Olympos Beydağları National Park: the Chimaera flames, the Lycian Way and quiet bays
Flames that never go out, a stream running through an ancient city, trails dropping from forest to sea. Notes for exploring the park from Çıralı to Adrasan.
Teknovan Editorial Team ·
Climb the hillside behind Çıralı at dusk and the first thing you notice is a smell. Then you see small flames coming out of the rocks. They've been burning for thousands of years. In antiquity people called the place Chimaera and believed the fire-breathing monster of legend lived here.
Yanartaş (the Chimaera) is the most famous corner of Olympos Beydağları National Park, about 80 km south-west of Antalya. But the park is much bigger than that. Declared in 1972, it covers the coast from south of Kemer down to Adrasan, the peak of Tahtalı Dağı and the forests in between.
The Chimaera: when to go up
The flames burn during the day too, but they make their real impression after dark. You drive from Çıralı to the car park and then climb a stone path for about half an hour. You'll be coming down in the dark, so bring a head torch. Trainers are fine.
You'll see people grilling sucuk (Turkish sausage) over the flames. Don't. The site is protected and more people come every year.
Ancient Olympos
Olympos is a Lycian city built on both banks of a stream. The ruins have half vanished into the forest, among fig and bay trees. You walk along the stream and come out on the beach. Walking through an ancient city to the sea is something you can do in very few places.
You can enter from the Olympos side, or walk in along the beach from Çıralı. There's an entrance fee, and the Müzekart (Turkey's museum pass) is valid.
A day on the Lycian Way
The Lycian Way, Türkiye's best-known long-distance walking route, follows the coast through the park. If you don't have time for the whole thing, pick a one-day stretch:
- Çıralı to Olympos: Short and easy along the beach, fine for all ages.
- Adrasan to Olympos: A full-day stage through forest and over ridges. Water sources are few, so carry at least two litres.
- Karaöz to Gelidonya Lighthouse: A walk with big views out to the old lighthouse at the tip of the cape. Close to Adrasan.
In midsummer these trails get very hot. April, May, October and November are the best months.
Camping: Çıralı or Adrasan?
Çıralı is a quiet village. Guesthouses and campsites sit among orange groves. Sea turtles nest on the beach, so lights and tents on the sand are banned at night.
Adrasan is a wider bay with lots of camping options. In the evenings boats come back to the village jetty and fishermen haul in their nets. If you want a bit more going on, this is where to base yourself.
| Campsite | Location | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Adrasan Forest Camping | Adrasan | 4.9 |
| Adrasan Gezginler Kamp | Adrasan | 5.0 |
| Bayrams Tree Houses | Olympos | 4.4 |
Ratings are based on Google reviews as of 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for the Chimaera? Yes, a small one. Check the current price at the ticket booth.
Can you stay in Olympos with a campervan? The road down into the Olympos valley is narrow. It's easier to stay in Çıralı or Adrasan with the van and walk to Olympos.
Do you need a guide for the Lycian Way? The short stages are waymarked and people walk them without a guide. For the long, mountainous sections, download the route to your phone and carry it with you.
For every campsite in the area, see our Olympos, Çıralı and Adrasan camping guide.
Sources
Image credits
Photos illustrate the region; they are not photos of the campsites themselves.
- Olimpos sahili: Güney Özdamar, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Çıralı: Bbortacina, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Adrasan: Bilgegezgintr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
