HeyAntalya

Yanartaş (Chimaera)

Nestled near Kemer in Antalya, just above the enchanting Çıralı beach, Yanartaş is a unique natural wonder, captivating visitors with its eternal flames that have burned for millennia. Known also as "Chimaera," this extraordinary site has inspired mythological tales and legends since antiquity. Strategically located on the Lycian Way, Yanartaş offers a mystical experience, especially at dusk and after sunset, when the flames pierce through the darkness, creating a truly mesmerising spectacle. To reach Yanartaş, you embark on a pleasant uphill hike of about 1 kilometre from Çıralı. This walk takes you through a natural setting surrounded by pine trees and maquis shrubland, offering an enjoyable experience for nature lovers in itself. Upon reaching the summit, you are greeted by dozens of flames, large and small, caused by methane gas seeping from beneath the earth and igniting. These flames are a geological phenomenon, burning continuously, never extinguishing. Yanartaş's perpetually burning fire is associated with the mythological creature Chimaera, a beast with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent, as described in Homer's Iliad. According to legend, a hero named Bellerophon, riding the winged horse Pegasus, slew the Chimaera here, and since then, the monster's fiery breath has continued to burn as these everlasting flames. When visiting Yanartaş, we highly recommend bringing a torch or a portable light source, as the descent can be quite dark in the evening. You might also consider bringing some small snacks and drinks to enjoy while sitting among the flames, soaking in the unique atmosphere. The area around Yanartaş is also a wonderful spot for a picnic or stargazing, making it an unforgettable stop for families and couples seeking romantic moments. To further enrich your Yanartaş experience, you can explore other beauties of the region with tours such as our [Antalya City Tour](/en/tours/antalya-city-tour). Don't forget to visit our [Kemer region page](/en/regions/kemer) for a journey through Kemer's natural and historical treasures. Combining millennia-old legends with the unique power of nature, Yanartaş is set to be one of the most striking highlights of your Antalya visit.

History

The history of Yanartaş stretches back into the depths of the ancient Lycian Civilisation, interwoven with mythological legends. It was believed that the monstrous Chimaera, a fire-breathing creature mentioned in Homer's Iliad, dwelled here. According to legend, Lycian King Iobates assigned Bellerophon the task of slaying the Chimaera. With the aid of Pegasus, Bellerophon defeated the monster in the area of Yanartaş, and the creature's fiery breath has continued to emerge from underground as eternal flames ever since. In ancient times, these flames also served as a natural lighthouse, guiding mariners. Yanartaş also hosted an important religious centre for the ancient city of Olympos, which thrived from the 4th century BC to the 2nd century AD. Remains of a Temple of Hephaestus have been found in the flaming area, indicating that this was a sacred site dedicated to the god of fire, Hephaestus. These flames, burning continuously for thousands of years, have become an integral part of the region's cultural and natural heritage.

Visiting information

The ideal time to visit Yanartaş is at sunset and afterwards, when the flames are more prominent and visually striking in the dark. It can also be visited during the day, but the flames appear dimmer. The entrance fee is approximately 2-3 EUR and may only accept cash. Yanartaş is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. How to Get There: Yanartaş is reached via a roughly 1 km uphill trail from Çıralı, which requires some climbing. If you arrive in Çıralı by private car, you can park and begin the walk. By public transport from Kemer or Antalya, take a minibus to Çıralı and then walk to Yanartaş, or take a taxi. Organised tours offer a convenient option, especially for night visits. What to Bring: A torch or mobile phone light to illuminate the path in the evening, comfortable walking shoes, water, and optional small snacks. A light cardigan can be useful even in summer, as it may get cool. Accessibility: Due to the path being steep and uneven in places, full access for wheelchairs or prams is not possible.