Olympos & Çıralı – Ancient Ruins and Tranquil Beaches in Antalya

Introduction

On Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, just 80 km southwest of Antalya, lie two of the region’s most enchanting destinations: Olympos and Çıralı. These twin gems combine ancient history, unspoiled beaches, and eco-friendly tourism.

• Olympos is best known for its ancient Lycian ruins, hidden among forested valleys, and its reputation as a bohemian backpacker hub.
• Çıralı, just next to Olympos, is a quiet seaside village, famous for its pristine beach, nesting sea turtles (Caretta Caretta), and the eternal flames of Mount Chimaera (Yanartaş).

Together, Olympos and Çıralı offer the perfect mix of archaeology, nature, and relaxation.

📍 Related Read: Side Ancient City – Seaside Ruins of Pamphylia

History of Olympos

Lycian Origins

• Olympos was one of the major cities of the Lycian League, dating back to the 2nd century BC.
• Its strategic harbor made it an important trade center.

Pirate Haven

• In the Hellenistic period, Olympos was infamous as a pirate stronghold.
• The city was later incorporated into the Roman Empire after pirate fleets were destroyed.

Roman & Byzantine Period

• Under Roman rule, Olympos flourished with baths, temples, an agora, and theatres.
• In the Byzantine period, it became a bishopric but later declined due to Arab raids.

🔗 External Source: UNESCO – Lycian Civilisation

Olympos Ancient City Today

• Ruins of Olympos are scattered through a forest valley, giving the site a mystical atmosphere.
• Visitors can explore:
• Roman baths
• Theatre remains
• Temple ruins
• Necropolis with sarcophagi
• Ancient harbor walls

📍 Related Read: Perge Ancient City – History & Visitor Guide

Çıralı – Nature, Beaches, and Relaxation

Çıralı Beach

• A 3.5 km-long unspoiled beach, with a peaceful atmosphere compared to Antalya’s crowded resorts.
• Nesting ground of the endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta Caretta).

Village Life

• Çıralı is a quiet village with eco-pensions, organic farms, and family-run guesthouses.
• Perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and slow tourism.

Mount Chimaera (Yanartaş)

• Just above Çıralı, natural flames have been burning for thousands of years due to methane emissions from the rocks.
• Ancient sailors used the flames of Chimaera as a navigational landmark.

📍 Related Read: Termessos Ancient City – Eagle’s Nest of the Taurus Mountains

Things to Do in Olympos & Çıralı

1. Explore the ancient ruins of Olympos.
2. Swim at Çıralı Beach, one of the cleanest in Turkey.
3. Watch the sunset at Apollo Temple ruins.
4. Hike to Mount Chimaera (Yanartaş) and see the eternal flames.
5. Stay in a treehouse guesthouse in Olympos or a boutique eco-lodge in Çıralı.
6. Try local Mediterranean cuisine in seaside restaurants.
7. Take a boat tour along the Turquoise Coast.

Visiting Olympos & Çıralı

📍 Location

• 80 km southwest of Antalya (1.5-hour drive).

🕒 Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) for mild weather.
• Summer is popular but can be hot.

🎟️ Entrance Fees

• Olympos ruins: around 50 TL (€2–3).
• Yanartaş (Chimaera): small entrance fee (~40 TL).

🔗 External Source: GoTürkiye – Olympos & Çıralı

🚍 How to Get There

• By car: Coastal drive from Antalya via Kemer.
• By bus: Minibuses from Antalya to Olympos/Çıralı junction, then shuttle into the village.
• Many guided tours include Olympos & Çıralı in combination with Phaselis or Myra.

📍 Related Tour: 6-Day Western Turkey Tour – Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus & Pamukkale

Travel Tips

• Bring cash – ATMs are limited.
• Pack light shoes – paths are sandy and uneven.
• For turtle conservation, avoid lights on the beach at night.
• Olympos is popular with backpackers, Çıralı with families and couples.
• Stay overnight to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere after day-trippers leave.

📍 Related Read: Pamukkale Travel Guide – Cotton Castle & Hierapolis

Why Visit Olympos & Çıralı?

• Unique combination of history, nature, and beach.
• Ancient ruins hidden in a forest valley.
• Peaceful beach, free from mass tourism.
• Mythical Chimaera flames still burning after thousands of years.
• Great eco-friendly accommodation and local hospitality.

📍 Related Read: Cappadocia Travel Guide – Explore Turkey’s Fairytale Land

SEO Optimized FAQ – Olympos & Çıralı

1. Where are Olympos and Çıralı located?

About 80 km southwest of Antalya, Turkey.

2. What is Olympos famous for?

Its ancient Lycian ruins and pirate history.

3. What is Çıralı famous for?

Its unspoiled beach, sea turtle nesting sites, and Mount Chimaera flames.

4. Can you swim in Çıralı Beach?

Yes, it is one of the cleanest beaches in Turkey.

5. How much is the entrance fee to Olympos?

Around 50 TL (€2–3).

6. Is Olympos good for families?

Yes, but it’s more popular with backpackers; Çıralı is better for families.

7. How far is Olympos from Antalya?

Around 1.5 hours by car.

8. When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn for mild weather.

9. Can I see turtles in Çıralı?

Yes, loggerhead turtles nest on Çıralı Beach in summer.

10. Is Olympos part of UNESCO?

It is linked to the Lycian Civilisation, which is on Turkey’s tentative UNESCO list.

Conclusion

Olympos and Çıralı together form one of the most unique destinations in Antalya—where ancient ruins, sandy beaches, and natural wonders meet. Whether you want to explore Lycian history, swim in crystal waters, watch sea turtles, or witness the eternal flames of Mount Chimaera, this region offers something for every traveler.

For a complete Turkey trip, combine Olympos & Çıralı with Antalya Old Town, Aspendos, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, and Istanbul.

📍 Related Experience: Pamukkale to Cappadocia Private Transfer