but also in the people who continue to explore and find inspiration along its route.
BEST TIME TO GO
Spring/Autumn
Average HIGH
16-20°C
Nearest airport
AYT
Time difference
GMT+3
Currency
Turkish Lira (₺)