Olimpos

Fiona Hilliard is a travel writer for ArgusCarHire.com. On a recent trip to Antalya she visited the fascinating village of Olimpos. Here she shares her tips for those planning to make a similar journey with Antalya car hire…

On a sunny day, Antalya is so perfect that few other places have the pulling power to distract you from its beautiful beaches.

One word: Olimpos.

Dating back to Lycian times, this historic site was originally founded in honour of Hephaestos, also known as Vulcan, the God of Fire.


It’s all about Location, Location, Location…



The Lycians were no fools when it came to finding a beautiful spot for their sacred site. Olimpos has a spectacular setting on a scenic sandy bay, with ruins dotted on either side of the Ulupinar River. Attractions include an original Byzantine bath house with mosaic floors, a marble temple entrance, a theatre, as well as some excavated tombs.


The surrounding shoreline is pristine and is famous for being a safe nesting place for sea turtles. The turtles would be reason enough to visit Olimpos, but there’s actually another one located very close by – Cirali.

On the rocky slopes of Cirali, it is possible to witness actual flames flickering from cracks in the stones.

According to local legend, the fire that comes out of the ground is said to originate from Chimaera, a mythical fire-breathing monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat and a snake’s tail. In the story, the fearsome creature was slain by the Lydian hero, Bellerophon on his winged horse, Pegasus.

Scientists of course, tell a different story. They put the underground inferno down to a natural phenomenon caused by methane emissions. Whatever the reason, it’s definitely a sight to behold.


If like me, you plan to see the flames at night, the best thing to do is to travel back up the main highway road and follow this route for another 1km to the entrance. It is also possible to walk along the beach (it’s about a 4km walk however). If visiting after dark, always remember to take along a flashlight at night as the city has no lights.


Cirali and Olympos are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Antalya.
Olympos beach is famous for its treehouse accommodation and has been a favourite backpacker haunt for years. Neighbouring Cirali has managed to avoid the same type of commercialism however.
As scenic drives go, the Lycian Way makes for one of the most picturesque routes in Turkey. If you plan your journey properly, it’s possible to encompass the secluded beaches of Cirali, the ruins of Olympos, the flames of Chimaera/Yanartas, as well as a WWF protected area for nesting Caretta and Loggerhead sea turtles.

Alternatively, you can also tour the Ulupinar region, which is home to a range of rivers and creeks. Cirali is one of the most unspoilt natural areas on the Antalya coastline. For years, hikers have enjoyed exploring its hidden paths which extend all the way from Cirali to Tekirova. Some travellers also opt to head back to Chimaera which is situated some 12km away. All trails are clearly marked in red and white.
Another section of the Lycian Way that is worth discovering is the Likya Yolu, situated in the National Park of Olymos, also known as Olimpos Bey Daglari Parki.