Olympos is the most-loved place in Antalya you have probably never heard of — a coastal pocket where Lycian ruins, a turtle-nesting beach, treehouse pensions and a literally flaming mountain converge. The trick is to do it overnight rather than as a day trip; the after-dark walk to the eternal fires is the experience.
Where is Olympos exactly?
85 km southwest of Antalya, on the coast between Kemer and Demre. Two adjacent villages: Olympos (the ruins and beach) and Çıralı (the family-friendly hotels with road access). 80 minutes by private transfer from Antalya Airport (AYT).
The ancient city ruins
A Lycian city dating from at least the 3rd century BC, taken by Rhodes, then Rome, then the Byzantines. Ruins follow a small river through the forest from the beach inland — 1 km easy walk, mostly shaded. Highlights: the harbour temple, Roman baths, sarcophagi tumbled into the riverbed. Entry €4, last entry 17:00.
The beach — turtle nesting protected
3.5 km of pebble beach, no hotels touching the shore (planning rules protect the loggerhead turtle nesting from May-September). No sun loungers, no beach bars on the sand — just a gravel stretch with low pines behind. Bring water, take everything you brought back out.
Where to stay — the treehouses
- Kadir's Treehouses (the original, hippy-era hostel, dorms and private treehouses)
- Bayrams Treehouse (more comfortable rooms, still backpacker vibe)
- Türkmen Treehouse (the quiet upmarket option, good food)
- For families: cross to Çıralı village — mid-range pensions and small boutique hotels with road access
The eternal fires of Chimera (Yanartaş)
A 30-minute steep walk up the mountain behind Çıralı leads to a hillside where natural methane gas seeps from the rocks and burns continuously. Recorded by Homer and Pliny the Elder, the fires have been visible since at least 700 BC. Best visited after sunset — walk up in twilight, sit by the flames as it fully darkens. Bring a torch (not for the path — for the walk down). €4 entry, no closing time.
The perfect 24-hour itinerary
Arrive 14:00 (drop bag at treehouse), 14:30 ruins walk, 16:00 swim at beach, 18:00 dinner at one of Olympos' village restaurants, 19:30 walk up to Chimera, 21:00 sit by fires for an hour, 22:30 back at treehouse. Next morning: 08:00 breakfast, 10:00 swim/snorkel, 12:00 transfer back.