ROUTE
Hike Bike Run Feel and Experience
The Sufi Trail
SUFI TRAIL
Through Mountains and Mysticism: Anatolia's Sacred Walk
Trail Legend
The Path of Whirling Dervishes
The Sufi Trail follows ancient caravan routes connecting Istanbul to Konya, tracing the journey of Sufi mystics and the spiritual legacy of Mevlana Rumi. This pilgrimage route passes through forests, mountains, and historic villages, offering both physical challenge and spiritual contemplation.
Historical Significance
For centuries, dervishes and scholars traveled these paths between the Ottoman capital and the heartland of Anatolian Sufism. The trail revives this tradition, connecting:
- Istanbul's Galata Mevlevi Lodge
- Seyitgazi's Sufi complexes
- Akşehir's Nasreddin Hodja sites
- Konya's Mevlana Museum
SUFI TRAIL MAP, HOW TO GET THERE
Here you find a detailed map of the Sufi Trail you can zoom and see details and below you foind more information about Istanbul, how to get there, visa and route up-dates.
Route Information
How to Get to the Start of the Sufi Trail
Welcome, Parendes (traveler)! Here are the essential details to plan your arrival in Istanbul and journey to the trail’s starting point.
Arriving in Istanbul
Istanbul has two main international airports. Choose your arrival point based on your flight options.
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Istanbul Airport (IST) – On the European side. Europe’s largest airport.
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Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) – On the Asian side.
Visa Information: Many travelers (e.g., from Europe) do not need a visa. If you require one, we recommend using the official e-Visa website for the simplest and most reliable process.
Your First Goal: Eyüp Mosque or the Ferry to Yalova
The Sufi Trail traditionally begins at the Eyüp Sultan Mosque in Istanbul. However, many pilgrims proceed directly to the coastal city of Yalova via ferry to start walking.
Start point options:
Eyüp Mosque (The spiritual starting point)
Yalova Ferry Port (To begin the trail outside Istanbul)
Taking the Ferry to Yalova
The IDO ferry is your direct route to Yalova. Ferries depart from two main ports:
Yenikapı Port (Closer to Istanbul Airport)
Pendik Port (Closer to Sabiha Gökçen Airport)
Our Recommendation: Yenikapı Port is often easier, as it aligns directly with the Sufi Trail route when you arrive in Yalova.
Planning Your Route from the Airport
Use these tools to get precise public transport directions (metro, bus, taxi) to your chosen destination.
Google Maps
Simply enter: [Your Airport] to Eyüp Mosque or [Your Airport] to Yenikapı Ferry Port
Select the public transport icon for schedules and routes.
Detailed, step-by-step articles from each airport:
From Istanbul Airport (IST) → [Read Guide]
From Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) → [Read Guide]
GPX/KML files are available with guidebooks and a digital package with your Sufi Trail starters pack including Sufi Trail Parandeh passport.
The first impression
The Sufi Trail Experience: Challenge, Community & Wonder
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A Trail of Contrasts: Begin on gentle paths, but be ready for rewarding challenges. Perfect for hiking and cycling pilgrims of various levels.
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Carried by Kindness: The famed “Trail Angels” and generous local people provide essential support and motivation, turning strangers into friends.
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A Feast for the Senses: Immerse yourself in a stunning tapestry of nature, historic architecture, and serene spiritual sites.
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Your Visual Preview: Get inspired and see the trail in action! Explore our channel of Sufi Trail Movies on YouTube.
Ready to be inspired? Watch our YouTube Trail Videos here!
A welcome oasis on the trail, the Mimoza Bicycle Cafe in Akşehir is a beloved stop for Sufi Trail pilgrims. Here, travelers can collect their official trail stamp and visit the charming shop for special souvenirs, including the iconic Sufi Trail buff.
VISA
When you travel from Europe you do not need a visa, we advise this link if you do need a visa. It is the cheapest and has easy payment options.
VISA – website
When your in Türkiye on the Sufi Trail, it’s easy then you just take one step at the time untill you reach Konya. It’s only 801 km.
Hikers on there way to Belekler
Along the route
We have road angels and many Sufi Trail friends along the route. You find them in your guidebook, but also you can collect your stamps for your passport, credentials are an important method to maintain connected to all the people along the trail.
The legendary “road angel” Hakan Yavuz is celebrated for generously hosting countless travelers through Couchsurfing. His particular love for the clock tower in Bilecik has become something of a local legend.