Cirali Beach Turkey 2026: Eternal Flames, Turtles & Village Guide
"The eternal flames of Yanartaş (Chimaera) near Çıralı have been burning continuously for at least 2,500 years — the longest-documented natural flames on Earth, and the likely origin of the Chimaera myth in Homer's Iliad."
Çıralı Beach Turkey (Çıralı Plajı) is a 3.2 km stretch of protected pebble coastline tucked into a sheltered valley between the ancient city of Olympos and the eternal flames of Yanartaş, in the Kemer district of Antalya Province. Designated a Specially Protected Area, the beach is one of Turkey's most important Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle) nesting sites. What sets Çıralı apart is the combination: mythological fire on the hillside, Roman ruins at one end, turtle nests underfoot, and a village that still feels like a secret.
Beach Character
Çıralı Beach is a mixed pebble beach with sections of coarse sand, particularly toward the Olympos (southern) end. Water entry is gradual and shallow for the first several metres, with very calm waves thanks to the semi-enclosed bay. The exceptionally clean water carries a Specially Protected Area designation. No motorised water sports are permitted, keeping the bay quiet and the water undisturbed.
Çıralı Beach is moderately suitable for families with young children — the calm, shallow water and gentle entry are ideal for paddling, though the pebble surface requires water shoes for comfort. The defining physical feature is the untouched, low-development backdrop: citrus orchards and pine forest run directly to the shoreline, with no high-rise buildings or resort complexes in sight.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Bring water shoes. The pebble beach is painful on bare feet — buy them in Antalya or Kemer, as selection in the village is very limited.
- No ATMs in the village. The nearest ATMs are on the D400 highway or in Kemer (40 km). Bring sufficient cash.
- Limited mobile signal. Coverage is patchy in the valley — download offline maps and confirm bookings before arriving.
- Turtle nesting beach. Sections of the beach are roped off during nesting season (May–October). Avoid using bright lights on the beach at night.
- 7 km winding descent from D400. The access road is narrow and steep. Drive carefully, especially at night.
- Rental car strongly recommended. No direct dolmuş from Antalya. Public transport options are limited and indirect.
Services & Charges
Entrance & Parking
Çıralı Beach is free to enter. Parking near the beach costs approximately 50–100 TL per day as of 2024. Prices change annually — check on arrival.
Sunbeds
Sunbed and umbrella sets are available from beachfront restaurants and pensions — approximately 150–250 TL per set as of 2024–2025. Prices change annually.
Eating & Drinking
Karakuş Restaurant sits directly on the pebbles near the waterline, known for fresh fish and mezes with the sound of waves as backdrop. Orange Restaurant (Portakal) is set in a citrus grove, serving Ottoman and Turkish dishes in the shade of orange trees. Çıralı Köy Sofrası offers village-style home cooking — gözleme and grilled meats in a traditional setting. Lemon Restaurant serves fresh trout and grilled sea bass under lemon trees in a garden setting.
Facilities
Basic WC facilities at restaurants. A small bakkal (village shop) covers essentials. No ATMs — nearest on D400 or in Kemer.
Who Should Visit & When
Families will appreciate Çıralı Beach's calm, shallow water and the absence of motorised water sports — safe for supervised swimming. May–June and September–October are best, avoiding peak-summer heat while enjoying warm water and turtle-watching opportunities.
Couples seeking a quiet, romantic escape find Çıralı's low-key village atmosphere and orange-garden pensions ideal. The most peaceful months are May, June and October, when the valley is lush and accommodation prices drop significantly. Hikers and nature lovers have the Lycian Way, Yanartaş flames and Olympos ruins all within walking distance — spring and autumn offer the best trekking conditions.
Solo travellers fit in well during shoulder season when the yoga retreat and Lycian Way hiking crowd creates a relaxed, social atmosphere. Elderly visitors should note the pebble surface and limited village infrastructure, but the flat terrain and calm water suit those comfortable on uneven ground. April–May and October offer the most comfortable temperatures.
Insider Tips
Location & How to Get There
Çıralı Beach Turkey is located in the Kemer district of Antalya Province, on Turkey's central Mediterranean coast between the resort town of Kemer and the ancient Lycian city of Olympos. The Çıralı Plajı Antalya coastline sits approximately 85 km southwest of Antalya city centre (Kaleiçi) and 40 km south of Kemer, accessed via a 7 km winding descent from the D400 coastal highway into the sheltered valley below. The remote approach through pine forest signals a different pace from the resort-lined Kemer beaches above.
By Car
From Antalya centre (Kaleiçi), head west on the D400 toward Kemer — approximately 85 km, 1 hour 20 minutes. From Kemer, continue southwest — approximately 40 km, 50 minutes. Turn off the D400 at the Çıralı signpost and descend 7 km on a narrow, winding road.
By Public Transport
There is no direct dolmuş from Antalya to Çıralı. In summer, a local dolmuş runs from the village up to the D400 junction, where Antalya–Kemer–Kumluca corridor dolmuş services can be flagged down. Connections are infrequent and schedules change seasonally. Official schedule link: Antalya Kart Route Planner. A rental car is strongly recommended.
From the Airport
From Antalya Airport (AYT), approximately 95 km, 1 hour 30 minutes by car. Private transfers and car hire are available at the airport.
Direct flights to Antalya run year-round from most European cities, with peak frequency May through October. Booking 6–8 weeks ahead typically saves 30–40% on peak-season fares.
Activities & Events
Yanartaş (Chimaera) Flames
The eternal flames of Yanartaş burn from natural gas vents on the hillside approximately 3 km from Çıralı village — a 30–45 minute uphill hike. Entry is approximately 60–100 TL. Best visited at dusk when the dozen or so flames are clearly visible against the rock.
Ancient Olympos
The ruins of ancient Olympos — a Lycian-Roman city with baths, theatre fragments and temple remains — sit at the southern end of Çıralı Beach. Main entrance approximately 200 TL. The beach approach offers partial access without a ticket.
Hiking & Nature
Çıralı Beach is a key stop on the Lycian Way, Turkey's famous 540 km long-distance trail. Sea kayaking, snorkelling along the rocky edges, bird watching and yoga retreats round out the activity options. Turtle watching is possible from July through October.
Accommodation
Çıralı Beach accommodation centres on family-run pansiyonlar (pensions) set in citrus orchards — the most characteristic way to stay, with breakfast served under orange and lemon trees. Boutique hotels with 10–30 rooms and small pools suit visitors wanting more polish without losing the village feel. The Olympos end of the beach has treehouse and wooden cabin accommodation popular with backpackers and younger travellers.
Bungalow-style lodges, limited camping options and a handful of villa and apartment rentals round out the range. There are no large resorts or chain hotels in Çıralı — the protected status keeps development low-key.
The best-reviewed pensions and boutique hotels in Çıralı fill quickly for July and August. Shoulder-season visitors (May, June, September, October) find wider availability and significantly lower prices.
Weather and Sea Temperature
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Sea (°C) | Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15 | 5 | 18 | 235 |
| February | 15 | 6 | 17 | 155 |
| March | 18 | 8 | 17 | 85 |
| April | 22 | 11 | 18 | 45 |
| May | 26 | 15 | 21 | 25 |
| June | 31 | 20 | 25 | 10 |
| July | 34 | 23 | 28 | 3 |
| August | 34 | 24 | 29 | 3 |
| September | 31 | 20 | 27 | 15 |
| October | 27 | 16 | 25 | 65 |
| November | 20 | 10 | 21 | 150 |
| December | 16 | 7 | 19 | 270 |
Nearby Beaches
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Olympos Beach — approximately 4 km on foot along the coast or 15 km by road, 20 minutes by car
A pebble beach accessed through the ancient Olympos ruins, with a backpacker atmosphere and treehouse accommodation along the approach.
-
Adrasan Beach — approximately 25 km, 30 minutes by car
A quieter, crescent-shaped sand-and-pebble beach in a less developed bay — a good alternative for visitors seeking even more seclusion than Çıralı.
-
Phaselis Beach (Tekirova) — approximately 20 km, 25 minutes by car
Three small bays at the foot of the ancient Lycian city of Phaselis, backed by pine forest — history and swimming in one stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Çıralı Beach free to enter? +
Yes — Çıralı Beach is completely free to access. There is no entrance fee. Sunbed rental and parking are charged separately, and restaurants line the back of the beach for food and drinks.
Is Çıralı Beach suitable for children? +
Çıralı Beach is moderately suitable for children. The water is calm with a gradual, shallow entry — good for paddling and supervised swimming. However, the pebble surface is uncomfortable on bare feet, so water shoes are essential for younger visitors.
Are there restaurants at Çıralı Beach? +
Several restaurants line the beachfront and village. Karakuş Restaurant serves fresh fish with tables on the pebbles near the water. Orange Restaurant (Portakal) is set in an orange grove with Ottoman-style dishes. Çıralı Köy Sofrası offers village-style home cooking and gözleme.
How do I get to Çıralı Beach by public transport? +
There is no direct dolmuş from Antalya to Çıralı. In summer, a local dolmuş runs from Çıralı village to the D400 junction, where corridor dolmuş services pass between Antalya, Kemer and Kumluca. A rental car is strongly recommended.
What is the best time to visit Çıralı Beach? +
May–June and September–October offer the best balance — warm swimming temperatures, lower prices, fewer crowds and wildflowers in spring. September and October bring turtle hatchling season. July–August is hottest with peak crowds.
Is there parking at Çıralı Beach? +
Yes — parking is available near the beach and in the village. Expect to pay approximately 50–100 TL per day as of 2024. Prices change annually — check on arrival.
Can you see the Chimaera flames from Çıralı Beach? +
The Yanartaş (Chimaera) flames are approximately 3 km from the village — a 30–45 minute uphill hike. They are not visible from the beach itself. Visit at dusk when the flames are most impressive against the darkening sky. Entry is approximately 60–100 TL.
Do I need water shoes at Çıralı Beach? +
Strongly recommended. Çıralı Beach is primarily pebble — walking barefoot is uncomfortable, especially near the waterline. Buy water shoes in Antalya or Kemer before arriving, as selection in the village is very limited.
Can you see turtles at Çıralı Beach? +
Çıralı Beach is a protected Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle) nesting site. Turtle nesting occurs from May through August, with hatchlings emerging from July through October. September and October offer the best chance of witnessing hatchlings making their way to the sea.
Is there an ATM in Çıralı village? +
No — there are no ATMs in Çıralı village. The nearest ATMs are on the D400 highway or in Kemer town centre, approximately 40 km away. Bring sufficient cash or check whether your accommodation and chosen restaurants accept card payments.