Tourexpi
Explore the ‘Efeler Way’ in İzmir: the latest hiking trail linking authentic villages
Recognized
as one of Green Destinations' 'Top 100 Stories' last year, the trail is an
adventure that blends history, nature, and local traditions.
A
Journey Through History and Culture
The
500-kilometre Efeler Way starts in the Bornova district of İzmir and ends at
the House of the Virgin Mary, near Ephesus. This extensive route links villages
and plateaus, crossing ancient paths that reflect the culture of the
"Efe"—honored leaders of the Zeybeks, irregular Turkish soldiers. The
Efe are revered in Turkish history for their bravery, and their legacy
continues through dances and local customs celebrated in villages today.
Spanning
28 stages and 27 main routes, the Efeler Way leads hikers through diverse
landscapes, from the peaks of Nif Mountain to the highlands of Kiraz,
concluding in Selçuk. Along the way, visitors can experience local traditions
in 28 villages that have retained their historical charm.
Villages
Preserving Tradition
Each
village on the Efeler Way is a treasure trove of culture and tradition,
offering unique experiences. One of the earliest stops, Nazarköy, is famous for
its handcrafted glass evil eye beads, designed to protect against negative
energy. Birgi, a UNESCO World Tourism Organization Best Tourism Village, boasts
over 200 historical monuments. Highlights include the Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey
Mosque and Çakırağa Mansion, showcasing the rich architectural heritage of the
Anatolian Principalities Period.
The
trail also passes through Şirince, a charming village renowned for its
vineyards, olive groves, and fruit wines. Visiting Şirince during the harvest
season allows hikers to witness the production of high-quality olive oils and
wines, creating a truly immersive experience.
A
Month of Trekking Adventure
Hiking
the entire Efeler Way can take about a month, with each day concluding in a
village where trekkers can rest and enjoy the local culture. The route is
designed to make every stop a rewarding destination, with wooden signs at
village entrances providing key information for travelers.
Efeler
Passport
Another
delightful surprise on the Efeler Way is the 'Passport of the Efeler Way',
which hikers can obtain from www.efeleryolu.com or Efeler Way Friendly
Establishments.
Participants
on the route can have their Efeler Way Passports stamped with a distinctive
local symbol and reflecting the identity of each village they visit. Each
handcrafted Efeler Way passport has a unique serial number. Even better, hikers
who collect all the village seals and demonstrate their completion of the route
via route-sharing apps receive the special Efeler Way gold seal on the last
page of the passport.
Image
Credit: © TGA
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