Beydağları Coastal National Park Antalya
Explore ancient Lycian ruins, witness mystical eternal flames, and relax on protected beaches in this stunning Mediterranean coastal park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Beydağları Coastal National Park Antalya
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Lycian ruins, witness mystical eternal flames, and relax on protected beaches in this stunning Mediterranean coastal park.
"A breathtaking blend of history, nature, and coastal charm awaits in Beydağları."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for exploring ruins and trails. Many visitors recommend comfortable footwear for uneven terrain.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Shade can be scarce on some trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Ruins of Olympos
Olympos Valley
Explore the fascinating ruins of an ancient Lycian city nestled in a lush valley, leading to a stunning beach.

Chimaera (Yanartaş)
Near Çıralı Village
Witness the natural eternal flames burning from the mountainside, a mystical sight with ancient legends.

Gelidonya Lighthouse
Cape Gelidonya
Hike to this iconic lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and coastline.

Çıralı Beach
Çıralı Village
A beautiful, protected beach known for its tranquility and as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack Smart for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for exploring ruins and trails. Many visitors recommend comfortable footwear for uneven terrain.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Shade can be scarce on some trails.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun can be intense, even on cooler days.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Çıralı Beach is a protected nesting site for sea turtles. Be mindful and avoid disturbing them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for exploring ruins and trails. Many visitors recommend comfortable footwear for uneven terrain.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Shade can be scarce on some trails.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun can be intense, even on cooler days.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Çıralı Beach is a protected nesting site for sea turtles. Be mindful and avoid disturbing them.
🚗 Consider a Car
Having your own vehicle offers flexibility to explore different parts of the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and rich historical sites within Beydağları Coastal National Park. The combination of ancient ruins like Olympos, the mystical Chimaera flames, and beautiful beaches like Çıralı makes for a memorable experience. Some find the park's vastness requires careful planning to see everything, and accessibility to certain areas can be challenging without a car.
"Here you can do activities such: climbing, zipping, canoe, canton boat. Beautiful locations."
Anastasia Sm
"A large and beautiful park is located in the east of Antalya province, the heights are very beautiful and a relaxing environment for mountaineers and tourists. It has a cable car that takes travelers to the highest point of Mount Olympus within 20 minutes, there is a restaurant and a beautiful resort at the peak."
b****d M****i
"Nice Picnic place under trees,good kitchen, you can make fishhunting,nice countryside.good rest during hot summer days."
Stano Surovcek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car from Antalya, with the drive to areas like Olympos or Çıralı taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Public buses also run from Antalya to Kemer and then local dolmuş (minibuses) can take you to specific points within the park like Olympos or Çıralı. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the park's various attractions.
Parking is generally available at popular sites like Olympos and Çıralı, often for a fee. During peak season, parking lots can fill up, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable. Some trailheads might have limited parking.
While public transport connects major towns like Antalya and Kemer, exploring the more remote sections of Beydağları Coastal National Park via public transport can be challenging. Dolmuş services are available between some coastal villages, but schedules may be infrequent.
Olympos and Çıralı are relatively close, and you can walk between them along the beach or a coastal path. Alternatively, local dolmuş services operate between the two villages, offering a convenient option.
Yes, various tour operators in Antalya and Kemer offer guided tours that often include visits to Olympos, Chimaera, and other key sites within the park. These can be a great way to learn about the history and nature of the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for the national park, which typically covers access to its main attractions like Olympos and Chimaera. Fees can vary, so it's best to check the latest prices upon arrival or at the park's official information points.
While the park entrance fee usually grants access to the main sites, there might be separate, smaller fees for specific facilities or parking at popular locations like Olympos.
The park itself is generally accessible throughout the day, but specific ancient sites like Olympos and natural phenomena like Chimaera have designated visiting hours. These are typically from morning until sunset.
Information on purchasing tickets online in advance can be limited. It's often recommended to buy tickets upon arrival at the park's entrance or at the ticket offices located near the main attractions.
Discounts may be available for students, children, or seniors, though this can vary. It's advisable to inquire about potential discounts when purchasing your tickets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hiking routes include the trail to the Gelidonya Lighthouse, the path through Olympos Valley to the beach, and trails around Chimaera. The Lycian Way, a long-distance hiking trail, also passes through parts of the park, offering more challenging options.
Çıralı Beach is generally safe for swimming, with calm waters and a beautiful sandy shore. However, always be aware of local conditions and any posted warnings. Remember it's a protected area for turtles.
The park is home to diverse flora and fauna. You might spot various bird species, lizards, and if you're lucky, loggerhead sea turtles nesting on Çıralı Beach during the season.
Basic facilities like restrooms are available at popular sites such as Olympos and Çıralı. Cafes and small restaurants can be found in the nearby villages, offering refreshments and meals.
Visit Chimaera (Yanartaş) in the evening or at night for the most dramatic effect. The flames are best viewed after sunset when they stand out against the darkness. Wear sturdy shoes as the path can be rocky.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The villages of Olympos and Çıralı offer charming local restaurants and cafes serving traditional Turkish cuisine. You can find fresh seafood, mezes, and other regional specialties.
Generally, there are no dining facilities directly within the ancient ruins of Olympos or at Chimaera. It's best to plan your meals in the nearby villages before or after your visit.
Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Popular dishes include grilled fish, gözleme (Turkish flatbread), various mezes, and traditional Turkish breakfast. Many places offer vegetarian options.
Yes, bringing your own snacks and water is permitted and recommended, especially if you plan on hiking or spending extended time exploring. There are no restrictions on picnics in designated areas.
While the villages offer a more rustic and local dining experience, some boutique hotels in the vicinity might offer more upscale dining options. For a wider range of choices, you might need to travel back towards Kemer or Antalya.
📸 📸 Photography
The Gelidonya Lighthouse offers stunning coastal vistas, especially at sunrise or sunset. The ancient ruins of Olympos provide dramatic backdrops with their historical structures against nature. Çıralı Beach is perfect for capturing serene seascapes.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the landscape and ruins. Evenings are also ideal for capturing the mystical flames of Chimaera.
For general personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan on using a drone, it's essential to check current regulations with the Turkish authorities, as drone usage is often restricted in national parks and protected areas.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the ruins and the surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be helpful for isolating details within the ancient structures. A tripod is beneficial for low-light photography, especially at Chimaera.
The eternal flames of Chimaera are a truly unique photographic subject, especially at night. The nesting sea turtles at Çıralı Beach (during the season, with respect and distance) also offer a rare and special photographic opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Çıralı Beach provides a safe and beautiful environment for kids to play and swim. The natural flames of Chimaera can be a fascinating, albeit slightly spooky, experience for older children, best viewed after sunset. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for any walking or hiking, and always supervise them closely, especially near water or historical sites.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Remember to pack adequate water, sun protection, and sturdy hiking boots. The terrain can vary from coastal paths to rocky mountain trails. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for hiking to avoid the midday heat.
🏖️ Beach Lovers and Relaxation Seekers
While Olympos also has a beach accessible from the ruins, Çıralı offers a more serene and dedicated beach experience. You can find charming guesthouses and small restaurants in Çıralı village, making it easy to spend a few days simply enjoying the coastal ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ancient Wonders
Another captivating historical and natural phenomenon is Chimaera (Yanartaş). These natural gas vents have been burning continuously for centuries, creating an otherworldly spectacle. The best time to witness this is after dark, when the flames flicker eerily from the mountainside. Local legends surround Chimaera, adding to its mystique. The hike to Chimaera is relatively short but can be steep and rocky, so sturdy footwear is essential.
For those interested in maritime history and stunning views, the Gelidonya Lighthouse is a must-visit. Perched on a dramatic cliff edge, this historic lighthouse offers panoramic vistas of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. The hike to the lighthouse is rewarding, showcasing the rugged beauty of the coastline. It's a popular spot for photographers and those seeking a sense of tranquility away from the more crowded areas.
Coastal Beauty and Natural Havens
Beyond the famous sites, the park encompasses diverse natural landscapes, including red pine forests that give way to larch and other trees as you ascend. The Goynuk Canyon is another natural gem within the park, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring its dramatic rock formations and clear waters. The park's commitment to preserving its natural environment is evident, making it a sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors seeking an escape into nature.
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