Olympos, Çıralı and Yanartaş: A Day on Antalya's West Coast

West of Antalya, south of Kemer, where the Bey Mountains meet the sea, three stops sit very close together: the ancient city of Olympos, the long beach of the village of Çıralı and Yanartaş, a rocky hillside where flames burn day and night. Together they make a calm, nature-focused escape about an hour's drive from the city. This guide covers the area, how long it takes and what visitors and residents should keep in mind.

Where is Çıralı and what is it like?

Çıralı is a small agricultural village in Kemer district. According to reference sources it is a little over an hour's drive south-west of Antalya. Its best-known feature is a quiet beach of roughly 3.5 kilometres, which is also an important nesting site for Caretta caretta sea turtles. In summer, especially at night, visitors need to be careful with light and noise on the shore.

Çıralı's other character is the scale of its tourism: small guesthouses and garden lodgings stand out rather than large hotel complexes. That makes the area attractive for anyone who wants a short break from city life.

The ancient city of Olympos

Olympos sits at the far end of the Çıralı shore and can be reached on foot from the village. One of the ancient cities of Lycia, Olympos is a settlement spread on both sides of a stream bed and discovered among the trees. The site lies inside Beydağları Coastal National Park, so a visit to the ruins can be combined with a nature walk.

Things to note:

• Entry fees and opening hours at archaeological sites can change. Check current announcements from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism or the Antalya provincial directorate before you go.
• Walking paths are shaded but can be uneven, so wear non-slip shoes.
• In summer heat, early morning is the most comfortable time.

Photo: Cubus-Simus / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons

Yanartaş (Chimaera): flames that do not go out

Yanartaş, called Chimaera in ancient sources, is still known for flames rising from a rocky hillside. According to reference sources, the flames are found in two areas about a kilometre apart and are produced by gas escaping from cracks in the rock burning. The gas is described as roughly 60 per cent methane. Today the flames are small and irregular: sometimes reaching about 50 centimetres, and at other times barely visible in daylight. Their height also varies with air pressure.

The site is about 250 metres above sea level and roughly 2 kilometres from the coast. From the Çıralı side, the lower area is reached by a short but steep walk of about 30 minutes, according to the sources. The upper area is approached from Ulupınar by a more strenuous path. In antiquity the place is said to have been tied to the cult of Hephaistos and the flames to have guided sailors; these are accounts handed down in tradition and sources.

Notes before you walk:

• The path is stony, so you need sturdy shoes and water.
• If you plan to walk as it gets dark, carry a torch and a spare light; knowing the path in daylight is safer.
• Be careful with fire and flammable material near the flames and do not leave the marked paths.
• Fees and hours may change, so ask on site.

How it relates to the Lycian Way

Both Olympos and Yanartaş are on the Lycian Way, one of Türkiye's best-known long-distance walking routes. The trail was conceived by Kate Clow and opened in 1999. The stage between Adrasan and Çıralı passes through Olympos. For walking seasons, sources give spring and October–November as the best periods; at low elevations mid-May and mid-September can be very hot, and downpours are possible between November and February.

You do not have to walk the whole trail; a single section in one day is fine. The Çıralı–Yanartaş line is a short, easily accessible example.

When to go

• Spring: One of the best times for walking, with fresh vegetation and mild weather.
• Summer: Good for the sea and the beach, but walking is hard when the sun is highest.
• Autumn: Temperatures drop while the sea stays warm; also appealing for walkers.
• Winter: Rain and downpours are possible, and paths can be slippery.

For the yearly pattern, see Antalya weather through the year.

A day trip or a weekend

The area is far from the city centre, so allow for travel time. Two possible plans:

• Day trip: Leave early, explore Olympos until noon, rest on the Çıralı beach in the afternoon, then walk up to Yanartaş at dusk if you know the path, or leave it for another day.
• Weekend: Stay one night in Çıralı; Olympos and the beach on the first day, the Yanartaş walk on the second.

For closer alternatives, see places to visit near Antalya city centre; for a nature-and-history mix, Termessos, Güver Cliff and Düzlerçamı is a good complement.

Notes for visitors and new residents

For anyone considering a move to Antalya, day routes like this show that the city is more than a coastal strip: mountains and forest in the west, plains and waterfalls in the east. When looking for a home it helps to see areas in person; our article planning a property viewing trip to Antalya: a 4-day plan may help. For the overall framework there is buying a home in Antalya, and for current options our projects page.

Visiting responsibly

This area is both a protected national park and a nesting ground for sea turtles. Keep night lighting on the beach to a minimum, do not touch nest markers, take your rubbish with you and do not light fires in natural areas. Staying in local guesthouses and buying from small businesses helps keep the area at its current scale.

Conclusion

Olympos, Çıralı and Yanartaş bring nature, history and sea together on Antalya's west coast. Choosing the right season, being prepared for the walk and checking current entry details beforehand all make the visit easier. If you have questions about the area, feel free to write to us.

Cover photo: Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany / CC BY-SA 2.0 — Wikimedia Commons