High on a mountainside above Çıralı, flames rise silently straight out of the bare rock, and they have been burning for at least 2,500 years. Nobody lights them and nobody feeds them. This is Yanartaş, “flaming stone” in Turkish, known in antiquity as the Chimaera. Ancient sailors used the fires to navigate, mythology blamed a buried monster, and science points to methane seeping through the rock. However you explain it, standing beside the flames on a dark night is unforgettable. Here is how to do it properly.
🔵 THE MYTH OF THE CHIMAERA
In Greek myth the Chimaera was a fire-breathing monster with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail. The hero Bellerophon, riding the winged horse Pegasus, attacked from above and drove the beast into the earth, where its breath is said to still burn through the rock. Below the flames you can also see the ruins of a temple linked to Hephaistos, the god of fire, and a small Byzantine-era church near the entrance.
🔵 WHY YOU SHOULD GO AT NIGHT
This is the single most important tip: visit after dark. In daylight the flames look pale and underwhelming. After sunset, dozens of points of fire scattered across the black hillside create a genuinely magical scene, with the Mediterranean glittering far below. Many visitors bring marshmallows or sausages to toast over the natural vents, which has become part of the experience. Bring a torch or headlamp for the walk.
| Practical info | Yanartaş (Chimaera) |
|---|---|
| Entrance fee | A national-park fee applies (around 190 TL in 2025, roughly €5). A Müzekart is NOT valid here, as the site is inside Beydağları National Park |
| Opening hours | Open year-round, including at night (best after sunset) |
| The walk | About 1 km uphill on a rocky, partly slippery path, roughly 20–40 minutes each way |
| Time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours including the return walk |
Fees change often and the gate may take cash only, so carry some Turkish Lira.
🔵 HOW TO GET THERE
Yanartaş sits above Çıralı, about 80 to 82 kilometres from Antalya (around 1.5 hours by car) and roughly 50 minutes from Kemer. Drive the D400 toward Kumluca, turn at the Çıralı junction, and follow signs through the village to the trailhead car park. If you are staying in Çıralı, it is a short drive or a longer walk. Public transport is limited in the evenings, so plan your return in advance, especially after a night visit.
🔵 WHAT TO BRING AND SAFETY
Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes; the path is rocky and uneven. Bring a torch or headlamp, water, and a light jacket for the evening. There are no facilities at the flames themselves, so buy snacks in Çıralı first. Most importantly, do not light fires anywhere on the site, and never approach a vent that is releasing gas without a visible flame. Keep small children close near the fire zone.
🔵 COMBINE IT WITH
Yanartaş pairs perfectly with the other highlights of the area for a full day: the ruins of Olympos, a swim at Çıralı beach, and a stretch of the Lycian Way, which passes right through. Save the flames for last so you arrive as the light fades.
🔵 FAQ INTRO
Quick answers about visiting the eternal flames.
What are the Yanartaş flames?
They are natural flames fuelled by methane gas seeping through cracks in the rock, burning continuously for thousands of years. In myth they were the breath of the Chimaera monster.
Is it better to visit Yanartaş at night?
Yes, definitely. The flames look modest in daylight but become a dramatic, glowing spectacle after dark. Bring a torch for the rocky walk up and down.
Does a Müzekart work at Yanartaş?
No. Because Yanartaş lies inside Beydağları National Park, the standard Museum Pass does not cover it. A separate national-park entry fee is charged at the gate, often cash only.
Is the Yanartaş hike difficult?
It is a moderate uphill walk of about 1 km on a rocky path, taking 20 to 40 minutes. It is manageable for most people with good shoes, but tricky for those with mobility issues, especially after dark.