Travel Guide to Olympos, Turkey: How to Go & Things to Do

Olympos is an ancient Lycian city in the Antalya region and gets its name from the 2375-meter-high Tahtali Mountain next to it. It is an ancient city built on both sides of the Akçay Stream and its establishment coincided with the Hellenistic period.

Olympos, which has become a very popular holiday center in recent years, is one of the most peaceful and popular beaches in the Kemer region of Antalya. It is mostly preferred by those who want a quiet and peaceful holiday in a natural environment. Let’s see how to go and all the best things you can do there.

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How to go to Olympos in Turkey?

1. By Plane

To reach Olympos by plane, you need to land to  the Antalya Airport and then, go to the Antalya Bus Station with the Havaş shuttles available on Antalya Airport.

There are continuous services from Antalya bus station to Kumluca. The distance between Antalya and Kumluca is approximately 95 km. There are always minibusses from Kumluca to Olympos and other nearby places. The distance between Kumluca and Olympos is 15 km.

2. By Bus

You can utilize any bus or minibus traveling from Antalya Bus Station to Kumluca – Fethiye to get to Olympos.

With the local business Boat Antalya or the national bus companies, which leaves every 30 minutes during summer, you can get out at the Olimpos or “ral” crossroads and go to the beach with the minibuses by waiting there.

3. Map & Location

Olympos is an ancient city located in a valley on the southern coast of Turkey, 90 km southwest of Antalya, near the village of Çıralı.

It is part of the Olympos Beydaglari National Park, along with the sites of the ancient cities Phaselis and Idyros. The perpetual gas fires at Yanartaş are found a few kilometers to the northwest of the site.

Olympos was founded by the Lycians, an ancient people who inhabited southwestern Turkey. The city was a major trading port and a popular destination for pirates. It was eventually destroyed by an earthquake in the 7th century AD.

Today, Olympos is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city, go hiking in the national park, or visit the Yanartaş gas fires.

What to See And Do in Olympos in Turkey?

Let’s see in details the top-rated activities preferred by tourists who come to visit Olympos in Turkey.

1. Boat Cruise in Olympos

Olympos draws attention as a location that puts on events that people will be enthusiastic about since it comes to the forefront of social activities.

One of the most unique activities in this area is the Olympos boat excursion. Everyone taking part in the event must behave in a planned way. Typically, tours begin at 10 am and last at 6 pm.

During this time, a huge and thrilling possibility for an adventure arises. Your itinerary includes Sazak Bay, Genoese Harbour, Oban Harbour, the Aquarium, the Caves, and their very breathtaking vista. Beldibi Bay in the picture above.

2. Diving in Olympos

Vacationing in Olympos is quite simple, especially if you want to take advantage of all the activities. One of these activities is scuba diving.

The Olympos region is a fantastic place to go scuba diving because of the pure water and spotless sea floor. A genuinely great activity will be diving alongside Karetta turtles and having an amazing experience.

3. Yanartas and the ancient city ruins of Olympos

The Beydalar National Park’s boundaries include the ancient city of Olympos, whose history stretches back about 2200 years. The ancient city’s polygonal city walls, North Necropolis, Necropolis Church, North Necropolis Street, Alkestis Sarcophagus, Roman-era temple, renowned Olympos Theatre, and Harbour Mauseoleums are just a few of the must-see attractions.

One of Olympos’ icons, Yanartaş, also known as the Chimaera, is a well-known natural wonder. Greek mythology also mentions Yanartaş, a fire that has been burning for generations and is referred to as “eternal fire” since it is thought to never go out.

4. Beaches in the Olympos

In Olympos, one of the locations with the most well-known beaches and bays in the Mediterranean, you may take a blue cruise and swim in the crystal-clear water. Furthermore, Olympos offers a variety of options if your goal is to encounter the Mediterranean Sea.

Ancient civilizations’ ruins can be found in Olympos Beach. There are no businesses nearby and the beach has the designation of a National Park. One of the secrets to the most memorable parts of the Olympos vacation is the walk through the Ancient City of Olympos to get to the beach.

5. Mount Tahtali in Olympos

The closest and most popular mount to Olympos is the Mount Tahtali. Mount Tahtali is located in the Beydağları National Park near Kemer and Olympos. 

Here are the 3 things to do on the Mount Tahtali, with details :

  • The cable car ride takes about 10 minutes and offers stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding area. The top of the mountain is at an altitude of 2,365 meters (7,757 feet).
  • The hiking trails in the national park range from easy to challenging. Some of the most popular trails include the Olympos Teleferik Trail, the Tahtali Dağı Nature Trail, and the Beydaglari National Park Trail.
  • Paragliding and ziplining are both adrenaline-pumping activities that offer stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding area. Paragliding flights typically last about 20 minutes, while ziplining rides can last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour.