O L Y M P O S

The beach of Olympos is one of the most beautiful in Turkey - a 4 km stretch of tiny smooth pebbles bordered by pine forest and dominated by the imposing peak of Tahtali Dag, the Lycian Mt. Olympos. At the southern end of the Beach, engulfed in a forest of laurel and oleander, lie the unexcavated Roman-Byzantine ruins of the city of Olympos. An icy stream flows through the site, and the crumbling ruins covered with moss and ivy form a most evocative sight.

Olympos is believed to be a pre-Greek word for 'mountain'. Although it is known that Olympos was a member of the Lycian League, no tombs or Lycian inscriptions have been found. Interesting points of interest are the Necropolis on the south side, the sarcophagi with a carving of a ship and a poem about its captain who was buried in it at the north end, and the decorated portal believed to be the entrance to the temple of Apollo.

The perpetually burning flame of Chimaera is located in the hills above Çirali. This is a must-see for all who visit Olynmpos.

TIP: Collect the small stones to take back with you for arts and crafts projects. We have made Christmas ornaments, picture frames and large-sized stone covered balls to use as decorations around the house (saw the same thing in Harrod's London for a couple hundred pounds!).

Also see Chimera

Hours: Open Everyday 9am-6pm.
Admission: about $4 USD