Olympos, Turkey (also Olympus), an ancient Lycian city, offers a truly unique experience where history and nature blend seamlessly. Nestled in a river valley along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, within the borders of Antalya province, the city’s ruins, over 2,000 years old, create an enchanting path that leads directly to a secluded beach. Walking through the ancient remnants of stone structures and millennia-old walls, visitors are immersed in the mystic atmosphere of a once-great city, before emerging onto the stunning shoreline. This combination of history and natural beauty makes Olympos a must-visit destination for those seeking a journey through time and nature.
Note: I took all the photos in this post.
The Rich History of Olympos, Turkey
Why Was the City Named Olympos (Olympus)?
The city presumably takes its name from nearby 2,375 meters height (7,792 feet) Mount Olympos (or Mount Olympus – Turkish: Tahtalı Dağı, Timber Mountain), one of over twenty mountains with the name Olympos (Olympus) in the Classical world.
Mount Olympus (Turkish: Tahtalı Dağ) is a 2,375-meter-high mountain near Kemer on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, dominating the landscape of the Teke Peninsula. Its proximity to the sea makes it highly visible to mariners. As the highest peak in Olympos-Beydağları National Park, its summit is often snow-covered from November to June. Anciently known as Olympos, it shares its name with other prominent mountains associated with the gods. The Turkish name “Tahtalı” may refer to either a wooden board (tahta) or a throne (taht), or possibly to a species of pigeon once common around the mountain.
Who Founded Olympos? The Origins of the Lycian City
Olympos was a city of the Lycians, an ancient people who inhabited the region of present-day Turkey between the bays of Antalya and Fethiye, known as “Lycia” – a compact, mountainous territory. The ancient Greeks highly regarded the Lycians for solving a problem that puzzled both ancient and modern societies: balancing the independence of city-states with the need for a larger political unity. Their solution, the Lycian League (referred to as Lukiakou systema by Strabo), was the first recorded federation in history.
According to the Greek historian Strabo (64/63 BC – c. AD 24), the Lycian League consisted of 23 known city-states. The Roman consul Lucius Licinius Murena added three more in 81 BC. Strabo identified the most important cities of the League, each with three votes, as Xanthos, Patara, Pinara, Olympos, Myra, and Tlos, with Patara serving as the capital.
Herodotus, the ancient historian (see notes 1), claimed that the Lycians originated from Crete and followed Sarpedon (see notes 2) after being expelled by Minos. They eventually settled in Milyas, a region in Asia Minor, which was originally home to the Solymoi people.
Originally known as the Termilae, the Lycians were later renamed after Lycus, son of Pandion. Their culture was a blend of Cretan and Carian traditions. A unique custom noted by Herodotus was that Lycians named themselves after their mothers, not their fathers. Strabo also referenced “Trojan Lycians,” possibly distinguishing them from the Termilae, the original inhabitants of the region.
The Lycians were one of the few non-Hellenistic peoples in antiquity who could not be considered “barbarians.” They spoke a language from the Luwian family, closely related to the Hittites, suggesting their Anatolian origin.
Hellenistic and Roman Periods
During the Hellenistic period, Olympos fell under the control of various Greek dynasties. The city gained prominence due to its location along the Mediterranean coast, thriving through trade and cultural exchange. However, the prosperity of Olympos attracted the attention of pirates, particularly the notorious pirate chief Zenicetes, who made the city a base for his operations in the 1st century BC.
In response to the pirate threat, Rome intervened in 78 BC, with the Roman general Servilius Isauricus capturing Olympos, ending Zenicetes’ reign. Afterward, the city was integrated into the Roman Empire, and under Roman rule, Olympos enjoyed a period of prosperity. The city became known for its temples, particularly those dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of fire and metallurgy, reflecting the Lycian and Roman pantheon’s cultural blending.
Byzantine Era and Decline
In the Byzantine period, Olympos remained significant, though its fortunes began to wane. The city continued to thrive as a trading port, but over time, it struggled with increased pirate activity once again. The silting of the river and the spread of malaria due to the marshes further contributed to the city’s decline.
By the 15th century, Olympos was largely abandoned as the region came under Ottoman control, and it never regained its former glory. Over time, the city’s ruins were reclaimed by nature, with forests enveloping the remains of temples, homes, and tombs. Today, the site is a protected archaeological area and part of the Olympos Beydağları National Park, attracting visitors for its blend of history and natural beauty.
Olympos Today, a Holiday Resort
In modern times, Olympos is a popular destination for tourists interested in history, nature, and relaxation. Visitors to the site can explore its ancient ruins, such as rock-cut tombs, Roman baths, and Byzantine churches while enjoying the natural surroundings. One of Olympos’ unique features is the proximity of Olympos Beach, where visitors can walk through the ancient ruins directly to the Mediterranean shoreline.
Olympos also remains linked to the legend of the Chimaera, an eternal flame that has burned for centuries on nearby Mount Chimaera (Yanartaş), a natural phenomenon caused by methane gas seeping from the earth. This ancient myth continues to draw travelers seeking the mysterious flame, which is said to be the source of inspiration for the fire-breathing creature in Greek mythology.
Olympos was a hippie haven until recently. However, the completion of a paved road from the main highway in the summer of 2009 has brought in far more visitors, including families with fussy children and rowdy teenagers, compared to just a few years ago.
On summer weekends, when hordes of day (and night) trippers pour in, Olympos sadly feels no different from any ordinary resort town – aside from its historic ruins. Yet, when autumn arrives and the crowds disappear, Olympos regains its original beauty. I visited in October once, and it was quiet, and peaceful, with more comfortable weather, and the sea was stunning.
Tips for Visiting Olympos
- Bring fly repellant: The area can attract insects, especially in the warmer months, so it’s a good idea to have repellant on hand. Houseflies are often very persistent with humans, constantly flying around and causing annoyance. Additionally, some species of houseflies deliver painful bites, which can cause significant discomfort, itching, or redness. The houseflies around Antalya and its surroundings are usually of this biting kind.
- Be mindful of the sunset: Due to the mountains in the west, the sun sets earlier than expected. The beach faces east, so plan your beach time accordingly to make the most of daylight.
- Wear sturdy shoes: The ancient ruins and pathways can be uneven and rocky, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended for exploring the area.
- Stay overnight for a quieter experience: Olympos can be crowded during the day, especially in the summer. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the early mornings and evenings when day-trippers leave.
- Bring a headlight: If you plan to visit the beach at night, a headlight is useful. Keep in mind that sometimes the gendarmerie (Turkish: jandarma) may restrict night access, especially during the Caretta caretta (sea turtle) nesting season when entering the beach at night is prohibited. Additionally, if you want to visit Yanartaş (Chimera), which is most beautiful at night, a headlight will help navigate the path.
- Bring cash: Some smaller shops, restaurants, and guesthouses may not accept credit cards, so carrying cash for convenience is a good idea.
- Swim shoes for the beach: The beach is pebbly, so having swim shoes will make walking on the beach and entering the water much more comfortable.
- Visit in the off-season: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the spring or autumn when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are thinner.
- Take precautions for cool nights: Since Olympos is located in a valley, temperatures can drop significantly at night, even if it’s hot during the day, especially in the off-season. So, if you plan to sleep outside or on the beach, it’s a good idea to bring warm clothing or even a sleeping bag to stay comfortable.
- Swim at Night if Allowed: If night access to the beach is not restricted, try swimming in the sea at night: Due to the low light pollution on Olympos Beach, the bioluminescence (Noctiluca scintillans) offers a beautiful and memorable experience.
Top Attractions in and Around Olympos
The Olympos Beach
You can reach the Olympos Beach beach by walking along the stream through the ancient city of Olympos. On the left side of the cove, you’ll find the long sandy stretch of Çıralı Beach, one of the nesting areas for the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles.
It’s important to note that this is not a sandy beach. Instead, the shoreline is covered with variously sized white and colorful pebbles. It’s a good idea to bring water shoes to make walking more comfortable. If you prefer a sandier spot, don’t hesitate to walk a bit further toward the middle sections of the beach, where the ground becomes less rocky and more sandy. Keep in mind that the water at Olympos Beach is not shallow – it deepens quickly. Therefore, those who are not strong swimmers should exercise caution.
Since the beach is under museum status, there is an entrance fee.
Please also note that Olympos Beach does not offer changing cabins or shower facilities.
One of the beach’s most remarkable features is that it serves as a nesting site for endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you might spot these majestic creatures during their nesting season, and if you time your swim just right, you could even share the water with them. I personally encountered many during my visits, making the experience truly unforgettable. With its blend of history, nature, and laid-back beach culture, Olympos Beach offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking something different along the Turkish coast.
Sarcophaguses at the Edge of Olympos Beach
At the edge of Olympos Beach, two prominent sarcophaguses stand out. One belongs to Captain Eudemos, and the other to Marcus Aurelius Zosimas. These ancient tombs, housed in a small burial chamber near the beach, add historical depth to the scenic surroundings.
Dating back to the late 2nd century AD, these structures were plundered and damaged by pirates over time, but they were repurposed in the second half of the 5th century AD. They remained within the Acropolis fortress walls, which served as the citadel during the Middle Ages.
Little is known beyond historical records about the single sarcophagus in the eastern burial chamber. In the chamber with two sarcophagi, the floor features a mosaic showing a soldier battling a lion. The eastern sarcophagus is attributed to a man from Olympos named Marcus Aurelius Zosimas.
The northern sarcophagus was built for Zosimas’ uncle, Captain Eudemos. A unique relief of a ship, without sails, mast, or oars, is carved into the stone, with Aphrodite depicted on the prow. An inscription reveals that Captain Eudemos sailed to the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea.
Next to the inscription is a poignant poem:
The ship anchored at its final port, never to set sail again
For neither the wind nor the light of day can offer any hope now
After leaving behind the dawn that once carried the light, Captain Eudemos
Was buried there, like his short-lived ship, broken like a wave
Ruins of the Olympos Ancient City
Once a thriving Lycian city, Olympos’ ruins are scattered along the banks of a tranquil river that flows into the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by dense forests and steep, rocky hills. Visitors can explore remnants of Roman-era structures, including ancient baths, temples, a theater, and monumental tombs. These well-preserved ruins are intertwined with nature, as trees and vines have gradually reclaimed much of the site over centuries, creating a serene and almost mystical atmosphere.
The Chimera (Burning Stones)
The Chimera (Turkish: Yanartaş), or “Burning Stones,” is a fascinating natural phenomenon located on a rocky mountainside above Çıralı village, near Olympos. Eternal flames fueled by methane gas have been burning here for thousands of years, emerging from cracks in the rocks with no visible source of fuel. These flames, which number about a dozen, were historically used by sailors as a landmark as they navigated the Mediterranean coast.
According to Greek mythology, this site is believed to be linked to the legendary Chimera, a fire-breathing monster. The Chimera was said to have the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. Slain by the hero Bellerophon riding the winged horse Pegasus, the creature was supposedly buried beneath the earth, where it continues to breathe fire – hence the perpetual flames at Yanartaş. This myth has added to the mystique of the site, drawing visitors from around the world.
To visit the Chimera, you’ll need to hike a 3-kilometer (2-mile) uphill path, which takes about 45 minutes. The trail is rocky, so wearing trekking or sturdy walking shoes is advisable. There are two flame areas, with the second located about 300 meters higher than the first. The flames are most impressive at night, offering a mesmerizing experience against the darkened sky.
The Chimera is part of the famous Lycian Way trekking route. There’s a small admission fee, and the park is open 24 hours. Bring your own water, as there are no services at the flames themselves, though a spring near the entrance offers drinking water.
How to go to Olympos?
Olympos is about 50-60 km south of Antalya. Kumluca to the south and Kemer to the north are the nearest major towns of Olympos. There are small buses from Antalya Otogar (the main station for intercity buses) as well as buses from Antalya to Kaş (and all those others on the way west like Kumluca), which stop at the junction on the upland section of the main coastal highway of the region, which is about 10 km away from Olympos.
There is a station at the junction with an open-air cafe, which also offers some snacks. From there a dolmuş (minibus), which departs fairly frequently nowadays, can be caught.
Where to Stay in Olympos?
There are many guesthouses along the road that passes through the valley leading to Olympos. They offer two options: tree houses (more affordable) and bungalows. Bungalows have toilets, bathrooms, and air conditioning. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price at these guesthouses. Alternatively, you can also stay in the guesthouses in Çıralı. They are a bit more comfortable and spacious compared to the ones in Olympos; of course, their prices are a bit higher.
I have tried all three of these options at different times. When I stayed in the tree houses, I was still a university student. I don’t think I would use this accommodation method again, but those with a limited budget who want very cheap lodging might prefer them. In addition, some guesthouses allow you to pitch tents on their property for a very reasonable price. However, it’s a good idea to ask in advance.
Notes
- Herodotus (c. 484 – c. 425 BC) was an ancient Greek writer, geographer, and historian born in the Greek city of Halicarnassus, part of the Persian Empire (now Bodrum, Turkey).
- The first Sarpedon was a son of Zeus and Europa and brother to Minos and Rhadamanthys. He was raised by King Asterion and then, banished by Minos, his rival in love for the young Miletus or Atymnius, he sought refuge with his uncle, Cilix. Sarpedon conquered the Milyans, and ruled over them; his kingdom was named Lycia, after his successor, Lycus, son of Pandion II. Zeus granted him the privilege of living for three generations. The second Sarpedon (Herodotus refers to the second Sarpedon), king of Lycia, a descendant of the preceding, was a son of Zeus and Laodamia, daughter of Bellerophon. Sarpedon became king when his uncles withdrew their claim to Lycia. He fought on the side of the Trojans, with his cousin Glaucus, during the Trojan War and became one of Troy’s greatest allies and heroes.
- Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (26 April 121 – 17 March 180) was a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 and a Stoic philosopher. He was the last of the rulers known as the Five Good Emperors (a term coined some 13 centuries later by Niccolò Machiavelli), and the last emperor of the Pax Romana (27 BC to 180 AD), an age of relative peace and stability for the Roman Empire
Sources
- Olympos (Olympus, Lycia) on Wikipedia
- Strabo on Wikipedia
- Sarpedon on Wikipedia
- Marcus Aurelius on Wikipedia
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