Trekking on Turkey’s historic Ephesus-Mimas Route

İZMİR

A historic 709-kilometer route in İzmir that connects ancient Greek Ionian footways awaits visitors who want to enjoy nature as well as learn of the culture and history in the region. 

By realizing the Ephesus-Mimas Culture Route project, “our aim is to bring these six Ionian cities on the İzmir peninsula to light and for locals in the region to make a profit,” Ertuğrul Tugay, deputy-president of the Turkish Mountaineering Federation told state-run Anadolu Agency. 

“Apart from the historical hiking trail for cycling, routes with themes including olive, vineyard and sea were also added,” Tugay said.

“The Ephesus-Mimas Culture Route is 709 kilometer longs with 49 new routes,” he said, adding the route was marked according to international standards and directional signs were placed. 

The main part of the route consists of six footways connecting ancient cities such as Ephesus, Colophon, Lebedos, Teos, Klazomenai, and Erythrai. 

The route starts in Ephesus in front of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, and passes through Menderes, Seferihisar, Güzelbahçe, Urla and Çeşme districts and ends in Mimas, or Karaburun in Turkish. 

Treklovers can travel through paths and beaches by walking among colorful flora and are offered the chance to look closer at ancient history. 

Yasemin Dağaçar, a trekker, said she had been visiting the region for the last 20 years. She said such activities also contribute to the economy of locals. 

“Many people did not know about the crops such as daffodils, artichokes, dates, and olives. These crops have become known and locals who produce them earn an income too. On this route, you can also see endemic plants you have never seen before, such as windflowers and mountain hyacinths,” said Dağaçar. 

Another trekker, Halil Demir, said the Ephesus-Mimas Route offered both natural and historic beauties. He said he had been coming to the region for 10 years. “You can come across a different beauty in any of your visits,” said Demir.