A quiet 3.5km pebble beach in a protected conservation zone near the ancient site of Olympos and the eternal flames of Chimaera. Backed by orange groves and small eco-friendly pensions, Çıralı offers an alternative to busy resort beaches.
Çıralı Beach is a 3.5-kilometre pebble and coarse-sand beach in a protected valley on the Lycian coast, 70 kilometres south of Antalya city in Kemer District. The beach sits within a conservation zone designated for its ecological value and its proximity to the ancient city of Olympos, accessible by a footpath running the length of the beach, and the Chimaera flames at Yanartaş. Together these three attractions form one of the most intact natural and historical landscapes on the Turkish Mediterranean coast.
The beach surface is mixed pebbles and coarse dark sand, firmer than the pure pebble beaches elsewhere in the region. The water is clear blue-green with good transparency, and the gradual offshore gradient produces calm, shallow conditions close to shore well-suited to families with young children. The beach faces south, is well-exposed to sea breezes, and benefits from strong sunshine throughout the day.
Çıralı village directly backs the beach, a collection of small eco-pensions and family-run restaurants spread among orange and pomegranate groves. There are no large hotels and no resort infrastructure; development is strictly controlled under the conservation designation. Visitors stay in small pensions or guesthouses, eat in simple open-air restaurants, and walk to and from the beach without the noise and density that characterise resort beaches. The area has a devoted following among Turkish and European visitors seeking quiet, natural surroundings.
Sea turtle nesting occurs on Çıralı Beach during summer months, as the beach is part of the shared Caretta caretta nesting zone with adjacent Olympos beach. Sections may be marked to protect nests. Turtle monitoring is conducted by local conservation groups, and hatchling emergences in late August and September are occasionally witnessed on early morning walks.
Access is by car from the D400 highway via the well-signposted Çıralı turning, approximately 7 kilometres of winding mountain road to the village. There is no regular public transport directly to Çıralı.
Amenities
- eco-friendly pensions
- small restaurants
- basic beach facilities
Good to know
- Best for
- families, wildlife-watchers, couples, photographers, swimmers
Highlights
- 3.5km conservation beach in a protected valley flanked by orange and pomegranate groves
- Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting site with late-summer hatchling events
- Footpath along the beach connects to ancient Olympos ruins and the Chimaera eternal flames
- No large hotels or resort infrastructure; eco-pensions and family restaurants only
- Some of the least light-polluted skies on the Antalya coast, ideal for night photography
Tips for visiting
- Early morning walks in late August and September offer the possibility of witnessing turtle hatchlings emerging from the sand
- The Chimaera flames are best visited in the evening on foot from the beach—bring a torch for the path
- Water shoes are useful for the pebble entry; the underwater terrain is smooth and sandy further from shore
- Fresh orange juice from village stalls near the beach is a local Çıralı highlight worth seeking out
- The beach footpath to Olympos ruins is signposted and takes approximately 40 minutes each way
When to visit
May through October for swimming; late August and September for turtle hatchling season. The conservation environment makes Çıralı rewarding even in April when other beaches are too cool for swimming.
Accessibility
Çıralı Beach is difficult to access for wheelchair users. The approach is via an unpaved village road and the beach surface is mixed pebble and coarse sand with no boardwalks or adapted access ramps. The flat village setting is manageable on foot, but waterline access is not adapted.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a sea turtle nesting site at Çıralı?
Yes. Çıralı Beach is a protected Caretta caretta nesting site. Sections of the beach may be cordoned off during summer to protect nests. Hatchling emergences typically occur from late August into September and can sometimes be witnessed on early morning walks.
How do I get to Çıralı Beach?
Çıralı is reached by car via a turning off the D400 coastal highway, approximately midway between Antalya and Kaş. The approach road is about 7km long and winding. There is no regular public bus service directly to the village.
Are there large hotels or resorts at Çıralı?
No. Development at Çıralı is restricted by its conservation status. Accommodation consists of small family-run pensions and eco-guesthouses within the village. This is part of the beach's appeal for visitors seeking a quiet, uncommercialised experience.
Can visitors walk from Çıralı to Olympos?
Yes. A well-marked footpath runs along the back of the beach and connects Çıralı village to the ancient city of Olympos, approximately 40 minutes on foot each way. The path passes through the archaeological zone and requires an entrance ticket.