Olympos & Çıralı

Olympos and Çıralı combine ancient history, protected coastal landscapes and one of Antalya’s most unusual natural phenomena. Located southwest of Antalya between forested mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, the area offers a quieter atmosphere than many of the region’s larger resort centres. Olympos Ancient City was an important settlement of ancient Lycia and later became part of the Roman world. Built along a river valley close to the sea, the city benefited from its natural harbour and strategic position on Mediterranean maritime routes. Today, visitors can explore ruins scattered among dense vegetation, including temples, baths, bridges, tombs and other public structures from different periods. The combination of ancient stone buildings, forest and flowing water gives Olympos a particularly atmospheric character. Nearby, Çıralı Beach stretches along a peaceful section of the Mediterranean coast. Surrounded by mountains and natural scenery, the beach is known for its clear water and relatively undeveloped environment. It is also an important nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles, or Caretta caretta, making the protection of the coastline especially important. Above Çıralı lies Yanartaş, also known as the Chimaera, where natural gases escaping through cracks in the rocks create small flames that have burned for centuries. The flames are particularly striking after sunset and can be reached by following a walking trail up the mountainside. Yanartaş has long been associated with the ancient myth of the Chimaera, the legendary fire-breathing creature described in Greek mythology. This connection between mythology and a real natural phenomenon gives the site a unique place in the cultural history of the region. Together, Olympos Ancient City, Çıralı Beach and Yanartaş offer visitors an exceptional combination of archaeology, mythology and Mediterranean nature. Ancient ruins, a protected coastline and the mysterious flames of Chimaera make the area one of the most distinctive destinations around Antalya.