Description

The St. Paul Trail is one of Turkey’s most remarkable long-distance hiking routes, combining spectacular mountain landscapes, ancient history, and authentic village life. Stretching for approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles), the trail follows the historic journey believed to have been taken by St. Paul the Apostle during his missionary travels through Anatolia in the 1st century AD.

Beginning near the Mediterranean coast close to Perge (near Antalya), the route climbs into the rugged Taurus Mountains, eventually reaching Yalvaç, home to the impressive ruins of Pisidian Antioch, one of the most important early Christian centers in Asia Minor.

Unlike coastal trails, the St. Paul Trail offers a more remote and adventurous hiking experience, passing through cedar forests, mountain passes, shepherd paths, and traditional Anatolian villages where life still follows centuries-old rhythms. For hikers seeking a unique combination of nature, culture, and history, the St. Paul Trail is one of the most rewarding trekking routes in Turkey.

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Route Overview

The St. Paul Trail consists of several sections that can be walked independently or combined into longer itineraries. The main route connects Perge to Yalvaç, while an alternative branch leads through the spectacular landscapes of the Köprülü Canyon region and the high plateaus of the Taurus Mountains.

Along the route, hikers encounter:

• Ancient Roman roads and stone paths

• Remote mountain villages and pastoral landscapes

• Pine, cedar, and juniper forests

• Deep canyons and high mountain passes

• Archaeological sites linked to early Christianity

• The magnificent ruins of Pisidian Antioch

Because the trail crosses both coastal and mountain regions, the scenery changes dramatically from Mediterranean vegetation to alpine landscapes.

Many hikers choose to walk selected sections of the trail over 5 to 10 days, focusing on the most scenic and culturally rich parts.

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Best Time to Hike the St. Paul Trail

The best seasons to hike the St. Paul Trail are spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.

Spring (April – June)

Spring is one of the most popular times for hiking the trail. Wildflowers cover the mountain slopes, rivers and streams are full from snowmelt, and temperatures are ideal for long hiking days.

Autumn (September – November)

Autumn offers stable weather, clear skies, and excellent visibility across the Taurus Mountains. The harvest season brings life to the villages, making it a wonderful time to experience local culture.

Summer

Summer can be very hot in the lower elevations near the Mediterranean coast. However, higher mountain sections may still be suitable for experienced hikers.

Winter

In winter, higher parts of the Taurus Mountains may receive snow, which can make some sections difficult to access.

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Difficulty Level

The St. Paul Trail is generally considered a moderate to challenging long-distance hike.

Typical daily walking distances range from 12 to 22 kilometers, depending on the section and itinerary. The route includes mountain terrain, elevation gains, and remote stretches with limited facilities.

While no technical climbing is required, hikers should be prepared for:

• Long hiking days

• Mountain paths and elevation changes

• Remote landscapes with few services

A reasonable level of fitness and some previous hiking experience are recommended.

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Accommodation Along the Trail

Accommodation along the St. Paul Trail is simple, authentic, and closely connected with local culture.

In many villages along the route, hikers can stay in family-run guesthouses, village pensions, or small local hotels. These accommodations offer a warm welcome and an opportunity to experience traditional Anatolian hospitality.

Typical stays may include:

• Village guesthouses run by local families

• Small boutique hotels in regional towns

• Traditional pensions in mountain villages

Meals often feature local home-cooked dishes, prepared with regional ingredients and traditional recipes.

In some remote sections, hiking programs may also combine village stays with camping options, depending on the itinerary.

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Guided and Self-Guided St. Paul Trail Tours

For travelers wishing to explore this extraordinary route in comfort, we organize guided and self-guided St. Paul Trail hiking tours.

Our tours are carefully designed to combine the most scenic sections of the trail with authentic cultural experiences.

Depending on the program, we can arrange:

• Carefully planned multi-day hiking itineraries

• Accommodation in authentic village guesthouses and boutique hotels

• Luggage transfers between stages

• Experienced local hiking guides

• Cultural and historical insights along the route

• All necessary transfers and logistical support

Whether you prefer a guided hiking experience or a self-guided walking tour with full logistical support, we can tailor a St. Paul Trail journey that matches your interests, pace, and travel style.

Discover one of Turkey’s most fascinating hiking routes and walk in the footsteps of history along the St. Paul Trail.

Participation Limitations: To ensure a comfortable and efficient experience, the number of participants is limited. Please consider this when planning your trip.

Pre-Booking Options: Pre-booking is available for participants arriving before or after the program dates to help with accommodation and logistics.

Arrival and Departure Information: We recommend sharing your arrival and departure details (dates and times) with our team in advance. This information is necessary to arrange transfers to the city center or airport.

Optional Transfers: For participants who wish to stop the program at a certain point during the day, optional transfers can be arranged at a suitable location. Please note that this incurs an additional cost to be covered by the participant.

Clothing and Equipment: A detailed list of mandatory and optional clothing and equipment will be provided separately before the program.

Health Conditions: Participants with allergies or chronic conditions are required to inform our team during registration to ensure proper precautions are taken. This activity is not recommended for individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, rheumatism, or epilepsy, as it may be difficult to manage emergencies in nature. Please consult with our team in advance if you have concerns.

Route and Weather Conditions: Mandatory route changes may occur due to weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or storms. Final decisions will be made by the guide, and participants are expected to comply with these changes, including modifications to boat tours.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Due to the limited availability of accommodations in local and remote areas. Many of the lodgings we work with are small, family-run businesses with only a few rooms, making it difficult to cancel or rebook. To secure your spot, a deposit is required at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable, except in cases of force majeure. However, if the program is cancelled by us, the full pre-payment will be refunded.

All programs are conducted by TUREB-licensed guides and arranged by TÜRSAB-certified agency Globe Outdoors Travel (TÜRSAB Document No. A-17542)