Olimpos Beach

The tiny hamlets of Olimpos and Çirali, 80km from Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast are famous for their beautiful little beach, bright blue waters and rocky valleys. Olimpos was originally a port city established in the 2nd century. The Cirali-Olimpos beach is surrounded by glorious mountains and is a very good breeding ground for sea turtles. The beach is so big that it never feels crowded, even in peak season.

A pine forest lines the back of this beach, in which there are hidden ruins of an ancient temple with marble pillars scattered between the trees. There is also the Cirali, also known as Chimera where natural flames springing from the rock have been burning for hundreds of years.

Extremely popular with back packers on a budget, Olimpos became famous for its unique tree houses fitted with all possible facilities including internet connectivity. Behind the tree houses, there are fields and orchards with a little stream passing through a gorge. Apart from the traditional tree houses, there is plenty of other accommodation in Cirali, from moderately priced hotels to comfortable lodges offering food from local organic farms.

Best time to visit Olimpos beach is from April to November. Many chalets on the beach offer interesting activities like hiking and nature walks. The beach is a one and a half hour drive from Antalya airport and many hotels and chalets on the beach also offer airport transfers.