Ultimate Travel Guide to Olympos in Turkey
Olympos Travel Advice
The romantic bohemian Village of Olympos Türkei is nestled at the bottom of a beautiful valley next to the Mediterranean Sea. Although some tourists see Olympos as a backpacker haven where hippies hang out, it’s much more than that. With its charming atmosphere, beautiful beaches and subtropical climate, one understands why some refer to Olympos as ‘little Thailand’. After exploring Turkey, I’ve compiled this guide with the best things to do at Olympos, Antalya, to assist you in planning the perfect Olympos Itinerary.
Where is Olympos
The Olympos Nerede village, also known as the Village of Çıralı, is about 70 km southwest of the coastal town of Antalya, between Kemer and Kumluca provinces in Turkey.
History of The Ancient City of Olympos
The ancient city of Olympus belonged to the Lycian empire, with ancient cities Phaselis and Idyros now forming part of the Beydaglari National Park and a protected area. Since Olimpos was located near the shore, it was commonly used as a shelter to protect sailors against vulnerable pirate attacks.
How many Days, Olympos?
There are many beautiful places to see and experience around Olympos and Antalya. Depending on the time you have and the experience you want, I would say about 2 to 4 days before you book a 3-5 day Turkey Lycian Cruise.
Best Things to Do Olympos, Antalya
1. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Olympos
The Ancient City of Turkey
Experience one of the best ancient cities in Turkey at Antalya’s Olympus (Olympos), including the Greek Ὄλυμπος that was a city in ancient Lycia near the Akçay stream. Along with archaeological sites such as
the Temple Gate and the Olympos Theatre. Altogether, the Acropolis Hill and the Necropolis church. Along with the Sarcophagus that used to belong to Captain Eudomos, and near the pond stands the propylaeum of a temple named Marcus Aurelius.
However, thousands of years later, some buildings remain intact. Exploring the ruins of Turkey and the Byzantine era gives one an idea of the old city. One can explore the ruins by yourself, or book a guided tour. At the junction of the ancient city is a small pool where one can enjoy the cool mountain water.
2. Visit Olympos Yanartaş Antalya
The famous fire-breathing monster Chimera, as called by Greek mythology, is lying at the bottom of Mountain Tahtali. It is also known as the Chimaera’s or natural burning Yanartas, a flame that never dies. Turkish for flaming stone comes from the myth of Bellerophon, whom the Lycian King sent to kill the fire-breathing monster.
Book Chimaera Night Tour with Dinner
- The Ancient City of Olympos is open daily.
- Summertime: 1 April – 31 October, 08:00 – 21:00.
- Wintertime hours, 01 November – 31 March.
- Olympos Ancient City Entrance Fee: 180₺T
Traverse Antalya’s Olympos Beaches
3. Visit Çirali Beach
The untouched white-pebbled Beach of Cirali lies on the idyllic golden coastline of the turquoise Mediterranean ancient Lycian region. Surrounded by dense forests with coastal cliffs, in the Olympos Beydaglari National Park. Besides, to wander along the expansive peaceful coastline, swim in the crystal clear water, sunbathe or relax and appreciate the natural surroundings.
Please note that there are no amenities like toilets, changing rooms, umbrellas, or sunbeds on the beach.
How to get to Cirali Beach, Turkey?
Want to know how to get to the beach from Olympos village? From the Village, one passes through the ancient city with Olympos ruins. Remember to take cash, as there is an entrance fee.
If you fly from Istanbul, the closest airport is Antalya, 82 km away and about two hours drive from Olympos. Pegasus and Turkish Airlines offer frequent flights at relatively reasonable prices for those who travel within Turkey. You can also travel to Olympos by bus, Dolmus or rented car.
4. Olympos Beach
A Caretta turtle nesting haven is in the middle of Olympos Beydağları National Park. Besides the famous tree houses, there are a few guesthouses with restaurants on the beachfront. Local guesthouses also offer other sports activities, such as climbing, hiking in the coastal mountains, and scuba diving.
Çirali Beach vs Olympos Beach
Both hamlets of Olimpos and Çirali share the same coastline and are within walking distance from each other. While Cirali attracts mainly people looking for a secluded getaway, Olympos is the more vibrant backpackers’ haven with its lively, energetic atmosphere.
5. Adrasan Beach
It is about a half-hour drive from Olympos to the lovely small Village of Adrasan. The quaint Village is famous for its sandy Adrasan Sahili (Beach) and exceptionally turquoise waters. Turkey’s Adrasan Beach is where hundreds of sun lovers stream every summer to swim, sunbathe, and have the most amazing times of their lives.
Also known as Çavuşköy in Turkish, Adrasan in Turkey offers plenty of eateries, providing an adventure of its own. Besides the variety of water sports, one of the best things to do at Adrasan is to book a boat trip to the sheltered coves of Suluada, Sazak and Ceneviz. The Suluada Beach is one of the many gems on the Turkish Mediterranean Coastline, on an uninhabited island, easily reached by boat from Adrasan.
Don’t miss the opportunity to board a yacht and sail past idyllic bays and coves while spotting turtles, dolphins, and other sea life. Furthermore, explore the spectacular Suluada Island and enjoy a delicious meal on a boat on the Mediterranean Sea. For the Best prices and reviews for boat trips, go to Suluada Island Boat trip with lunch.
6. Moonlight Beach Kemer
The secluded Moonlight Beach is a scenic golden sandy beach nestled beneath the Taurus Mountains, surrounded by scenic hills with many ancient archaeological sites. It is known as one of the Kemer Beaches to visit if you want to escape the crowds. Due to the hills, the beach is protected against cold winds, and entrance is free. There are a few restaurants where one can comfortably relax while having something to eat, and one can also rent umbrellas and chairs.
To get to Kemers Moonlight Beach on the western side of the Kemer Marina, one drives along the Kumluca Kemer Road through scenic forests, past ancient ruins dating back to the Lycian era. From Kemer Center, it is about a 10-minute walk.
7. Gelidonya Lighthouse
The History of Gelidonya Lighthouse
Located between Adrasan and Kumluca on the historical Lycian Way, Taşlkburnu Lighthouse, also known as Taşlıkburnu Lighthouse, stands 227 m above sea level and has a range of 25 nautical miles. Built 3 km inland in 1934, it is the tallest lighthouse on the Coast of Turkey. The Lighthouse is a popular place to visit from Antalya’s Olympos.
The Lighthouse name Gelidonya, meaning swallow, derives from Caledonia in the ancient Lycian language. Five inhabitants’ islands are lined up vertically, and due to the countercurrents, many ships were dragged onto the rocks and sunk.
Because of that, Cape Gelidonya is known as one of the most dangerous places in the Gulf of Antalya. Previously, the lighthouse was operated with kerosene. Now, it works with solar energy.
Sunset at Gelidonya Lighthouse
The Gelidonya Lighthouse is another of those hidden gems with the most striking views where pine and sage-scented forests and the azure blue Mediterranean waters meet. With its panoramic view over the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, Gelidonya Lighthouse is one of the best places to watch the sunset.
How to Get to Gelidonya Lighthouse
There are two ways to get to the Lighthouse. The one is the 8 km long Karaöz Mahallesi Mahallesi Gelidonya Lighthouse route. Half the route to the lighthouse is by car, and the last hour is by foot, for about one hour.
The second option is to hike the Adrasan Gelidonya Lighthouse route. Read all about the day hike to the Lighthouse further down. Altogether, more about the Lycian Way hiking routes.
Hiking the Olympos Lycian Way
8. Olympos Cirali to Gelidonya Lighthouse Hike
Although the 12 km day hike to Gelidonya Lighthouse from Cirali can be challenging for some, it is a hike through pine forests with beautiful scenery. The hike is doable in under 6 hours, depending on your stops. Medium fitness is needed to walk this route. Remember to carry a daypack with enough water and sun protection on all Olympos and Antalya day hikes.
9. Adrasan to Gelidonya Lighthouse
Although the popular hike from Adrasan Village to the Gelidonya Lighthouse is challenging, you’ll get rewarded with the most beautiful scenery. The well-marked route starts in the Village, from where you’ll hike through crispy pine forests to the rocky coastline. It is a long-distance hike, camping under the stars. Take sufficient water, sun protection and photographic equipment to capture the beautiful scenery and those special moments.
- Length of Trail: 36.5 km
- Elevation gain: 1.759 m
- Duration: about 12-13 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
- Type and Terrain: Backpack, long-distance rocky terrain.
- Facilities and overnight: Camping with no facilities.
- What is the best time to do the Lycian Way hike? April throughout October.
10. Sailing Experience From Olympos To Fethiye
Olympos, Antalya, is popular as the starting point of the famous Sailing Turkey Blue Cruise experience and was one of the highlights of our journey through Turkey. There are several Cruise options ranging from day trips to longer ones. I discuss everything you need to know and what you can expect in my comprehensive post on the link below.
11. Cable Car
Admire the view from the top of Olympos Mountain in an Olympos Teleferik Cable Car. The popular Olympos Teleferik is located at Bey Mountains National Park, from where you’ll reach the peak of Tahtalı Mountain, towering at 2365 m. In ancient times, the mountain was known as Olympos Mountain.
12. Scuba Diving Lycian Coast
The perfect crystal clear water and warm Mediterranean climate make Turkey the ideal diving destination. Besides marine life, experience historical wrecks. Antalya Adrasan is also considered one of Turkey’s starting points for underwater archaeology. For prices and reviews on Scuba Diving, go to Scuba Diving Olympos, Turkey.
tours around Olympos & Antalya
Olympos Places to Eat
Turkey is known for its tasty food, and Olympos boasts a few excellent restaurants with comfy bars. Here are some of the popular eateries in and around Olympos.
Çıralı Restaurant
For a magnificent mountain view under the stars and tasty food, visit Cirali Restaurant. They are known for their friendly service and large portions. Besides their freshly baked bread, guests love their grilled fish (Çupra), salad, and chips. Another favourite is their Soya Sauce Chicken, served with fresh pomegranate juice.
Olympos Yavuz Restaurant
Enjoy the incredible food at a spectacular location with a sea view. Located at Ulupınar, Çıralı Yolu, 07980 Kemer/Antalya, Türkiye
Lemon Restaurant
Mediterranean, Turkish, and Vegetarian friendly. Excellent food at great value for your money. Located at Cirali Village Sokak No 30 – +90 35 206 23 10
Yörük Cafe Restaurant
Visit Yorük Restaurant for freshly prepared authentic Turkish food served with friendly service. The Restaurant also offers Vegetarian-Friendly Options and Halal meals and is open daily for Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner.
San Simon Restaurant & Olympos Bar
Enjoy a good vibe and tasty food while listening to Good music! In addition to its petty Cocktails, San Simon serves the perfect seafood pizza, various pastas, and salads. They are known for their delicious cheesecake. Located at Mahallesi, Ulupınar Çıralı Yolu, Alasini Sokak No: 92/5, 07980 Kemer/Antalya, Türkiye
Azur Aida Restaurant
The Family-friendly Azur Hotel Çirali is a Boutique Hotel with delicious food and friendly service.
Where to Stay at Olympos, Antalya
Accommodation varies from Olympos Suites, Olympos otelleri, or bungalow-style wooden houses in pine forests and orange groves. A Cirali Turkey Treehouse, Hotel Olympos, Bayrams place Hisaronu, Treehouse Hostel Turkey, and other affordable treehouse-style accommodations.
Bayrams Tree Houses, Olympos
Guests who stay at Bayram’s Tree Houses can enjoy all their Turkish breakfasts and dinners free of charge. Centrally located, Bayrams is only 500 m from Olympos Beach, and besides a good vibe, it is a cosy place where one can relax among friendly people.
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