High on a rocky mountainside above the Lycian coast, dozens of flames flicker from cracks in the earth — flames that have been burning continuously for at least 2,500 years. This is Yanartaş, known to the ancient world as Mount Chimaera, and it’s one of the most extraordinary natural wonders accessible from Antalya.
What Is Yanartaş (Chimera Flames)?
Yanartaş — Turkish for “flaming stone” — is a geological phenomenon near the village of Çıralı, approximately 80 km southwest of Antalya. Natural gases (primarily methane) seep up through fissures in the ancient igneous rock and spontaneously ignite on contact with air, creating dozens of small, permanent flames scattered across the hillside.
These flames have been burning for at least 2,500 years, making Yanartaş one of the longest-burning natural gas vents in the world. In ancient times, the flames were bright enough for sailors at sea to navigate by. Today, visitors hike up to them at dusk or after dark and toast marshmallows, brew tea, or simply sit in silence watching the fire flicker against the night sky.
The site is located within Beydağları Coastal National Park and is protected as both a natural and archaeological site.
The Myth of the Chimera
The flames inspired one of Greek mythology’s most enduring monsters. The Chimera was a fire-breathing beast — part lion, part goat, part serpent — that terrorised the ancient kingdom of Lycia. The Lycian king sent a young hero named Bellerophontes, riding the winged horse Pegasus, to destroy it. Bellerophontes plunged his spear into the Chimera, driving it deep into the mountain — but the creature’s fiery breath still escapes through the cracks in the rock to this day.
Some historians believe that Yanartaş is also the site where the ancient Olympic flame was first lit, making it the birthplace of one of the world’s most enduring symbols.
Directly below the flames sit the ruins of a Temple of Hephaistos — the Greek god of fire — and a small 5th-century Byzantine church. The combination of eternal fire, ancient temple, and mythological legend makes Yanartaş unlike anywhere else in Turkey.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
At night — without question. In daylight, the flames are visible but modest. After dark, they dance and flicker against the black rocks in a way that feels genuinely magical and ancient. Most visitors plan to arrive around sunset and stay for an hour or two as darkness falls.
The flames are also more vigorous in winter — cold months increase the gas pressure and the flames burn higher. But the site is accessible and worth visiting year-round.
How to Get to Yanartaş from Antalya
By car (recommended): From Antalya, take the D400 coastal highway southwest toward Kemer and then Çıralı. At the Çıralı junction, follow the signs to Çıralı village. From the village, continue to the Yanartaş car park — the site is well signed. Total drive: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from Antalya city centre.
By organised tour: The most convenient option from Antalya. Evening Chimera tours typically combine Yanartaş with the nearby ancient city of Olympos or Phaselis and include hotel pickup and drop-off. Given the after-dark visit involved, a tour is strongly recommended if you don’t have a rental car.
By public transport (difficult): Take a bus from Antalya Otogar toward Kemer or Kumluca and ask to be dropped at the Çıralı junction. From there, take a minibus or taxi to Çıralı village and then walk or take a local taxi to the trailhead. Manageable but time-consuming — not ideal for an evening visit.
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The Hike to the Flames
From the car park at the foot of the mountain, the trail to the flames is approximately 800 metres to 1 km of stepped, rocky path through pine forest. The ascent takes 20–30 minutes at a steady pace and is considered moderate — not difficult, but not flat either. Sturdy footwear is essential; the path is uneven and slippery when wet.
At the top, you’ll find approximately 20 flame vents scattered across the rocky hillside. The ruins of the Temple of Hephaistos and the Byzantine church are here too. Allow 1.5–2 hours total including the hike up and down.
There is a small kiosk at the entrance where drinks are available, but nothing is sold on the mountain itself. Bring water and any snacks.
Practical Tips for Visiting Yanartaş
- Visit at dusk or after dark — the flames are most spectacular at night
- Bring a torch or headlamp — essential for the hike back down in the dark
- Wear proper shoes — the rocky path requires grip; flip flops are not suitable
- Bring water — nothing is sold at the summit
- Bring marshmallows — a Turkish tradition at Yanartaş; visitors toast them over the eternal flames
- Entrance fee: A small fee in Turkish Lira is payable at the kiosk at the foot of the mountain (Museum Pass is not valid here)
- Opening hours: The site is officially open 09:00–21:00, though some sources report 24-hour access
- Weather: The path can be slippery when wet — avoid rainy days
- The site is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers due to the rocky terrain
What Else Is Near Yanartaş?
Yanartaş sits in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled stretches of the Turkish coast, and the surrounding area has excellent additions to make a full day or overnight trip:
Çıralı Beach — a long, peaceful pebble beach backed by orange groves, with small pensions and guesthouses. One of the most tranquil beaches on the entire Turkish Riviera.
Ancient City of Olympos — just a few kilometres from Yanartaş, Olympos is an ancient Lycian city partly swallowed by dense vegetation, with ruins emerging from between the trees right behind the beach. A magical, atmospheric site.
Phaselis Ancient City — a beautifully situated Lycian-Roman city set among pine forests with three separate bays. One of the most scenic ancient sites in Turkey. About 30 km from Yanartaş.
Kemer — the nearest resort town, 30–35 km from Çıralı, with hotels, restaurants, and marina.
Is Yanartaş Worth the Trip from Antalya?
Yes — particularly for an evening visit. The 1.5-hour drive from Antalya is significant, but Yanartaş combined with Olympos or Çıralı Beach makes for an outstanding full-day excursion. There is genuinely nothing else like it in the region — eternal flames burning from a mountainside above an ancient temple, in the same spot where Greek mythology placed a fire-breathing monster. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after you leave Turkey.
FAQ
What are the Chimera Flames in Antalya? The Chimera Flames (Yanartaş) are natural gas vents on a mountainside near Çıralı, approximately 80 km from Antalya, where methane seeping through rock fissures spontaneously ignites, creating dozens of permanent flames that have burned for at least 2,500 years.
How far is Yanartaş from Antalya? Approximately 80 km southwest of Antalya city centre — about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
What is the best time to visit Yanartaş? After dark — the flames are most spectacular at night. Plan to arrive around sunset and allow your eyes to adjust as darkness falls.
How long is the hike to the Chimera Flames? The trail from the car park to the flames is approximately 800 metres to 1 km, taking 20–30 minutes each way. Total visit time is 1.5–2 hours.
Is Yanartaş suitable for children? Yes, with care — the hike is manageable for children who can walk independently. Bring a torch for the return journey after dark.
Can I toast marshmallows at Yanartaş? Yes — this is a popular Turkish tradition at the site. Bring marshmallows or sausages on sticks.
Is the Museum Pass valid at Yanartaş? No — the Museum Pass is not accepted at Yanartaş. A separate entrance fee in Turkish Lira is payable at the kiosk.
What is the mythology behind the Chimera Flames? According to Greek mythology, the flames are the remnants of the Chimera — a fire-breathing monster (part lion, part goat, part serpent) that was slain by the hero Bellerophontes riding Pegasus. The creature was buried in the mountain but its fiery breath still escapes through the rocks.
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