Lycian Way or St Paul Trail: which trek should you choose in Türkiye?

Choose the Lycian Way for a Mediterranean walk combining coves, villages and many stage options. Choose the St Paul Trail for a more inland, mountainous and self-reliant journey. In both cases, decide from a specific section, the season, water and return logistics, never from the route name alone.

By Aventures Anatoliennes · Reviewed by Aventures Anatoliennes Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-07-31

Choose by landscape and travel style

The Lycian Way suits walkers looking for a mix of coastal paths, Mediterranean forest, villages and archaeological sites. It works well for a first point-to-point trip because several areas can be organised as distinct walking days without attempting the entire trail.

The St Paul Trail runs farther inland through the Taurus between the Antalya region, Eğirdir and Yalvaç. Transfers, accommodation and resupply often require more advance planning. It particularly suits walkers interested in lake landscapes, uplands, villages and the history of Pisidia.

Understand the mapped routes before comparing

Official Lycian Way maps describe many sections between Ovacık and Hisarçandır, including coastal and mountain variants. A recent public rehabilitation project refers to a network of about 710 kilometres. That figure is not a standard itinerary: the useful distance depends on the branch and stages actually selected.

GoTürkiye describes the St Paul Trail as approximately 500 kilometres from Perge to Yalvaç, with a second branch starting at Köprülü Canyon and passages above 2000 metres. The official Eğirdir office describes a 14-day programme and a 7 to 8-day option ending in Eğirdir, while another official presentation suggests about one month for the whole route. This difference shows why the exact alignment matters more than comparing two advertised durations.

Build realistic stages, overnight stops and returns

Start by choosing a section and its access points, then verify every overnight stop, water source and transfer. On the Lycian Way, some coastal areas have relatively frequent villages and pensions, but finishing in a bay or on a headland does not guarantee transport or resupply. On the St Paul Trail, village homes and small pensions alternate with stretches where camping may become necessary.

Download a recent track for offline use, keep an independent map and have services confirmed by accommodation providers or local operators. To place the choice in a wider plan, consult our hiking in Türkiye guide and our walking-season comparison.

Plan for heat, water, navigation and trail changes

The main risk is following an old track without checking access, waymarks, construction, fire restrictions or water availability. Both routes include rocky terrain and exposed stages; the St Paul Trail adds inland and higher areas where weather and self-sufficiency requirements can change quickly.

Before departure, check the forecast, local alerts, exit points and phone coverage. Carry offline navigation, an appropriate water reserve and spare time. If you are not confident managing a linear route, carrying arrangements or an isolated stage, shorten the section or choose local guiding.

Sources and references

Frequently asked questions

Which route is better for a first trek in Türkiye?

A well-served section of the Lycian Way is often easier to organise. Actual difficulty still depends on the selected stage, elevation, heat and pack weight, so choose a specific section rather than an entire trail.

What is the best season for both trails?

Spring and autumn are generally the most suitable periods. Still check local weather, snow on higher ground, heat, recent rainfall and fire restrictions before each departure.

Do you need to camp on the St Paul Trail?

Some stages have village homes or small pensions, while longer stretches may require camping. Confirm every overnight stop and water source before fixing the stage.

Can you walk these trails without a guide?

Yes, if you are self-reliant in navigation and logistics and have a recent track, a confirmed return and a fallback plan. Guiding is preferable when those elements are uncertain.

Can both trails be combined in one trip?

It is possible, but transfers between areas reduce walking time. For a first trip, one coherent section on a single trail usually creates a clearer and easier-to-secure itinerary.