Pristine 3km pebble beach backed by mountains and ancient Lycian ruins of Olympos scattered through juniper forest. This protected area combines swimming, archaeology, and nature - plus the eternal flames of Chimaera burning on the mountainside above. Peaceful alternative to crowded resort beaches.
Çıralı is a 3-kilometre pebble beach in Kemer district, Antalya province, Turkey, backed by the Beydağları Mountains and the forest-covered Olympos valley. The area is designated as a protected zone combining ecological, archaeological, and wildlife preservation objectives, resulting in one of the few stretches of Turkish Mediterranean coast that has been shielded from mass-tourism development. Accommodation is limited to small eco-lodges, wooden bungalows, and family-run pensions, almost entirely within or beside the forest.
The beach is a critical nesting site for Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtles, which come ashore between May and September to lay eggs. Conservation barriers protect active nests, and sections of the beach are roped off at night during nesting and hatching periods. Visitors are asked to respect the barriers and avoid artificial lighting on the beach after dark.
The ancient Lycian city of Olympos is accessible through the forest immediately north of the beach, entered through a valley ticket gate for a modest admission fee. The ruins include a theatre, temple terrace, marble carved sarcophagi partly submerged in the stream channel, and Byzantine church remains. The site is not extensively excavated, giving it a romantic, overgrown quality as figs and oleander grow through the stonework. The stream flowing through the Olympos valley reaches the sea at the beach's northern end, creating a freshwater-saltwater mixing zone popular with wading birds.
Approximately 7 kilometres uphill from the beach above Çıralı village, the Chimaera (Yanartaş) is a cluster of naturally burning flame vents on the mountainside fed by methane seeping from fissures in the rock. The flames have burned continuously for thousands of years and were used as a navigational lighthouse by ancient sailors. The hike from the village takes approximately one hour each way and is best done at night when the flames are most visible against the dark.
Good to know
- Hours
- Beach open 24 hours. Olympos ruins: 8:00-19:00
- Best for
- beaches, nature, archaeology, families
Location
Çıralı, 07980 Kemer/Antalya
36.4078, 30.4781 View on map
Highlights
- Protected loggerhead turtle nesting beach — a rare undeveloped Mediterranean coastline
- Ancient Lycian city of Olympos with marble sarcophagi submerged in a stream, set in overgrown forest
- Chimaera (Yanartaş) — natural gas flames burning on the mountainside, visible at night from ancient times
- Eco-lodge and treehouse accommodation within the forested nature reserve
- Freshwater stream meeting the sea at the beach's edge — freshwater wading bird habitat
Tips for visiting
- Loggerhead turtle nesting beach - respect barriers
- Hike to Chimaera flames at night (1 hour uphill)
- Stay in treehouse pensions nearby
- Bring water shoes for pebble beach
When to visit
May and June offer warm sea temperatures, the beginning of turtle nesting season, and relatively few visitors. September and early October remain warm and see the quietest beach conditions of the summer season. July and August bring the most visitors but the beach remains far less crowded than mainstream Turkish resort beaches.
Accessibility
The beach surface is pebble and not accessible by wheelchair without assistance. The Olympos ruins path follows a forest track and stream valley — rough and uneven terrain. The Chimaera hike is steep and not suitable for visitors with limited mobility. The village area itself is accessible by vehicle and has flat guesthouse approaches.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors see loggerhead turtles nesting at Çıralı?
Loggerhead turtles nest from May to September at night. The beach is monitored by conservation volunteers, and sections are roped off around active nests. Hatching occurs from July into September. Artificial lights and beach access are restricted during nesting periods.
How do visitors get to Çıralı?
Çıralı is accessed by a 7-km access road from the D400 coastal highway, turning off near Kumluca. There is no public transport directly to the village; taxis from Antalya or Kemer, or a private vehicle, are required. The distance from Antalya is approximately 80 km.
Is the Chimaera worth the hike?
Yes — the natural flames are a remarkable geological phenomenon, and the night hike atmosphere is memorable. The walk from the village is about one hour uphill on a marked path. Torch or phone light is needed; no facilities on the path.
How are the Olympos ruins and Çıralı beach connected?
The Olympos ruins lie in the forested valley immediately north of Çıralı beach, entered through a gate with a small admission fee. Visitors can walk from the beach through the forest to the ruins in about 15 minutes, making a combined beach-and-archaeology day natural.