Yanartaş is a natural fire area located near Çıralı village in Kemer district of Antalya, within Olympos Beydağları National Park, known for its flames that have been burning for thousands of years due to the ignition of underground natural gas.
Yanartaş is a natural fire area located on the northeastern slope of Çataldağ, approximately 300 meters above sea level. Natural gas from underground sources emerges through cracks in the rock surface and burns; these flames, rising simultaneously from dozens of different points, offer an extremely striking view in the dark of night. In ancient times, sailors passing along the Lycian coast used this fire as a lighthouse.
In mythology, this place is associated with the monster Chimaera, which had a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. According to legend, Bellerophon defeated this monster on the back of Pegasus, throwing it to the ground; Chimaera's breath has continued to emerge as flames from the rock surface ever since. Yanartaş, along with Olympos Ancient City and Çıralı Beach, forms one of the three most visited spots in the region. All three can be easily visited in a single day.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Antalya, Natural Beauties, Antalya natural beauties, Lower Düden Waterfall.
Guide's Note
Yanartaş is a natural formation, one of the few places in the world, where natural methane gas emerging from rocks has been burning spontaneously for thousands of years. The vast majority of visitors find the atmosphere created by the fires in the dark, especially in the evening, and the view from the top, well worth seeing. The view you encounter after the climb largely compensates for the fatigue.
Practical information for your visit: After entering, you need to climb a steep and stony path for about 30-45 minutes. Be sure to bring enough water and sturdy sports shoes; if you are descending in the evening, also carry a headlamp or a powerful flashlight in your bag, as phone light may be insufficient. Bringing a small snack like marshmallows is also a common tradition among visitors.
However, we recommend paying attention to some important points raised by multiple visitors:
- Inconsistency in entrance fees: There are serious complaints that foreign visitors are charged much higher fees compared to Turkish citizens and that prices vary from person to person. Museum Card and student discounts are not applied.
- Toilet cleanliness: Multiple visitors state that the toilets are in extremely poor condition.
- Path safety: There are no arrangements or safety measures on the climbing path; it is reported that slipping occurs even with sports shoes due to slippery surfaces.
- Lack of lighting: There is no lighting in the area at night; you need to illuminate your return path entirely with your own means.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Yanartaş is after sunset. Although the flames can be seen in daylight, they appear faint and small; when darkness falls, dozens of fire points on the rock surface become much more dramatic. Especially during new moon periods, when ambient light is reduced, conditions are very favorable for photography.
In summer months (June–August), the area becomes crowded, and tour groups arrive in large numbers in the evenings. For a quieter visit, you can choose April–May or September–October. Visiting in winter is possible; however, the hiking trail may be wet and slippery.
How to Get There?
The most practical way to reach Yanartaş is by private car. From Antalya city center, drive to Kemer, then towards Çıralı for about a 90-minute drive to reach the picnic area parking lot. From the parking lot, it takes about 20–30 minutes to walk along the hiking trail through the forest to the fire area; the path is partly stony and inclined.
For those preferring public transport, there are regular minibus services from Antalya or Kemer to Çıralı. From Çıralı, you can take a taxi or walk to the picnic area. If you are coming from Olympos, you can also reach Yanartaş via the hiking trail that passes through the ancient city; this route is a bit longer.
Suggested Itinerary: Olympos, Çıralı, and Yanartaş in One Day
If you're spending a single day in the region, you can start early in the morning with Olympos Ancient City. Walk along the stream bed within the ancient city to reach the sea, then take a lunch break at Çıralı Beach. In the afternoon, head to the Yanartaş picnic area; if you start your hike close to sunset, you'll catch beautiful light in the forest and reach the fire area as darkness falls.
After spending an hour at Yanartaş, you can stay overnight in guesthouses or boutique hotels in Çıralı. Accommodation options in the region are quite extensive, and the village is known for its nighttime tranquility.
Photo Spots
Yanartaş is one of Turkey's most interesting spots for long-exposure photography. When darkness falls, shots taken with the flames on the rock surface in the foreground, combined with the starry sky, yield truly impressive results. A stable tripod and a wide-angle lens will significantly ease your work.
Climbing to the upper section where the flames appear most intense requires some effort; however, from here, the composition of the forest and sky in the background is much stronger. For those who want to take daytime photos, early morning hours, before tour groups arrive, are both the calmest and when the light is softest.
What to Eat, Where to Eat?
There are almost no dining options right next to Yanartaş; a small buffet might be found at the entrance to the picnic area. Your main dining stop should be Çıralı village. The village has small restaurants and guesthouses serving fresh seafood, gözleme (Turkish flatbread), and home-cooked meals.
Çıralı has a strong organic farming tradition. In the village, known for its lemon groves, freshly squeezed lemonade and local breakfasts are a must-try. If you cross over to Olympos, there are also open buffet dining options for guests staying in the treehouses there.
Things to Consider
The hiking trail to Yanartaş is stony and steep in some sections. It can be difficult to climb with sandals or flat-soled shoes; opt for comfortable hiking shoes. Since the weather can get cool during evening visits, it's advisable to bring a light top layer.
It is important not to get too close to the flames; the fire is real and hot. Families with children should be careful in this regard. For night visits, carry a flashlight or phone light to illuminate the path; lighting on the trail can be limited. As Yanartaş is located within Olympos Beydağları National Park, behaviors that harm nature should be avoided.
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