Side-Turkey.

Kemer sits in one of the prettiest corners of the Turkish Riviera, where the pine-forested Taurus (Toros) Mountains drop straight into the clear Mediterranean. That setting means you are never far from something worth seeing. Three places stand out for a day out from your hotel: the ancient harbour city of Phaselis, the soaring summit of Mount Tahtali, and the strange, never-ending flames of Yanartas. Below is an honest, on-the-ground guide to all three, plus a few neighbours worth tacking on.

Phaselis: an ancient harbour city among the pines

Phaselis is a Lycian-Roman port set right on the coast near Tekirova, just south of Kemer. What makes it special is the layout: the ruins sit among umbrella pines, with three separate harbours, a paved main avenue, an agora, baths and a small theatre, all within easy walking distance of little swimming coves. You can wander the marble street in the morning and dip into the same bays that ancient ships once used. Bring water shoes if you plan to swim, since the shoreline is pebbly. Opening hours and any entry fee should be confirmed at booking or checked on the official site.

Mount Tahtali by cable car (Olympos Teleferik)

Tahtali is the high coastal peak behind Kemer, rising to roughly 2365 metres, and you reach the top on the Olympos cable car (Olympos Teleferik). The ride lifts you from warm coastal pine forest to a cool, often cloud-brushed summit with views stretching over the bays, the Beydaglari ridges and, on clear days, far out to sea.

What to expect at the top

Temperatures up top are much cooler than at the beach, so a light jacket is sensible even in summer. Footing on the summit terraces is uneven rock, so wear closed shoes. Cable-car timetables and any weather closures are confirmed at booking or on the official operator's site, since high-altitude wind can pause the lift.

Yanartas: the eternal flames of the Chimaera

Near Olympos and Cirali, natural flames flicker straight out of the rocky hillside at Yanartas, fed by gas seeping through the ground. These are the legendary fires of the Chimaera that gave the myth its fire-breathing monster. A short uphill walk through pine woods brings you to the flames; the path is rocky, so sturdy shoes help. Many visitors love seeing it as the light fades, when the flames show best. As with all natural sites, conditions and access are confirmed at booking.

Quick Facts

• Duration: confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Transfers and guiding as listed for your chosen excursion; specifics confirmed at booking
• Excludes: Personal spending, optional cable-car or site entry where not stated, meals unless noted
• Family Friendly: Yes; suitable for most ages with light walking
• Best Season: Spring through autumn; cooler shoulder months are pleasant for walking
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; short rocky walks at Phaselis, Tahtali summit and Yanartas

Related Excursions

• Kemer excursions & things to do
• Antalya tours & day trips
• Side excursions
• Belek tours
• Alanya day trips
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see Phaselis, Tahtali and Yanartas in one trip?

They are separate sites along the Kemer coast and are often visited on different excursions. The combination and route are confirmed at booking, so just tell us what you most want to see.

Is the Olympos cable car suitable for children?

The cable car is generally family friendly, but it is cold and windy at the summit. Bring warm layers and keep children close on the uneven rock terraces.

Do I need to book the cable car separately?

Whether cable-car tickets are included depends on the excursion you pick. We confirm exactly what is included at booking so there are no surprises.

What should I wear for Yanartas?

Closed, sturdy shoes for the rocky uphill path, plus a light layer if you visit toward evening when it can feel cooler.

Can I swim at Phaselis?

Yes, there are small swimming coves beside the ruins. The shore is pebbly, so water shoes are handy.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable walking, while summer is great for swimming at Phaselis. Yanartas is especially atmospheric as the light fades.

How far is Kemer from Antalya?

Kemer lies west of Antalya city along the coast. Exact pick-up timing for your hotel is confirmed at booking.

Why book direct with you?

Booking direct with the Murat Atalay team cuts out agency and OTA commission, so you get our best-price guarantee and a real local contact throughout.

Ready to plan your day out from Kemer? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or email us at info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we remove agency and OTA commissions, so you get our best-price guarantee and honest, on-the-spot advice. Message us and we will tailor Phaselis, Tahtali and Yanartas to your dates.