Chimaera (Yanartaş) — Guide to the Eternal Flames
Flames that have never gone out since antiquity — natural gas seeping from cracks on the mountainside ignites by itself.
Chimaera (Yanartaş): entrance fee National park entry about €5–9 (Museum Pass valid), opening hours Gate 08:00–23:00 in summer; closes earlier in winter. Suggested time: 2 hours including the walk. Best time to visit: After sunset — the flames are far more striking in the dark.
Yanartaş is a cluster of dozens of small flames on the slope of Mount Olympos above the village of Çıralı, where methane seeping through cracks in the rock ignites spontaneously. The myth of the Chimaera, the fire-breathing monster of Homer's Iliad, is traced back to these flames, and ancient sailors used them as a natural lighthouse.
A one-kilometre stone path with irregular steps climbs from the car park to the flames and takes 20–30 minutes at a normal pace. The fires look pale in daylight, so the classic visit is after sunset, when the orange flames flicker across the dark hillside and the whole slope comes alive.
Chimaera (Yanartaş) entrance fee and opening hours (2026)
| Entrance fee | National park entry about €5–9 (Museum Pass valid) |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Gate 08:00–23:00 in summer; closes earlier in winter |
| Suggested time | 2 hours including the walk |
| Best time to visit | After sunset — the flames are far more striking in the dark |
Prices are approximate for the 2026 season; check current rates at the ticket office.
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How do I get to Chimaera (Yanartaş)?
It is about 85 km from central Antalya and 45 km from Kemer. Leave the D400 at the Ulupınar junction, drop down to Çıralı and follow the road 7 km to the car park at the north end of the village. From Side and Manavgat allow around 2.5 hours. Without a car, take a Kumluca minibus from Antalya bus station, get off at the Çıralı turn-off and continue with the village shuttle.
Distances and driving times to Chimaera (Yanartaş)
| From Antalya Airport (AYT) | 97 km · about 1 h 33 min by car |
|---|---|
| From Side | 156 km · about 2 h 16 min by car |
| From Manavgat | 156 km · about 2 h 13 min by car |
| From Alanya | 216 km · about 2 h 57 min by car |
Road distances and driving times calculated on the OpenStreetMap road network (OSRM), without traffic or stops. Compare all attractions →
Tips for visiting Chimaera (Yanartaş)
- You will walk back in the dark, so bring a torch or use your phone light.
- The path is made of uneven stone steps — shoes with grip are essential.
- Brewing tea or roasting chestnuts over the flames is a local tradition; a small pot and cups are all you need.
Where is Chimaera (Yanartaş)?
Chimaera (Yanartaş) — frequently asked questions
Do the flames at Yanartaş really never go out?
A reaction in the serpentinite rock underground produces methane continuously, so the flames have burned for thousands of years. Individual jets can blow out in strong wind but relight within minutes.
Is the walk hard, can I bring children?
The one-kilometre path climbs steadily over stone steps and takes 20–30 minutes with average fitness. Children over about six manage it easily; a pushchair is not an option.
How late can you go up in the evening?
In summer the gate usually stays open until 23:00, and the busiest window is the two hours after sunset. Closing is earlier in winter, so confirm before setting off.
How far is Chimaera (Yanartaş) from Side?
Chimaera (Yanartaş) is 156 km from Side by road — about 2 h 16 min by car without stops.
How far is Chimaera (Yanartaş) from Antalya Airport?
Chimaera (Yanartaş) is 97 km from Antalya Airport (AYT) by road — about 1 h 33 min by car without stops.
