Where Ancient Ruins Meet a Paradise Beach
On the stunning Lycian Coast south of Antalya lies one of Turkey's best-kept secrets: Olympos. This magical destination combines an ancient Lycian and Roman city with one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean — all surrounded by lush pine forests and dramatic mountain scenery.
Olympos is a place where time slows down. There are no high-rise hotels, no busy roads along the beach — just nature, history, and the sound of the sea.
What Makes Olympos So Special?
Olympos is unique because the ancient ruins are not behind a fence in a museum — they are woven directly into the forest and beach landscape. You walk through 2,000-year-old Roman ruins on your way to the sea. Sarcophagi, temple walls, and Byzantine churches peek out from between the trees. It feels like a discovery every time.
The beach itself is long, wide, and backed by forested mountains. The water is crystal clear and the setting is simply stunning. Olympos has a wonderfully relaxed, bohemian atmosphere — it's a place that gets under your skin.
The Chimaera – Eternal Flames of Mythology
Just a short walk from Olympos is one of Turkey's most extraordinary natural wonders: the Chimaera (Yanartaş). Natural gas seeps through the rocky hillside and burns with flames that have never gone out — for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks believed this was the breath of the mythological fire-breathing Chimaera monster. Watching the flames flicker in the darkness against a backdrop of stars is an experience you will never forget. Visit at dusk or after dark for the full effect.
Top Experiences in Olympos
- Olympos Beach — One of the most beautiful beaches on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Long, unspoiled, and surrounded by forested mountains. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and complete relaxation.
- Ancient city of Olympos — Walk through 2,000-year-old Lycian and Roman ruins on your way to the beach. Free to explore and wonderfully atmospheric.
- Chimaera (Yanartaş) eternal flames — Hike up to the hillside where natural flames have burned for thousands of years. Best visited at dusk or after dark.
- Boat trips along the Lycian Coast — Join a gulet cruise along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, stopping at hidden coves, turquoise bays, and ancient ruins only accessible by sea.
- Cable car to Mount Tahtali — Take the cable car up to 2,365 metres for breathtaking panoramic views over the entire Lycian Coast and out to the open sea.
- Adrasan Beach — A short drive from Olympos, Adrasan is a quieter, equally beautiful bay perfect for a peaceful day by the sea away from the crowds.
- Çıralı village — The neighbouring village of Çıralı is one of the most charming spots on the Lycian Coast — a long pebbly beach, organic farms, and a wonderfully unhurried pace of life.
Best Restaurants near Olympos
- Kadir's Tree Houses Restaurant — The legendary treehouse camp has a great open-air restaurant with fresh Turkish food and a lively, social atmosphere.
- Bayram's Restaurant — A local favourite in Olympos village with fresh fish, mezze, and grilled meats in a relaxed garden setting.
- Orange Motel & Restaurant (Adrasan) — Excellent fresh seafood and Turkish home cooking right on the beach in nearby Adrasan. Highly recommended.
- Çıralı Beachfront Restaurants — Several excellent restaurants line the beach road in Çıralı, serving fresh fish, mezze, and local produce in a beautiful setting.
- Myland Nature Hotel Restaurant — Organic, farm-to-table Turkish cuisine in a stunning garden setting. One of the best meals you'll have on the Lycian Coast.
Top Hotels in Olympos & Çıralı
- Myland Nature Hotel (Çıralı) — A beautiful boutique eco-hotel in a lush garden setting, just steps from the beach and the Chimaera. Organic food, warm hospitality, and a magical atmosphere. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Arcadia Hotel (Çıralı) — Charming boutique hotel with bungalows in a stunning garden, excellent breakfast, and a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Kadir's Tree Houses — The iconic treehouse camp that put Olympos on the map. A unique, fun, and social experience for adventurous travellers. ⭐⭐⭐
- Olympos Lodge — Comfortable bungalows in a beautiful forest setting with a pool and easy access to the beach and ruins. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Çıralı Pansiyon — Simple, charming family-run guesthouses along the beach road in Çıralı. Excellent value and wonderfully authentic. ⭐⭐⭐
Getting to Olympos
Olympos is located approximately 80 km south of Antalya Airport, about 1.5 hours by road through stunning mountain scenery along the Lycian Coast. TTT Transfer offers private airport transfers from Antalya Airport directly to Olympos and Adrasan — fixed price, no hidden fees, professional driver, and meet & greet at the airport. Your driver will be waiting for you when you land, no matter if your flight is delayed.
Last updated: June 2026
