How many nights do you need in Çıralı?

Two or three. One evening goes to the walk up to the Chimaera flames and one day to the beach and the ruins of Olympos at its southern end. A third night allows a day out, south to Adrasan and Suluada or north to Phaselis and the Tahtalı cable car.

Do you need a car in Çıralı?

Not in the village. The beach, the pensions and the ruins of Olympos are all within walking distance, and many pensions lend bicycles to guests. There is no local bus network, so a car makes the day trips to Adrasan, Ulupınar and Phaselis much easier.

When is the best time to visit Çıralı?

May, June, September and October. The sea is warm enough for swimming from June into October. Loggerhead turtles nest on the beach through the summer, and night access to the sand is restricted while they do.

What language is spoken in Çıralı?

Turkish. A few words of Turkish help on the dolmuş from the main road and at the smaller pensions.

What currency does Çıralı use?

The Turkish lira. Çıralı has no cash machine, so cash is best drawn in Antalya or Kumluca on the way in. Some pensions take cards, so ask when you book, and carry cash for the dolmuş, the Chimaera kiosk and the Olympos ticket booth.

Which airport do you fly into for Çıralı?

Antalya, AYT. Hire cars and private transfers both run from the airport, and there is no direct bus to the village.

Things to Do in Çıralı, Turkey

Adrasan

Beach · 3 hr

Take the forest road over for a swim in the bay; the day boats out to Suluada also leave from Adrasan.

Cape Gelidonya Lighthouse

Landmark · 4 hr

Set out from Karaöz early: the Lycian Way runs above the sea to the lighthouse at the tip of the cape, with little shade on the way.

Phaselis

Archaeological Site · 2.5 hr

Pair the ruins with a swim: you can walk the old main street in the morning and be in the sea beside it by noon.

Suluada

Island · 6 hr

Plan a whole day for it: the only way onto the island is a day boat from Adrasan, out in the morning and back late in the afternoon.

Çıralı Beach

Beach · 4 hr

Swim before lunch, then follow the shore south on foot to the ruins of Olympos: it is the easiest way in.

Olympos

Archaeological Site · 2 hr

Walk in along the beach from Çıralı in the morning, before the valley heats up, then follow the path through the ruins back down to the sea for a swim.

Olympos Lodge

Hotel

Book it for a garden room a few steps from the sand, at the quiet southern half of the beach.

Tahtalı Dağı

Viewpoint · 3 hr

Go up on a clear morning and pack a warm layer: the summit is 2,366 metres high and much colder than the coast.

Ulupınar

Village · 1.5 hr

Drive up for lunch on a hot afternoon and eat by the running water, in the shade of the valley.

Yanartaş

Landmark · 2 hr

Go after dark with a torch and shoes that grip: the flames barely show by day, the path is rough stone, and there is no water at the top.