Saint Paul Trail

About this trail

The St. Paul Trail traces the footsteps of the Apostle Paul's inland journey from ancient Perge, weaving together archaeological heritage and wild Anatolian landscape in a single route. Starting from the sun-baked foothills near Antalya, the trail climbs through the dramatic gorges of Köprülü Canyon before crossing the Taurus Mountains and descending into the cooler cedar and pine forests of the Isparta plateau. Walkers move between Roman ruins, shepherd tracks, and a landscape that shifts from Mediterranean scrub to true highland in the space of a few days. The trail runs one-way, so sorting out transport logistics at the far end before you set off is essential. Underfoot conditions vary considerably — expect loose rock, ancient paving, and clay soil that turns slick after rain; the ascents are sustained and the descents hard on knees. Water sources exist along the route but can dry up completely in midsummer, so carry enough reserve rather than relying on marked springs being active. Spring and early autumn offer the most reliable walking conditions; summer heat in the canyon and exposed ridge sections can be genuinely dangerous and should be avoided. Red-and-white blazes mark the path for most of its length, though attention is needed where the trail crosses cultivated land or passes through village lanes. Roadside villages offer basic resupply and occasional guesthouses, but confirm availability in advance rather than assuming services will be open.