Olympos & Chimaera Night Tour: Ruins, Çıralı, Flames

Olympos was one of the leading cities of the Lycian League, built along a stream that runs through a green gorge to the sea south of Kemer. Its ruins lie half hidden among plane trees, oleanders and laurel: a Roman-period gate, sarcophagi, parts of a theatre, a bathhouse and the remains of later Byzantine and medieval buildings. The site feels wild and quiet, very different from the large excavated cities of the region.

A few kilometres along the shore is Çıralı, a long, undeveloped pebble beach where loggerhead turtles nest in summer. Above it, on the slope of the mountain, small flames burn out of the rock day and night. This is Chimaera, known locally as Yanartaş: natural gas seeps from cracks in the ground and has kept these fires alive for thousands of years. Ancient writers linked the place to the myth of Bellerophon and Pegasus, who killed the fire-breathing monster Chimaera here.

The tour suits travellers interested in history and nature, couples and families with children old enough for a short walk in the dark.

Book quickly on WhatsApp

The trip takes about 7 hours from pickup to drop-off. A typical flow:

• Afternoon pickup from your hotel and the drive south past Kemer towards Olympos. From Kemer and Tekirova this is quick; from Antalya, Lara, Belek or Side the drive is longer.
• A walk through the ruins of ancient Olympos along the stream valley.
• Time on the coast at Çıralı to enjoy the sunset atmosphere.
• As it gets dark, the walk up to the Chimaera flames: a path of stones and steps, roughly 20 to 30 minutes uphill.
• Time at the flames, the walk down and the drive back to your hotel.

The order of the stops and the time spent at each can vary with the season and the time of sunset.

• Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip. The path to Chimaera is uneven and the walk down is in the dark.
• Bring a torch or use your phone light, and a light jacket for the evening.
• At Olympos there is little shade and the ground is rough; a hat, sun cream and water help in summer.
• Swimwear is useful if you want to go into the sea at Çıralı when time allows.
• The uphill walk is moderate. Older travellers and young children manage it at a slow pace, but people with knee or heart problems should consider it first.
• Photographing the flames works best without flash, with a steady hand or a small tripod.
• Do not touch the fires or let children get too close.

What is included (entrance tickets, meals, equipment) is confirmed when you book.

We pick you up from your hotel and bring you back at night, from the resort areas of the Antalya region: Kemer, Tekirova, Beldibi, Göynük, Çamyuva, Konyaaltı, Antalya city, Lara, Belek and, on request, Side or Alanya. You travel in our own vehicles: a Minivan (VW Caravelle class), a VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito or a Mercedes Sprinter for larger groups.

The pickup time depends on your hotel area and is given when you book. A private option with the vehicle for your group only is possible. Child seats are free on request.

Message us on WhatsApp, 24/7, or use the booking form. You receive a fixed price within 1 minute. There is no prepayment and cancellation is free. You pay in the vehicle, in cash or by card if agreed in advance.

You can also combine this evening trip with your airport transfer in one booking.