Active travelers, mythology enthusiasts, and anyone staying near Çıralı or Olympos should prioritize Yanartaş. The atmospheric hike up the pine-forested mountain at dusk to see natural methane flames flickering directly from the rocky ground offers a unique connection to ancient Lycian legends.
It is best experienced after sunset when the flames are most visible, making it a memorable evening adventure for the entry fee of 190 TRY.
Those with limited mobility, knee issues, or very young children should skip this site, as reaching the flames requires a steep, uneven 1-kilometer uphill climb over rough stone steps that are challenging to navigate in the dark.
If you decide to go, bring a reliable flashlight, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, and carry water, as there are no facilities at the top. Insider Tip: Bring marshmallows and wooden skewers to roast over the eternal flames, and visit antalyadiary.com for detailed trail maps.
Yanartaş (Chimaera)
A mystical mountain slope where natural methane gas vents create eternal flames that have burned for millennia, famously linked to the Greek legend of the Chimaera.
The site consists of several clusters of flames flickering directly from the rocky ground. Reaching them requires a steady 20-to-30-minute hike up an ancient stone stairway through a pine forest. At the top, the combination of the rhythmic flames and the panoramic views of the Çıralı coastline creates a unique, primitive atmosphere.
Late evening or night. The flames are small and often difficult to see during the day, but they become the focal point of the landscape once the sun goes down.
Entrance to the national park site costs 70 TRY per person. The ticket booth is located at the start of the trail and accepts both cash and cards.
Begin your hike approximately 40 minutes before sunset. This allows you to navigate the steep steps while there is still natural light and reach the vents just as the flames become most visible against the darkening sky.
The climb is a continuous uphill trek on uneven limestone blocks that can be slippery and taxing on the knees. While the site is deeply atmospheric, the flames themselves are relatively small; visitors expecting a massive fire display may be disappointed, whereas those looking for a rugged, historical hike will find it rewarding.
This excursion is best suited for active travelers and groups who enjoy a DIY adventure. It is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues or for families with very young children, as the path is entirely unsuitable for strollers and requires careful footing on the way down.
Local Insight: Pack a headlamp for the descent and bring snacks to roast over the vents, as the summit is a popular spot for a rustic evening picnic.
There is only one standard entry ticket for Yanartaş, which is purchased directly at the small booth at the base of the trail. Because this is a protected natural site consisting of a single hiking path, there are no VIP tiers, fast-track options, or premium seating areas.
The basic ticket provides full access to the entire mountain path, including the lower and upper flame vents.
A common mistake for first-time visitors is arriving without small change in local currency. While card payments are sometimes accepted, the cellular signal at the trailhead is notoriously weak, often causing card machines to fail. Carrying 60 TRY in cash ensures a smooth entry without technical delays.
The most rewarding time to visit is during the transition from sunset to dusk. Arriving at the trailhead about an hour before the sun goes down allows you to complete the 1-kilometer uphill hike while there is still enough natural light to see the uneven stone steps. Once you reach the top, you can watch the flames grow more vibrant as the sky darkens.
Yanartaş is included in the MuseumPass Mediterranean and the nationwide MuseumPass Turkey. If you plan to visit the nearby ancient city of Olympos or the ruins of Phaselis, using one of these passes is the most cost-effective strategy.
Children under the age of 8 enter for free, provided you have a digital copy of their passport for age verification. There are no specific off-peak discounts or early-bird rates, as the entry fee is a fixed government rate for the national park area.
Taking a guided tour is highly recommended if you are staying in Antalya city center or Kemer and do not have a rental car. The site is located deep in the coastal mountains, and reaching it via public transport requires multiple bus transfers followed by a long walk or a private shuttle from the main highway.
Most organized tours operate as "Jeep Safaris" or evening excursions that include dinner at a nearby trout farm in Ulupınar, handling all the complex night-time logistics for you.
If you are staying in the village of Çıralı, a tour is unnecessary. You can easily reach the trailhead by bicycle or a five-minute taxi ride and hike at your own pace. The path is well-marked, so a guide is not needed for navigation, only for transportation and historical context regarding the Lycian legends of the Chimaera monster.
Crowds peak heavily at dusk as visitors arrive to see the flames glow against the dark, while daytime hours remain nearly empty due to intense heat and poor flame visibility.
Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.
This day is usually calmer than average. This slot has a higher chance of a comfortable visit: Avoid climbing during peak heat. Weather is currently not ideal: mostly clear 🌤️.
To reach the eternal flames of Yanartaş, drive to the northern end of Çıralı village where the road terminates at a designated parking area. The entrance is marked by a small stone ticket booth where you pay the 40 TRY entry fee. There are no elevators or paved paths here; the entrance is effectively the start of a rugged mountain trail.
The primary challenge is the 800-meter ascent. While the distance sounds short, the path consists of steep, uneven stone steps that take approximately 25 to 35 minutes to climb. Most visitors arrive at sunset to see the flames in the dark, which adds a layer of difficulty to the descent.
The trek to Yanartaş is a demanding 1-kilometer uphill climb on a rugged mountain trail. The path is composed of uneven ancient stone steps and loose rocks, requiring sturdy footwear with good grip; sandals or flip-flops are unsuitable and potentially hazardous.
There is no shade along the route, making daytime temperatures intense, while evening visits require significant physical effort in low-light conditions.
There are no lockers, baggage counters, or storage facilities at the entrance or the ticket booth. All items brought to the site must be carried up the mountain by the visitor. The trail is entirely inaccessible to strollers; these must be left in your vehicle or at your accommodation, as there is no secure or designated area to park them at the trailhead.
Spend your morning swimming at the quiet Cirali Beach before walking south to explore the overgrown ruins of Olympos Ancient City. In the late afternoon, head to the Yanartas trail to reach the eternal flames exactly at sunset when the fire is most visible against the darkening rocks.
Conclude the day with a traditional dinner over the water at Selale Restaurant in the nearby mountain village of Ulupinar.
Yanartaş (Chimaera)
Antalya
Turkey
Yanartaş, known as the "Burning Stone," has been a site of wonder for millennia. According to Greek mythology, the hero Bellerophon defeated the Chimaera—a fire-breathing monster with the head of a lion and the tail of a snake—by burying it deep within the mountain.
The eternal flames seen today are said to be the creature's breath escaping through the rocks.
In antiquity, these spontaneous fires served a practical purpose for sailors navigating the Lycian coast. The flames were so consistent that they functioned as a natural lighthouse, visible from the Mediterranean. The site was also dedicated to Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire, whose temple ruins still stand near the lower vents.
Today, the site is recognized as a rare geological phenomenon where methane gas seeps through the limestone and ignites upon contact with the air. For visitors, the hike up the mountain provides a rare opportunity to witness a fire that has remained unextinguished since the dawn of recorded history.
Yanartaş (Chimaera)
Antalya
Natural Landmark
Not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers; requires a steep uphill hike.
Suitable for active children ages 5 and up; not recommended for toddlers.
Yanartaş is located on a mountainside and is entirely inaccessible for wheelchair users. The trail to the eternal flames is a 1-kilometer uphill climb consisting of steep, uneven stone steps and loose rocks. There are no ramps, elevators, or paved paths.
Visitors with reduced mobility or heart conditions should be aware that the ascent takes 30 to 45 minutes of strenuous physical effort.
Strollers are not permitted on the trail as the terrain makes them impossible to maneuver. There is no designated storage area for strollers at the entrance, so they must be left in your vehicle. For families with very young children, a sturdy hiking baby carrier is the only viable option.
Carrying a child in your arms is dangerous due to the slippery nature of the stones, particularly during the descent.
There is no strict age limit for entry, but guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The site features open flames emerging directly from the ground without safety barriers or fences. Parents must provide constant, hands-on supervision of children to prevent burns or falls on the jagged rocks.
The site is best suited for children aged 6 and older who can manage the hike independently.
Entry is free for children under 12 years old. For adults and older children, the entrance fee is 45 TRY. Note that there are no restrooms, benches, or water stations once you begin the climb. All necessary facilities are located at the base near the ticket office.
If visiting for the sunset, ensure every family member has a dedicated flashlight, as the path is unlit and hazardous after dark.
Restrooms
Toilets are located exclusively at the entrance area near the ticket booth and parking lot. There are no restroom facilities along the trail or at the summit where the flames are located. A small fee of approximately 10-20 TRY is usually required for maintenance.
Dining
A casual open-air cafe operates at the base of the mountain. It serves basic Turkish snacks like gözleme (flatbread), tea, and cold beverages. There are no food or drink vendors at the top, so visitors often bring their own snacks or marshmallows to roast over the natural vents.
Water and Supplies
There are no water fountains on the trail. It is essential to carry your own water or purchase bottles at the entrance kiosk before starting the 20-30 minute uphill hike. The kiosk also sells basic items like flashlights, which are necessary for evening descents.
Connectivity and Shopping
Free Wi-Fi is not available at the site, and mobile signal can be inconsistent on the mountainside. While there is no formal gift shop, local vendors at the entrance often sell regional honey and small handmade souvenirs.
Accessibility and Family
The site does not have nursing rooms or baby-changing stations. The terrain consists of steep, uneven stone steps and rocky paths, making it inaccessible for strollers or wheelchairs.