Olympos & Çıralı
Olympos and Çıralı sit side-by-side on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, separated by a few kilometres of beach and the ruins of an ancient Lycian city. This is the most-visited stretch of the Lycian Way: treehouse hostels, the eternal Chimera flames burning out of the mountainside, a turtle-nesting beach and a stage that even casual walkers can manage.
Olympos vs. Çıralı — what's the difference?
Locals and signs sometimes use the names interchangeably, but they are two distinct settlements:
| Olympos | Çıralı | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | backpacker / boho, treehouse hostels | quiet families, small pensions and bungalows |
| Crowd | 20–35, social, party-friendly evenings | 30+, couples, families, slow-living |
| Price/night (double) | £18–£35 | £35–£70 |
| Beach access | 15–20 min walk through the ruins | directly on the beach |
| Best for | solo travellers, hikers stopping mid-trail | 2–3 nights of beach + walking |
The two are connected by a 4 km stretch of sandy beach you can walk in either direction.
Things to do
Climb to the Chimera flames (Yanartaş)
Twenty natural gas vents burning permanently out of the rock on the slopes of Mount Chimera, 7 km up from Çıralı. The flames have been burning continuously for at least 2,500 years — Homer's fire-breathing chimera was inspired by them. Best at dusk: walk up before sunset, watch the flames glow red as it gets dark, head down with a torch. Allow 2–3 hours round trip from Çıralı village. Entrance ~£1.50.
Explore the ancient city of Olympos
An overgrown Lycian-Roman city scattered through the river valley between the treehouse hostels and the beach. Theatre, baths, a necropolis, sarcophagi, the Lycian Gate. The site is a national park; entry is paid (~£3) and the ticket also covers the beach. Photogenic in late afternoon when the light is low.
Olympos Beach (Caretta turtle nesting site)
3 km of pebbled beach between the two villages. From May to October, loggerhead (Caretta) turtles nest at the southern end. The beach is dark at night by law (no beach bars or lights) to protect hatchlings. Swim during the day, leave the beach by sunset.
Mount Tahtalı cable car
Olympos Teleferik runs from sea level to the summit of Mount Tahtalı (2,365 m) in 10 minutes. Spectacular views over the whole Lycian coast. Cable car station is 30 km north — best reached by car or organised tour. Cable car ticket ~£25.
Lycian Way: the Olympos → Çıralı stage
Stage 18: Olympos to Çıralı
The simplest stage of the Lycian Way and the only one you can walk barefoot most of the way. Leave the Olympos treehouses, walk down through the ancient ruins, cross the beach northward, and arrive in Çıralı. Bring water and a swim stop. Most walkers do this stage in either direction with a daypack.
Continuing east, the next stage from Çıralı climbs to Mount Chimera (Yanartaş, 7 km) and on into the rugged eastern half of the trail.
Where to stay
Olympos — treehouse hostels
The treehouse village clusters along a single 1 km road from the Antalya highway down to the ruins. Most run on the same model: half-board (breakfast + dinner buffet), bunk in a wooden cabin on stilts, communal lounge, sometimes pool. Long-runners include:
- Kadir's Top Tree Houses — the original, founded 1990s, lively bar in the evenings
- Bayrams Treehouses — calmer alternative, good food, popular with couples
- Türkmen Treehouses — family-run, mid-range, good pool
Çıralı — pensions and bungalows
Çıralı runs on small family pensions and bungalow hotels set back from the beach in citrus orchards. Quieter, more comfortable, better for couples. Notable options:
- Myland Nature Hotel — yoga retreat / nature hotel, no children under 12
- Arcadia Hotel — small bungalows, great breakfast, 100 m from beach
- Olympos Lodge — upscale bungalows in landscaped gardens
How to get there
The nearest airport is Antalya (AYT), 80 km north. Direct flights from London, Manchester and other UK cities run April to October (3.5–4 hours). Year-round connections via Istanbul.
From Antalya airport
- Dolmuş via the bus terminal — taxi or tram to otogar, then dolmuş to Olympos / Çıralı (~£8, 2 hours)
- Direct private transfer — book online, ~£60–£80 for the car, 1 h 15 min
- Rental car — easy drive south on the D400 coastal road, around 1 hour
Within Olympos and Çıralı, everything is walkable. There's a free jitney shuttle between the two villages in summer.
When to go
| Month | Weather | What it's like |
|---|---|---|
| March–April | 18–22 °C | Quiet, ideal for walking, sea still cold |
| May | 24–28 °C | Best month: warm enough to swim, treehouses opening up |
| June–August | 30–35 °C | Beach season; trail too hot, busy |
| September | 28–32 °C | Sea still warm, walking returns end of month |
| October | 22–26 °C | Best autumn month: warm sea + cool trail |
| November–February | 10–18 °C, rain | Most pensions closed |
More on seasons: when to walk the Lycian Way.
Frequently asked questions
How many nights should I stay?
Two nights is the sweet spot: one to walk to the Chimera flames at dusk, one to relax on the beach and explore the ruins. Three nights if you want to also do the cable car or take a day boat.
Is Olympos better than Çıralı?
Different vibes. Olympos suits backpackers and hikers stopping mid-trail; Çıralı suits couples and families wanting peace and a beach. If unsure, stay one night in each.
Do I need to be a hiker to enjoy this section?
No. The Olympos → Çıralı stage is the gentlest on the whole trail, and most visitors walk only this stretch. The Chimera flames hike is a 2-hour evening walk on a maintained path.
Can I get to Cappadocia or Istanbul easily after?
Buses run from Antalya otogar to almost anywhere in Turkey. Antalya → Cappadocia is 9 hours overnight; Antalya → Istanbul is 11 hours. You can also fly Antalya → Istanbul in 1 hour from £25.