As you climb the mountain slope in the dark of the night, flames rising from several different points appear before you. There is no wind, no fuel, no human intervention — the fire simply burns, just as it has burned for thousands of years. Yanartaş, or Chimera by its ancient name, is this unextinguishable fire area located in the heart of the Çıralı mountains and fed by natural gas vents. Mentioned in Homer's epic Iliad and shaping the mythology of the ancient Lycian civilization, this place still maintains the same magic today.

This tour, which is organized by departing from the accommodation point in Olympos at 21:00 every night, is offered including vehicle transfer, site entrance fee, and a headlamp to be used on the walking path. This approximately 3-hour night experience is completed by returning to the accommodation point at midnight (24:00).

What is Yanartaş (Chimera)? Why Doesn't It Go Out?

Yanartaş is the name given to the natural gas vents located on the slopes of the Bey Mountains near the Çıralı village in the Kumluca district of Antalya. Methane and hydrogen-heavy gases leaking from underground ignite spontaneously the moment they come into contact with the surface, and this situation leads to a continuous burning phenomenon that has lasted for centuries.

Whatever its scientific explanation, Yanartaş held a deep mythological meaning in the ancient world. Chimera, mentioned in Homer's Iliad and various Lycian sources, symbolizes a legendary monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a snake's tail. According to rumor, the breath of this monster turned into unextinguishable fires on the rocks in the region. Historical records indicate that Yanartaş was used as a lighthouse in ancient times; this natural fire, which could be seen from long distances, served as an important directional landmark for sailors.

Today, Yanartaş is located within the borders of the Olympos Bey Mountains National Park and is under protection as an archaeological site. There are also temple ruins and inscriptions belonging to various periods within the area.

Yanartaş Tour Program Details

Departure and Transfer

The tour begins every night at 21:00 by departing in a vehicle from the accommodation point in Olympos. The vehicle journey from Olympos to the Yanartaş entrance point in Çıralı takes about 30 minutes. The transfer service is included in the tour.

Trekking Route

Vehicles park at the entrance gate of Yanartaş; from here, an approximately 1 km walking path is covered to reach the fire area. The trail consists of a slightly inclined path on the mountain slope and takes about 30 minutes. Since the road is mostly dark, a headlamp is given to each participant.

Time at Yanartaş

Upon reaching the fire area, flames rising from multiple points are observed. Considering the size of the area, there is enough time to visit and photograph every point. Ancient temple ruins and inscriptions within the area can also be examined. The time spent at Yanartaş is approximately between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Return

At midnight (24:00), the vehicle returns to Olympos and participants are dropped off at their accommodation points. The total tour duration is approximately 3 hours.

Included in the Tour

• Round-trip vehicle transfer from the Olympos accommodation point
• Yanartaş archaeological site entrance fee
• Headlamp for the walking path

This tour is a transfer service; roaming and exploring the area is left up to you. There is no tour guide accompaniment.

Things to Know About the Yanartaş Tour

• The tour departs from the accommodation point in Olympos at 21:00 every night, and returns at midnight (24:00).
• An approximately 1 km, 30-minute walking path is covered from the Yanartaş entrance gate to the fire area.
• The trail is slightly inclined on the mountain slope; wearing comfortable and closed-toe shoes is mandatory.
• Since the walking path is dark, a headlamp is provided; this equipment is included in the tour.
• The site entrance fee is included in the tour.
• There is no guide accompaniment within the scope of this tour; the site tour is left to the initiative of the participants.
• Reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance.
• It is recommended that those with knee, back, or joint conditions make their decision by taking the walking path into consideration.
• Lighting open fires and barbecuing around Yanartaş is strictly prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much is the Olympos Yanartaş Tour Price?

For current pricing information, please contact us.

What is Yanartaş, why doesn't it go out?

Yanartaş is a continuous burning area formed by the spontaneous ignition of natural gases leaking from underground upon contact with the surface on the slopes of the Bey Mountains near Çıralı. This gas mixture, predominantly methane and hydrogen, has continued to burn since ancient times without any external intervention.

Are Chimera and Yanartaş the same place?

Yes. Yanartaş is the exact same area referred to as Chimera in ancient sources. It is rumored that the breath of the legendary monster Chimera, mentioned in Homer's Iliad, turned into fire on these rocks. The area is protected as an archaeological site within the borders of the Olympos Bey Mountains National Park.

How many hours does the Yanartaş tour take?

The total tour duration is approximately 3 hours. It departs from the accommodation point at 21:00 and returns at midnight (24:00). The vehicle transfer takes about 30 minutes, the walking path 30 minutes, and the time spent in the area is between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Is it difficult to walk up to Yanartaş?

The approximately 1 km path stretching from the entrance gate to the fire area is slightly inclined. It is not demanding for an adult in average condition; however, those with knee or joint problems should make their decision to participate considering this information. Wearing closed and comfortable shoes is mandatory.

Is the walking path illuminated?

No. The path is largely dark. For this reason, a headlamp is provided to each participant as part of the tour.

Is there a tour guide?

This service is primarily a transfer tour; roaming and exploring the area is left to the participants' initiative. There is no professional guide accompaniment.

Which is the most suitable season for the Yanartaş tour?

The Yanartaş tour is organized in every season of the year. Since the weather on the mountain slopes can be cool in the winter months, layering clothes is recommended. In the summer months, the weather is quite mild at night, providing comfortable conditions for a night walk.

Can children join the Yanartaş tour?

Yes. There is no specific age limit for children; however, considering the night walk and the dark path, it is recommended that small children be under parental supervision.

Can I go to Yanartaş with my own vehicle?

Yes. It is possible to go to Yanartaş by private vehicle. However, for those who prefer the night transfer service, organized transportation is provided from the Olympos accommodation point.