St Paul Trail

If 500 km of marked trekking through the semi-wilderness of southern Turkey sounds like your cup of tea, then the St. Paul Trail is the place to be. Less frequented, both in its entirety and in any of its 27 days of trekking, than the Lycian Way (Turkey's other long-distance path), this mirror of St Paul's first missionary journey to Anatolia is less a spiritual epiphany than a window into off-the-beaten-path Turkey. Which isn't to say that remnants of the past aren't interspersed along the route; just don't expect to find St. Paul's sarcophagus or favorite breakfast bowl.

There are two routes that run from south to north (Aksu and Aspendos), converging after a couple of hundred km and culminating in the town of Yalvac. Burrowing through the western section of the menacing Taurus Mountains and making its only semi-touristy stop in the town of Egirdir along the lake of the same name, this trail is a medley of hilly, limestone landscapes and small, Turkish towns. The first day of the Aksu route is a bit dodgy (wild dogs reported, not as attractive as the rest of the trail), but otherwise the going is only moderately challenging and the people are quite kind. Speaking of people, no matter which part you tackle you'll rarely pass other hikers, with the majority of human contact coming from locals tending to their fields or shopkeepers and townspeople who (surprisingly) aren't constantly trying to sell you something. Wildlife like wandering goats will probably be more frequent companions. You'll also find accommodations quite frequently along the route, although it would be practical to have plenty of water and even camping gear because this is not an area known particularly for its tourist amenities.

Some highlights of the St. Paul Trail include its Roman ruins (Adada and sections of road thousands of years old, Prostanna and its breathtaking views of Lake Egirdir from atop Sivri Dağ) and the incredible landscapes of Kasnak Forest, Yazili Canyon, Köprülü canyon, and the Aksu River. Consult the included personal adventures along the trail for more specifics.

If you've got the recommended 27 days to do the route in full or are just looking to do a day hike or two, the St. Paul Trail is an excellent opportunity to explore a more rural and authentic Turkey. And the views, of course. They'll make you thankful that there are still parts of the world that tourism hasn't plundered.