Turkey’s second long-distance footpath, the St Paul Trail, was inspired by the evangelical journeys of the Apostle Paul, who travelled across Asia Minor in the 1st century AD. The trail has been cleared and way marked by an international team led by Kate Clow, inspiration behind the Lycian Way.
Read an article about the St Paul Trail
Start Point: Perge or Aspendos (both near Antalya)
Finish Point: Antioch in Pisidia (outside Yalvac)
Length: 480 km
Highlights:
Aspendos’ Roman theatre
Roman bridge and rapids at Köprülü Canyon
Yazili Canyon’s inscriptions and waterfalls
Isolated ruins at Adada
Swimming, sailing and relaxing in Egirdir
Antioch: a well-preserved Roman aqueduct
When to go: The best walking conditions are in April-June and September-October. July and August are too hot for walking on much of the route, although conditions are pleasant around Lake Egirdir.
Accommodation: There are hotels and guesthouses in Antalya, Egirdir and Yalvac, otherwise camping and village house accommodation.
Difficulty: The trail is not technically difficult, but it crosses remote terrain and some stretches are tiring. The path is marked with flashes of red and white paint.
Further information:
A guidebook to the trail will be published in 2004.
In the meantime, there is information at www.stpaultrail.com
Guided trips can be organised by Middle Earth Travel