Side-Turkey.

Some ancient sites are fenced, swept and signposted within an inch of their lives. Olympos is not one of them. Tucked into a wooded valley near Kemer, on the southern edge of Antalya province, this old Lycian-Roman city has been left to the pine trees, the oleander and the stream that still runs through its heart. You wander between fallen columns and ivy-covered walls, then walk on and find yourself on a long pebble beach with the Mediterranean in front of you. It is one of the most atmospheric corners of the whole Turkish Riviera, and it is well within reach for a day out from the Side and Kemer area.

What makes Olympos different

Olympos was founded in the third century BC and grew into a settlement important enough to hold three votes in the Lycian League council, a sign of its wealth and population. In the first century BC its sheltered cove made it a haven for pirates. Today that history sits half-hidden in the undergrowth, and that is exactly the charm. There is no grand restored avenue lined with rebuilt facades. Instead you find an acropolis on a high hill, stretches of the city walls, the remains of a theatre, a bridge, and a small river that was once channelled between stone banks running down to the sea.

The site is genuinely overgrown and romantic. Fig trees push through doorways, a tomb sits beside the path, and the canalised stream reflects the ruins as you walk. Bring decent shoes, because the ground is uneven and rooty, and give yourself time to simply look rather than tick off monuments.

The beach at the end

The reward at the bottom of the valley is the beach: a long stretch of pebbles where the ruins quite literally meet the sea. The Mediterranean coast here is considered one of the most beautiful in the region and is a protected nesting area for Caretta caretta sea turtles, so it stays refreshingly low-key. You can swim straight off the same shore the ancient harbour once used, then dry off in the shade of the pines.

Pairing Olympos with the Chimaera

The other thing that makes Olympos famous sits just up the coast at Yanartas, near Cirali. Here natural flames burn straight out of the rocky hillside, fuelled by gas seeping from the ground. The fires have burned for thousands of years and inspired the ancient legend of the Chimaera. They are most magical after dark, when the little flames glow against the black hillside. Reaching them means an uphill walk on a stony path, so wear proper footwear and bring a small torch. Many visitors combine the ruins, the beach and the flames into one trip through the Olympos and Cirali valleys.

How to visit comfortably

Olympos lies off the main coast road down a winding valley, surrounded by national-park forest. Driving and parking yourself is possible but the lanes are narrow and the site sprawls. A guided excursion with hotel pick-up takes the navigation, the entrance arrangements and the timing off your shoulders, which matters most if you want to catch the Chimaera flames at the right hour. As a direct local operator we keep things simple and transparent.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Hotel transfer, guidance and route planning through the Olympos area; full inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, the Chimaera/Yanartas walk fee, personal expenses and meals unless stated; check the official site for current fees.
• Family Friendly: Yes, with care; uneven, rooty ground and an uphill path at the Chimaera mean it suits steadier walkers more than toddlers.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for comfortable walking; summer for swimming off the beach.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, mostly gentle walking with uneven terrain and a short climb at Yanartas.

Related Excursions

• Kemer region tours & highlights
• Antalya excursions
• Side tours & day trips
• Belek excursions
• Alanya tours
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Olympos worth visiting if I have already seen other ruins?

Yes. Unlike polished archaeological parks, Olympos is overgrown and wild, with ruins tangled in greenery and a beach at the end. The atmosphere is completely different and hard to find elsewhere.

Can I swim at Olympos?

Yes. The site opens onto a long pebble beach where you can swim in the Mediterranean. It is a protected turtle nesting area, so please respect the natural setting.

Is Olympos the same as the Chimaera flames?

They are close neighbours but not the same place. The flames burn at Yanartas near Cirali, a short distance from the Olympos ruins. Many trips visit both.

What should I wear and bring?

Sturdy closed shoes for uneven ground, water, sun protection, swimwear for the beach, and a small torch if you plan to see the Chimaera after dark.

How far is Olympos from Kemer?

It lies along the coast south of Kemer, reached by a winding valley road. The exact route and timing are confirmed at booking.

Are there entrance fees?

The archaeological site and the Yanartas flames may have separate entrance fees. These can change, so check the official site or confirm with us at booking.

Is it suitable for children?

Older children usually enjoy the ruins and the beach. The ground is uneven and the Chimaera walk is uphill, so keep a close eye on little ones.

Why book directly with you?

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

Ready to wander among the pines and ruins of Olympos and watch the Chimaera flicker after dark? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. No agency middlemen, no OTA mark-up, just a local operator and our best-price guarantee.