Olympos
Olympos is a Lycian city hidden at the mouth of a pine-covered valley, where a river meets a long pebble beach. The ruins, the beach and the nearby eternal flames at Yanartaş make it a full, memorable day.
Olympos
The ancient city sits in a narrow valley, with tombs, a theatre, bathhouses and a Byzantine basilica scattered along the stream. The setting is unusually green and shaded, and the beach is a short walk from the ruins.
Olympos was a port and a member of the Lycian League. Today it is also a base for the Lycian Way and for boat trips. The Chimera flames at Yanartaş, on the mountain above Çıralı, are a natural gas seep that has burned for centuries; the walk is best in the late afternoon.
Top attractions
Ancient Olympos
Follow the stream through the ruins; the theatre, tombs and basilica are close together.
Olympos Beach
A long pebble beach at the valley mouth. The sea is clear, but the stones are hot underfoot.
Yanartaş
The eternal flames above Çıralı, reached by a steep path. Go with a torch and sturdy shoes.
Practical notes
Getting there
Olympos is reached from Kumluca or Kemer, about 1.5–2 hours from Antalya. Minibuses serve Çıralı and the beach.
Best time to visit
May–June and September–October. July–August is hot and the beach is busy.
- The valley can be muddy; wear shoes that can get wet.
- Bring cash and water; services are simple.
- Do not light fires or disturb the ruins. The Yanartaş path is steep and unlit after dark.
Olympos
Olympos is a Lycian city hidden at the mouth of a pine-covered valley, where a river meets a long pebble beach. The ruins, the beach and the nearby eternal flames at Yanartaş make it a full, memorable day.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October; summers are hot.