The village of the sea, history and fire
About Çıralı

The village of the sea, history and fire

Where the Beydağları mountains descend to the Mediterranean; pine forest, orange groves and an untouched shore. Protected by law, Çıralı remains one of those rare places that is still calm and unspoilt.

Accommodation

Your own corner, tucked into the garden

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1+0
for 2-3 guests

1+0

A quiet corner just for couples, in the shade of natural olive and fruit trees.

  • 1 room + veranda
  • 1 double bed + 1 single bed
  • 2-3 guests
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2+1
for 4 guestsMost popular

2+1

Two rooms and a large veranda; a spacious retreat for families with children.

  • 2 rooms + open-plan kitchen + veranda
  • 1 double + 2 single beds
  • 4 guests
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1+1
for 4 guests

1+1

Two bedrooms and a hammock veranda; pine scent and sea breeze.

  • 2 bedrooms
  • 1 double + 2 single beds
  • 4 guests
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The Beach of the Loggerhead TurtlesBeach & Wildlife

The Beach of the Loggerhead Turtles

Çıralı's roughly three-kilometre stretch of natural shingle-and-sand shore is one of the most important nesting sites for the Mediterranean's loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). During the May–October nesting season the nests in the sand are roped off; lighting lamps, making fires and pitching tents on the beach at night are forbidden. It is thanks to this protection that the shore stays dark, quiet and untouched.

  • ≈ 3 km natural beach
  • May–October nesting
  • A dark, silent shore
The Ancient City of OlymposHistory

The Ancient City of Olympos

At the southern end of the beach, hidden within the pine forest and a stream valley, lies the ancient Lycian city of Olympos. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the city was once home to pirates before coming under Roman rule. Today you can walk among sarcophagi, bath houses and temple ruins, touching history in the shade of the trees.

  • Lycian & Roman era
  • Ruins within the forest
  • Reached on foot from the beach
Yanartaş (Mount Chimaera) — The Eternal FlamesNatural Wonder

Yanartaş (Mount Chimaera) — The Eternal Flames

On the slope above the village, some 230 metres above sea level, flames rise from between the rocks where underground gas ignites of its own accord, and they have burned for thousands of years. In antiquity it was believed to be the home of the fire-breathing monster Chimaera, slain by the hero Bellerophon. Climbing up to the fire for half an hour after sunset is Çıralı's most beloved evening ritual.

  • ≈ 230 m altitude
  • The legendary Chimaera
  • Even more striking at night
On the Lycian WayWalking

On the Lycian Way

Stretching over 500 kilometres from Fethiye to Antalya, the Lycian Way is Turkey's first waymarked long-distance walking route, marked out by Kate Clow in 1999. Following its red-and-white waymarks, this legendary trail passes right through Çıralı and Olympos; you can set off from the village and walk short, scenic stages.

  • 500+ km route
  • Red-and-white waymarks
  • Stages starting from the village
Good to Know

Before You Come

When to visit?

A Mediterranean climate prevails. April–June and September–October, with their mild weather and warm sea, are ideal for both walking and swimming. July–August is hot but the sea is magnificent. Winters are mild and lush green; the orange harvest falls in this season.

How to get here?

Çıralı is about 80 km from Antalya and 35 km from Kemer. It's a 1–1.5 hour drive from Antalya Airport; from the Çıralı turn-off on the D400 highway, a roughly 7 km pine-forest road descends towards the sea and ends at the village.

Why is it protected?

Çıralı lies within the Olympos Beydağları Coastal National Park and a conservation (SİT) zone. For this reason high-rise hotels and dense construction are not permitted; the village welcomes guests with small guesthouses and garden bungalows, preserving its natural character.

Have a place of your own in this village

The garden bungalows of Çıralı Mavi Koy put all of this within walking distance.

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