In our Çıralı Travel Guide and Places to Visit in Çıralı article we answer all your questions such as where Çıralı is, how to get there, what to eat and where to stay.
Çıralı is a Mediterranean holiday paradise shaded by citrus groves and dotted with gorgeous bungalow‑style hotels.
In this unique geography where pine‑clad mountains embrace the coast, you can take long walks on endless beaches accompanied by the scent of bananas and mandarins. While listening to the sounds of nature, you can lose yourself in a sea of greenery.
This special village in Antalya’s Kemer district stands out with quality hotels set in nature and excellent restaurants. Runaways from Istanbul’s busy rhythm come here to relax to the melody of cicadas. It welcomes both those seeking luxury hotels and those who love camping.
For detailed information about Olimpos and everything related to it, see our Olympos Travel Guide or for beach and sea details What Is the Olympos Sea Like? article.
About Çıralı
The area boasts a unique beach where Caretta caretta turtles nest. The scent of blossoms from the orange orchards right behind the shore energises you. Bougainvillea‑clad bungalows hide among citrus trees. With its silence and peace, Çıralı offers one of the finest examples of living in harmony with nature. Both ends of Çıralı Beach are protected within Olympos Beydağları Coastal National Park.
The village centre is compact, consisting of just a few streets with cafés, markets and shops selling beach gear. From anywhere in Çıralı you can easily walk to the centre— and likewise to the beach.
This special region is adorned with cedar forests, highland pastures, the eternal flames of Yanartaş, the Ulupınar stream and canyon. It is preserved as a 1st‑ and 2nd‑degree archaeological and natural site, shielding it from hasty, unplanned tourism. Çıralı and its surroundings offer nature‑lovers several hiking routes.
With short walks on these routes you can reach wonderful viewpoints. Çıralı Beach is one of the most popular shores on Antalya’s west coast. Right next to Olympos, it also hosts Caretta caretta turtles. Along the beach you will find restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals. By day they operate as beach clubs, renting sunbeds and umbrellas.
North of Çıralı lie stone pine forests that host many endemic plant species. On walks toward Yanartaş you may encounter myrtle, heather and carob. The Karakulak bat, tree frogs and various butterfly species add colour to this ecosystem.
How to Get to Çıralı
Çıralı, part of Antalya, greets the deep‑blue Mediterranean. Once you land at Antalya Airport you may wonder how to reach Çıralı; here is a simple guide:
Transport to Çıralı:
- From the airport: Antalya Airport is about 95 km from Çıralı. Unfortunately there is no direct public transport from the airport to Çıralı.
- Antalya city centre: Use the tram, HAVAŞ shuttle or municipal buses to reach Antalya Bus Station.
- From Antalya Bus Station: Buses of the firm Batı Akdeniz depart every 30 minutes and can drop you at the Çıralı junction.
- From the junction to the beach: After you get off, take a dolmuş to the beach. Dolmuşes run every 30 minutes between 08:30 and 19:30.
- By private car: If driving, head from Antalya towards Kumluca‑Kaş. After passing Tekirova turn left at the Çıralı sign. From there a scenic, winding 7 km road through pine trees brings you to Çıralı.
When to Visit Çıralı
Antalya’s hot, humid summers enhance the holiday vibe for some but can be challenging for others. When planning a Çıralı trip it’s worth weighing the seasonal advantages.
Best Times to Go:
- July & August: The hottest months. If you enjoy heat and humidity, you’ll love this period. Sea temperature exceeds 20 °C—ideal for swimming.
- May, June, September, October & November: Milder months with balanced heat and humidity. Autumn offers a calmer atmosphere and often better accommodation prices.
- Winter: Çıralı’s winters are mild. Though the sea isn’t ideal for swimming, it’s perfect for enjoying nature or trekking. New Year’s Eve can be a peaceful escape with friends or a loved one.
Where to Stay in Çıralı
Çıralı attracts travellers with natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. You mentioned several options; here is an overview:
- Boutique Hotels: Typically unique in design and ideal for a quiet holiday immersed in nature.
- Olympos Lodge Hotel: Nicknamed “the garden of paradise,” perfect for those seeking both luxury and tranquillity.
- Villa Lukka: Ideal for guests wanting comfort while staying close to nature.
- Lukkies Lodge Çıralı & Baraka House: Popular choices in Çıralı.
- Pensions: Often family‑run two‑storey houses harmonising with nature—ideal for budget travellers. Book early for busy periods such as public holidays.
- Bungalows:
- Arlin Bungalow: Affordable, in nature and very close to Çıralı Beach— a huge plus.
- Camping: Because the beach is a nesting ground for Caretta carettas, pitching a tent on the sand is banned, but dedicated campgrounds are available.
If you decide to visit Çıralı, remember the sea turtles are protected. Together with its natural and historical assets, Çıralı promises an unforgettable holiday.
Places to Visit in Çıralı
Çıralı is one of Antalya’s stunning natural gems. The nearby Yanartaş (Chimaera) continuously burns as subterranean gases meet the air, its mystical flames visible even from the sea at 230 m above sea level. The area is steeped in legend.
Another treasure is the Lycian Way, a trekking route pioneered by Kate Clow in 1999, stretching from Fethiye to Antalya and tracing the footsteps of the ancient Lycian civilisation.
Nearby resorts such as Olympos and Adrasan open the door to some of the Mediterranean’s finest beaches—where Olympos’s crystal waters meet Çıralı’s golden sand.
Olympos, beloved by young travellers, offers huge pebbles and peace beneath ancient ruins, while Olympos Ancient City stands just behind the beach — a must for history buffs.
1. Çıralı Beach
Stretching 3.2 km from Olympos to Karaburun, Çıralı Beach mixes fine pebbles and sand. The water is usually calm and clear, even on choppy days. The north end is quieter; the Olympos end draws more visitors. Remember this is a protected nesting ground for Caretta carettas—respect the marked nests and avoid the beach at night (21:00‑sunrise) during nesting season.
2. Yanartaş
Yanartaş is a unique natural wonder where combustible gas seeping through tectonic cracks ignites perpetually. A half‑hour climb from Çıralı rewards you with myth‑laden flames, said to be the breath of the Chimera slain by Bellerophon. Visit at dusk for the most dramatic effect and bring a torch for the descent.
For details see our Yanartaş Travel Guide.
3. Ulupınar
Ulupınar, famous for trout restaurants by a cool, fast‑flowing stream beneath plane trees, is the perfect escape from Antalya’s summer heat. We recommend Tropik Restaurant. From here you can hike a signed section of the Lycian Way to Yanartaş.
4. Lycian Way
Turkey’s most famous long‑distance trail blends nature, history and coastal views. The Çıralı‑Tekirova section dazzles with bays like Maden, ancient ruins and turquoise sea. Pack water, snacks, sun protection and good shoes.
You may also like our Olympos Hiking Routes.
5. Çıralı Boat Tour
Boat trips are among Çıralı’s most popular activities, offering two main routes:
Route 1: Lovers’ Cave, Porto Ceneviz, Aquarium Bay, Sazak Bay and more—combining romance, history and pristine nature.
Route 2: Highlights the region’s history with Phaselis Ancient City, Cleopatra Bay and scenic Maden Bay.
Both routes let you swim, explore ruins and soak up nature in a single day.
6. Porto Ceneviz Bay
Accessible only by sea, this tranquil bay once sheltered Genoese pirates. Its turquoise water, underwater relics and resident monk seals make it a dream for nature‑lovers.
See details in our Porto Ceneviz Bay Guide.
7. Sazak Bay
Neighbouring Porto Ceneviz, Sazak Bay—nicknamed “Honeymoon Bay”—offers crystal waters and pine‑backed serenity. Road access is difficult, so most visitors arrive by boat from Adrasan or Çıralı.
More info in our Sazak Bay Guide.
8. Phaselis
Founded by Rhodians in the early 7th century BC, Phaselis thrived as a harbour city with three ports. Explore its agora, theatre, baths and aqueducts, then swim at its golden beach. Entrance: 90 TRY (free with Museum Pass). 16 km from Kemer and easy to reach from Çıralı.
9. Olympos
Known for history and natural beauty, Olympos attracts backpackers and history lovers alike. Wander the ancient city’s ruins—bridges, docks, theatre—and swim by the fortress‑topped cliffs. Bring plenty of water and sun‑cream in summer and don’t forget your Museum Pass.
See our Olympos Travel Guide for full details.
10. Adrasan
Nestled beneath Musa Mountain, Adrasan charms with green forests, a shallow family‑friendly beach and relaxed vibe. It’s a hub for Lycian Way hikes and boat trips to Suluada, famed for freshwater springs and clear turquoise sea.
Dive deeper in our Adrasan Travel Guide.
