Türkiye’s newly designated long-distance hiking trail, the Efeler Way (Efeler Yolu), is opening up fresh terrain for nature lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and slow travelers seeking a deeper connection with the Aegean heartland in Izmir. Stretching nearly 500 kilometers (over 310 miles) through remote villages, highland plateaus, and rugged mountain passes, this trail offers more than scenic views—it brings to life the storied Efe and Zeybek traditions of Western Anatolia.
A man Dressed in a Zeybek Costume Duration A Local Festival in Mentese, Mugla, Türkiye. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Inspired by the historical figure of the Efe—a mountain warrior known for defying injustice and defending the common people—the Efeler Way revives a rich local heritage. The Efe was traditionally the leader of the Zeybeks, informal resistance groups that emerged in the late Ottoman period. Often seen as Robin Hood-like figures, they protected villages, resisted oppression, and expressed their defiance through music, dance, and camaraderie.
The trail begins in the Bornova district of Izmir and winds through the Bozdag and Aydin Mountains before reaching its spiritual end at the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus-Selcuk. While not a religious pilgrimage route, the symbolic endpoint gives a fitting sense of closure to a physically and culturally demanding journey.
A map showing the destinations along the Efeler Way in Izmir, Türkiye. (Map via efeleryolu.com)
Divided into 28 marked segments—27 main trails and one alternate path—the Efeler Way covers varied terrain across several districts, including Kemalpasa, Odemis, Kiraz, Beydag, Tire and Selcuk. Stage lengths range from 14 to 24 kilometers, with difficulty levels mostly between moderate and challenging. Red and white signs mark the primary stages, while the alternative route is highlighted in red and yellow. In addition to standard trail markings, red paint indicates key cultural or panoramic stops, such as heritage landmarks and mountaintop viewpoints.
Each stage is monitored by dedicated volunteers who walk the routes annually to maintain waymarks and perform minor upkeep. These local custodians also assist hikers, groups, and travel agencies by offering guidance or connecting them with regional hospitality options.
An aerial view of Bozdag neighbourhood, Izmir, Türkiye. (Photo via Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency)
Efeler Way integrates slow tourism with sustainable local development. Every stage ends in a village that offers basic accommodation or camping options through certified Efeler Yolu Friendly Establishments. These establishments provide logistical support, such as passport stamping for trail documentation, and help visitors with food, lodging, and navigation. Some villages also offer local delicacies and artisanal products, further enriching the experience.
The trail’s commitment to responsible tourism earned it a place in the Top 100 Stories of Green Destinations in 2023—a recognition that underscores its eco-conscious design and preservation of cultural landscapes.
An aerial view of Birgi, Izmir, Türkiye. (Photo via Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency)
Beyond physical challenge and cultural immersion, the Efeler Way is a celebration of inner Aegean cuisine. As travelers pass through centuries-old towns like Birgi and Tire, they can taste signature regional dishes such as tire kofte (minced meatballs), tak tak kebab, and Odemis pide—a type of flatbread topped with spiced fillings. Local markets overflow with wild herbs, fresh cheeses, sun-drenched figs, and black mulberry sherbet.
Each Tuesday, the Tire Market—one of the largest in the country—transforms into a living museum of trade, opening at dawn with a prayer and offering a glimpse into a 600-year-old commercial tradition. From the vineyards of Nif Mountain to the famed cherry orchards of Kiraz, the route is also a culinary voyage through fertile highlands and pastoral valleys.
A map showing the culture route of the Efeler Way in Izmir, Türkiye. (Map via efeleryolu.com)
While Türkiye is already home to historic trails such as the Lycian Way and the Carian Trail, the Efeler Way distinguishes itself by combining mountainous challenges with a cultural storyline rooted in resistance, solidarity, and joy. Ozgun Ozkaya, the route’s designer and manager, grew up hiking in these mountains and saw the trail as a way to honor the Efe spirit—a path not just through geography but through identity.
Lubbey is an abandoned village about 16 km from Odemis district of Izmir, Türkiye. (Adobe Stock Photo)
With its motto “Efeler Way is a challenge!”, the trail invites seasoned trekkers, culture seekers, and weekend wanderers alike to explore Western Anatolia’s overlooked interiors. For some, it may be a month-long endurance test.
June 23, 2025 12:12 PM GMT+03:00
