Olympos Ancient City
Lycian ruins by the sea, connected to Çıralı beach and the eternal flames of Yanartaş. A mix of history and nature without the crowds of bigger sites.
Olympos Ancient City lies in a valley between the Mediterranean and a forested hillside, once a major Lycian port. Today its stone walls, temple remains, and theater are overgrown with pines and vines, giving the place a quiet, lost-world feel. The site is linked to Çıralı beach, a long stretch of sand where sea turtles nest, and to Yanartaş, a rocky slope where natural gas seeps burn continuously — the ancient Chimera. Walking through the ruins takes about an hour; you can then swim or hike up to the flames. It’s less polished than places like Ephesus, but more atmospheric and far less crowded.
“Walk through ancient Lycian streets and end up on a quiet beach.”
Go early in the morning; the site gets hot and crowded by midday. Bring swimsuit to cool off at Çıralı beach after.
Rough paths and uneven stone steps make wheelchair access difficult. Some areas require climbing over ruins.
Good to know
- Is Olympos Ancient City free to visit?
- TL 90. Entry via Çıralı village; combine with the beach and Yanartaş.
- How long should you spend at Olympos Ancient City?
- ~2h
- When is the best time to visit Olympos Ancient City?
- Morning
- Is Olympos Ancient City wheelchair accessible?
- Rough paths and uneven stone steps make wheelchair access difficult. Some areas require climbing over ruins.
