Çıralı

Çıralı is a peaceful eco-village set in a lush valley between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean. It is famous for the 'Chimaera' (Yanartaş), where natural gas vents from the rocks create eternal flames that have burned for millennia. The village is known for its organic farms, citrus groves, and low-impact tourism. The long pebble beach is shared with the ancient ruins of Olympos and is a strictly protected site for Caretta caretta turtles. Life in Çıralı is slow and nature-focused, making it a favorite for yoga retreats and families looking for tranquility. Visitors can stay in cozy wooden bungalows tucked away in orange orchards. It is about a 1.5-hour drive south of Antalya. The best months to visit are May, June, and September, when the weather is well-suited for hiking to the flames and swimming in the calm sea. It gives a rare chance to experience the Turkish coast in its most natural state.

Nearby cities

Antalya

Antalya is a tourism hub on the Turkish Riviera, receiving over 13 million visitors in 2019.

Alanya

A dynamic city on the Turkish Riviera featuring a majestic castle, the famous Cleopatra Beach, and a vibrant harbor area.

Belek

The golf capital of Turkey, renowned for its luxurious all-inclusive resorts, world-class golf courses, and expansive sandy beaches.

Gazipaşa

A hidden paradise east of Alanya, known for its airport, banana plantations, and pristine bays.

Kemer

A modern resort at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, where pine forests meet the turquoise sea, offering dramatic mountain panoramas.

Eğirdir

Eğirdir is a stunning lakeside town on Lake Eğirdir, offering a peaceful retreat with historic islands and fresh lake fish.

Finike

A charming coastal town on the Lycian coast, world-famous for its oranges and ancient ruins.

Kaş

A charming, bohemian town known as a diving center, blending ancient Lycian rock tombs with cozy, flower-lined streets.

Kalkan

A picturesque harbor town set on steep hillsides, featuring whitewashed houses and world-class dining with stunning Mediterranean views.

Patara

Ancient capital of the Lycian League, home to an 18km long pristine sandy beach.

Saklıkent Gorge

Saklıkent Gorge is a dramatic 18km-long canyon offering ice-cold waters, towering cliffs, and thrilling river walking adventures.

History & landmarks

Side

An ancient port city where Roman ruins and the Temple of Apollo sit directly alongside modern resorts and fine sandy beaches.

Olympos

Mystical ancient ruins hidden in a lush river valley, famous for treehouse hotels and a bohemian vibe.

Aspendos Theater

One of the best-preserved ancient Roman theaters in the world, still used for performances today.

Nature

Turkish Riviera

A spectacular stretch of coastline on the Mediterranean, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and hidden bays.

More places

Antalya Aquarium

One of the largest aquariums in the world, delighting visitors with a massive underwater tunnel and themed areas like Snow World.

Termessos

Termessos is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey, dramatically located in a steep valley.

Aspendos

Aspendos is an ancient city known for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman theater.

Köprülü Canyon National Park

A breathtaking river valley in the Taurus Mountains, known for whitewater rafting and Roman stone bridges.

Köprülü Canyon

An impressive canyon in the Taurus Mountains through which a wild river flows with ice-cold, emerald green water.

Taurus Mountains

This impressive mountain range separates the Mediterranean coast from the Anatolian plateau and shapes the region's climate.

Myra

Myra was a major Lycian city and is known for its rock-cut tombs and ancient theater.