Get off the beaten track in Cirali, a picturesque village set between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Nestled in the ancient Lycia region, Cirali is a stone’s throw from stunning beaches, ancient ruins and lush coastal forests.
The beach is natural and undeveloped, with a three-kilometre stretch of pebble sand and crystal-clear water. Forested mountains form a dramatic backdrop. If you’re lucky, you might spot endangered Loggerhead turtles nesting on the sand.
Hidden among dense trees and undergrowth is the ancient city of Olympos. The ruins date back to the Hellenistic period and include a necropolis and a Roman theatre. Nearby is Phaselis, another ancient city founded in 700 BC. The ruins are just steps from the beach, which means you can marvel at the Roman baths and aqueducts before taking a dip in the Mediterranean.
The Eternal Flames of Chimera, also known as Yanartas, are a natural phenomenon. Fed by natural gas, the flames emerge from cracks in the rocks and have been burning for thousands of years. Guided tours are the best way to visit the attraction.
Getting there
Cirali is located in Antalya Province, a 1.5-hour drive from Antalya and 3.5 hours from Fethiye. Long-distance buses run between Cirali and nearby cities. Antalya Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.