Mount Chimaera Archaeological Site

Address: Yanartaş (Chimera), near Çıralı, Kemer, Antalya Province, Turkey

Mount Chimaera, commonly known by the local name Yanartaş, is a rocky outcrop on the Lycian coast in Antalya Province, Turkey, notable for natural gas seeps that sustain small, persistent surface flames. The phenomenon has been recorded since antiquity and is associated with the Chimera legend in classical sources.

The main attraction is the flame field where methane-rich gas emerges through fissures and burns at the rock surface, producing multiple small flames rather than a single large fire. A short uphill walk from the parking area or from the nearby village of Çıralı leads to the viewing points.

The site has been mentioned in ancient writings and associated with local mythology for many centuries. In modern times it is a minor tourist attraction visited for the unusual geological and cultural interest it represents.

Mount Chimaera sits on the rocky coastal slopes above Çıralı and the ancient ruins of Olympos on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, within Antalya Province. The area is part of the Lycian coastal landscape and accessible by road from nearby coastal towns.

• Best time to visit: Best experienced at dusk or after dark when the small surface flames are most visible against the surrounding rock and sky.
• Nearby sites: The site is on the Lycian coast near the village of Çıralı and the ruins of Olympos, making it easy to combine with visits to those nearby attractions.

What to See#

• Flame field (Yanartaş): A field of natural gas seeps produces dozens of small, persistent surface flames that burn intermittently from fissures in the rock; these are commonly referred to by the Turkish name Yanartaş.
• Trail and viewpoint: A short trail and lookout provide access from the nearby parking area and the coastal village of Çıralı; the site is located on the Lycian coast near the ancient site of Olympos.

Yanartaş is reached from the village of Çıralı (approx. 90 km southwest of Antalya). From Çıralı, a signposted trail of about 1.5-2 km climbs to the flames; the walk takes 30-60 minutes depending on pace. Public buses run to Kemer or Olympos, from which local minibuses (dolmuş) serve Çıralı.

• Visit at dusk to see the methane-fed flames more dramatically-bring a headlamp for the walk back down.
• Wear sturdy shoes: the trail to Yanartaş is rocky and can be steep in places.
• Combine the visit with a trip to nearby Olympos and Cirali; the same stretch of coast is rich in Lycian ruins and seaside villages that complement the flame site.