What to know before you go
Olympos is both an ancient city and a tranquil beach, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway. Surrounded by lush nature, mountains, and fresh air, Olympos offers the perfect blend of history and serenity. A trip to Olympos offers the best of both worlds: you can explore the fascinating ancient ruins and then unwind on the quiet, uncrowded beach of Antalya.
The ancient city of Olympos is nestled on both sides of a narrow valley carved by the stream flowing down from Mount Olympos. The acropolis of Olympos is perched atop a high hill, visible from the beach, and the ruins of castle-like city walls built during the Middle Ages still stand.
Entering the city, you’ll find yourself on the northern side. Here, you’ll discover the church, the northern necropolis, the entrance complex, a Roman temple, an episcopal palace, mosaics, and the monumental Lycian tombs, including the sarcophagus of Antimachus. The port area also boasts impressive monumental tombs. The ancient bridge that once connected the two sides is now marked only by footprints, but venturing deeper into the city reveals a mix of natural beauty, with fresh water streams, lush trees, and greenery. Many of the city’s most intriguing sights lie hidden within, so be prepared to explore further into the overgrown thickets.
We visited the ancient city in winter, when numerous natural water streams cascade down from the mountains. In summer, these rivers are shallow, and you’ll have the chance to cross over to the other side using small stones in the middle of the river. On the southern side lies the Southern Necropolis, while across the river, the city baths can be seen in ruins. The remains of the theater and basilica also lie across the river, although the theater is challenging to visit due to dense vegetation. While the city is largely in ruins, excavation and restoration work are still underway, revealing more of its ancient history.
Olympos boasts a long, expansive beach that offers a unique charm. The shore is covered in large pebbles, and the water quickly deepens, reaching about 10 steps beyond human height. Here, a mountain river pours into the sea, bringing icy waters that provide a refreshing dip, especially on hot days. The sea itself is incredibly clear and calm, with almost no waves, creating the sensation of swimming in a vast, transparent pool. These distinctive features may be appealing to some, while others may find them less inviting.
Olympos, the second most significant port city after Phaselis along the southern Antalya coast, takes its name from Mount Olympos (Mount Tahtalı), which rises 2,375 meters above sea level on the western slopes of the Taurus Mountains. The city is located within the ancient borders of Lycia, and it stands as one of Turkey’s most untouched tourist destinations, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty. Established by pirates in the 3rd century BC, Olympos is steeped in mystery, with legends suggesting that the pirates once conducted strange rituals and sacrifices in honor of the Persian god Mithra. In 168 BC, Olympos was one of the six cities granted three votes in the Lycian Union, highlighting its importance in ancient times.
Visiting Hours of the Ancient City:
Summer Season (April 15 – October 2): 08:30 – 19:00
Winter Season (October 3 – April 14): 08:30 – 17:30
Olympos is open to visitors 360 days a year, seven days a week.
Tips for Visiting:
The ancient city of Olympos covers a large area, and it’s best to explore it on foot. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking along the trails for about two hours to see all the key sights. After your visit, you can relax on the beach nearby.
How to Get There:
Olympos, located in the Kumluca district of Antalya province, attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. The distance from Antalya to Olympos is 87 km, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive.
If driving from Kumluca, take the Adrasan entrance and follow the signs.
From Kemer, follow the signs to the Olympos entrance. It’s a 40 km drive and the more convenient route.
For public transport, take a bus from Kemer or Antalya to Kas, and get off at the Cirali or Olympos stop.
If you’re staying in the village of Olympos, you’ll need to walk through the ancient city to reach the beach. You can purchase a tourist card for 7 days, which gives you unlimited access during your stay.
Nearby Attractions:
One of the must-see nearby sights is the flame of the Chimera. This natural phenomenon has been burning since ancient times, fueled by natural gas rising from the earth and combining with atmospheric oxygen. To visit the flames, head to Mount Chimera, located just 300 meters north of Olympos, near Cirali Beach.
As an Antalya Tourism Guide for your Antalya Dental Travels, we examined the most interesting places in Antalya and collected the most beautiful sights. While on a dental holiday in Antalya, you can safely find an answer the following question: What to see in Antalya? We welcome your comments and feedback.
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