In Çıralı, Antalya, you’ll find Olympos, a perfect spot for summer with its beautiful nature, history, and beaches. It’s a popular place in Antalya, known for spots like the Ancient City of Olympos, the Lycian Way, Suluada Island, and Genoese Bay. Visitors often say they first fall in love with Olympos’ nature, then its beaches, and lastly, its historical sites. The area is full of green pine forests, making the air smell amazing.
Olympos is unique in Turkey because it’s so close to nature. Here, you can do lots of activities like rafting, paragliding, boat tours, canoeing, horse riding, rock climbing, hiking, and camping. To make the most of your trip to this natural paradise, it’s a good idea to plan out which places you want to visit. Here are the 20 best places to visit in Olympos for swimming, enjoying nature, and exploring historical sites.
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1. Olympos Ancient City
Olympos, an ancient city in Lycia, was once a bustling trade center, thanks to its port. With its rich history from the Hellenistic and Roman times, Olympos stood out as one of the key cities of its era. It was even one of the few cities in the Lycian League with 3 votes, showing its significance. The city’s unique aspect is the Olympos Stream that flows right through it, underscoring its historical trade importance. Being a port city, Olympos was crucial in commerce. Despite facing pirate attacks and economic downturns, it saw a revival in the Middle Ages but was eventually left behind as the Ottoman Empire grew its naval presence. Nowadays, visiting the Ancient City of Olympos lets you discover a host of ancient ruins, with temples and mausoleums among the highlights.
2. Olimpos Beach
Olimpos Beach is part of the coastline near the ruins of Olympos Ancient City. Here, a river meets the sea, making the water a bit chillier than at other beaches. It’s right next to Çıralı Beach but is special because it’s where Caretta caretta turtles lay their eggs. You can find facilities like shops, places to lounge in the sun, and toilets here, making it popular for its beauty, clear water, and overall atmosphere.
3. Olympos Tree Houses
Bayrams Tree Houses are a big deal in Olympos, catching the eye of many tourists. Choosing to stay in one of these tree houses is a highlight of visiting Olympos. Their unique charm and connection to nature have made them a beloved choice among both locals and tourists from abroad.
4. Mount Chimarea
Yanartaş, also known as the “flaming rocks,” is a highlight for anyone visiting Çıralı Olympos. Found within Beydağları National Park and perched 230 meters above sea level, Yanartaş has been a natural marvel, with flames burning for nearly a thousand years due to natural gas seeping through the rocks. Beyond its geological wonder, Yanartaş carries a tale that has morphed into legend. It tells of a Lycian King who commanded a young warrior to defeat a dragon-like beast named Chimera. The battle took place right where Yanartaş stands, resulting in Chimera being defeated and buried underground. The flames we see today are said to be Chimera’s fiery breath. Particularly striking at night, Yanartaş is a place wrapped in mystique and natural beauty, making it an essential stop in Olympos.
5. Adrasan
Adrasan, wrapped in pine forests, is a quiet spot close to Antalya, known for its beautiful beach and clear sea. The place is filled with the smell of pines, creating a calm setting. Just 8 kilometers away from Olympos, Adrasan has a long coastline. The main town is a bit inland, about 5 kilometers from the beach, sitting higher up. Adrasan Creek flows through, making it even more appealing. It’s truly a gem for visitors. There’s plenty of places to stay, from hotels to hostels, making it a great spot to enjoy both Olympos and Adrasan. You can soak up nature, splash in the sea, check out Olympos Ancient City, and take in the historical sights.
6. Adrasan Beach
Adrasan Beach stretches out with a 2-kilometer-long coastline that feels like a blanket spread by the sea. Parts of Adrasan Beach are sandy and shallow, perfect for those who aren’t confident swimmers and families with kids, while other areas are pebbly and deeper. Local businesses, mostly run by Adrasan residents, are dotted around the beach, offering everything you might need. While you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, access to the beach itself is free.
For those looking to explore beyond the shore, boat tours to Suluada, Sazak, and Ceneviz bays set off from Adrasan Beach. These trips offer stunning views and the chance to dive into the sea’s pristine waters.
7. Ceneviz Bay
Ceneviz Bay is a hidden gem tucked away within Beydağları Coastal National Park, lying between Adrasan and Olympos. It’s a breathtaking place with clear turquoise waters and untouched natural beauty. You can only get there by boat from Kemer or Adrasan Beach. There’s also a more adventurous option: a three-hour canoe trip from the Çıralı coast, but it’s pretty exhausting. Since there are no shops or services nearby, it’s important to bring along whatever food and drinks you might need.
The bay was once a rest stop for ships on long voyages, which is why it’s called Porto-Genoese Bay. It’s situated about 5 kilometers from Olympos Beach and is a favored spot for boat tours in the area. The untouched scenery and peaceful sea make it a special place. Putting it on your list of must-see spots in Olympos is a good idea—you won’t regret the visit.
8. Suluada Bay
Suluada is often called Antalya’s Maldives because of its turquoise waters and white sands, and it truly lives up to the comparison. You can take boat tours from Adrasan Beach to Suluada Bay, which is close to both Olympos and Adrasan. The island, sitting in the sea, gets its name from a freshwater spring found there. It’s a favorite spot for boat tours due to the crystal-clear water where you can easily see the seabed. The combination of the pristine white sand and the turquoise sea is exceptionally stunning. Besides Adrasan Beach, boats from Çıralı also head to Suluada Bay. Just 5 kilometers from Olympos, Suluada Bay is a place that will make your holiday unforgettable, offering an atmosphere so enchanting you won’t want to leave.
9. Sazak Bay
Sazak Bay, nestled between Adrasan and Olympos, offers both sea and forest pathways for a serene and crystal-clear sea experience. Its unique charm is enhanced by steep cliffs on either side, creating stunning views. The bay features a shallow sea that transitions from pebbly shores to soft sand further in. Thanks to the clear waters, you’re likely to spot sea creatures during your swim. The bay’s forested area, rich in shade, is perfect for picnics and camping. Unlike other spots around Olympos, you won’t find amenities like sun loungers, umbrellas, or toilets here. Sazak Bay’s untouched nature provides a true natural retreat.
10. Beydağları Coastal National Park
Beydağları Coastal National Park covers a 100-kilometer stretch filled with Antalya’s natural wonders and ancient sites, including Olympos, Phaselis, and more. Established as a national park in 1972, it spans over 35,000 hectares with forests of Red Pine, Black Pine, and Cedar. It’s a wild habitat for animals like bears, squirrels, and foxes, making it a prime spot for nature walks, hiking, and camping. Campers especially favor it as one of Antalya’s best camping spots. Beyond just enjoying the great outdoors, you can also try thrilling activities like paragliding and rock climbing here.
11. Lycian Way
There’s this epic trail stretching 500 kilometers from Fethiye all the way to Antalya, known as the Ancient Lycian Way. It’s famous worldwide for its sheer length and the adventures it offers. The trail weaves through breathtaking landscapes and past historical landmarks, making it a hit with tourists year-round. You can tackle this path in a car, on a bike, or by foot, and every turn brings a new stunning view.
Part of this trail runs through Olympos. So, if you’re in Olympos for a holiday, you can walk a 5-kilometer stretch of the Lycian Way. It’s about a 4-hour round trip, offering a slice of the trail’s beauty.
12. Moses Mountain
Then there’s Moses Mountain, (Musa Dağı) right on the Lycian Way near Olympos. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, rock climbing, and even camping. Considering mountaineering during your Antalya visit? Start with Mountain of Moses. Climbing to the top might be tough, but the view—offering a 360-degree panorama of the Antalya coast, Adrasan, and Olympos bays—is totally worth it.
13. Goynuk Canyon
Göynük Canyon, around 16 kilometers from Olympos on the Lycian Way, treats its visitors to a beautiful natural experience with its forests, waterfalls, and scenic views. Accessible by car or on foot, it’s a perfect spot for hiking, camping, or just a day trip. At the canyon’s entrance, there are shops where you can find everything you need, along with equipment rentals and guide services.
14. Gelidonya Lighthouse
Gelidonya Lighthouse, Turkey’s oldest lighthouse, sits along the Lycian Way in the Olympos area. Perched at the southern end of the Teke Peninsula, it’s set up at the highest point above sea level. Nearby, you can find a Phoenician shipwreck dating back to the 1200s BC. This spot offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, historical depth, and natural charm, making it a fantastic addition to any holiday or travel itinerary.
15. Olympos Teleferik
Olympos Teleferik, in Beydağları Coastal National Park, whisks you to the top of Tahtalı Mountain in just 10 minutes. Starting from 600 meters up, you climb to 2365 meters. With two cabins that can each carry 80 people, you’ll find yourself high above, soaking in Antalya’s breathtaking views. Plus, it’s a hotspot for paragliding, offering thrilling sights of people gliding around the mountain.
16. Cirali and Cirali Beach
Sharing its coastline with Olympos, Çıralı stands out as a favorite for holiday-goers, thanks to its emerald forests and the brilliant blue of its sea. Çıralı offers a range of places to stay, maintaining a peaceful and serene atmosphere. It’s known for its hospitality, beachside businesses, and tranquil waters, making it a budget-friendly option for a vacation in Antalya. Whether you’re into camping, prefer a hotel, or like the idea of staying in a bungalow, Çıralı has something for everyone.
17. Boncuk Bay
Just a short distance from Çıralı, about 1-2 kilometers away, is Boncuk Bay. Found along the Ancient Lycian Way, it’s easy to reach by following the trail from the beach. Surrounded by red pine forests, Boncuk Bay is perfect for those who love hiking and admiring scenic views. The coastline here is rocky, but its crystal-clear waters and forest setting make it a sought-after spot for visitors.
18. Phaselis Ancient City
Phaselis, right up there with Olympos on the Ancient Lycian Way, was set up by people from Rhodes around the 7th century BC. A standout trait of Phaselis is its trio of harbors, highlighting the ancient significance of port cities due to their role in trade and transport. The presence of these ports underlines Phaselis’s historic value. Visiting Phaselis lets you explore the remnants of its aqueducts, baths, and marketplaces.
19. Ulupınar
Ulupınar offers a cool retreat for those seeking a break from the heat of Olympos. Known for having some of the coldest waters in Antalya, it’s perfect for chilling out and getting close to nature. You might even find the sound of the water here ideal for relaxation or meditation. There are restaurants where you can savor Ulupınar’s trout and other local dishes, or try catching fish yourself.
20. The Seljuk Hunting Lodge
The Seljuk Hunting Lodge (Selçuklu av köşkü)stands as a rare example of Turkish-Islamic architecture in the area. Believed to have been constructed between 1230-1248, this Seljuk era structure gives insight into the architectural styles and techniques of its time. It’s well-preserved and just a 10-minute walk from the center, offering free entry for visitors interested in historical architecture.
Accommodation Options in Olympos
There are many accommodation options in Olympos. These include hotels, hostels, Olympos bungalow houses and camping areas. Olympos hostel prices include hostels, hotels and bungalows to suit every budget.
