Things to do in Olympos

Besides relaxing in our green garden in the shade of our magnificent pine, here are our suggestions for exploring the history and natural beauty around us:

History & Sea

Olympos Ancient City & Beach

Olympos takes its name from Mount Tahtalı (known in antiquity as Mount Olympos), 16 kilometres to the north and one of the western extensions of the Taurus Mountains. One of the important cities of the Lycian League, its ruins stretch along both banks of the stream that flows into the sea, among pine and bay trees.

Reached on foot through the ancient city, Olympos beach with its pebbly shore and crystal-clear water is one of the most special coves in the region. The beach is protected as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).

Tips

• Visit the ancient city in the cooler hours, early in the morning or close to sunset.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes and water.

10 km

Adrasan Bay

About 10 km from our property, Adrasan lies on the ancient maritime trade route and is one of the sheltered natural harbours in the densely settled part of Lycia.

With its calm sea, long beach and pine-covered surroundings, the bay is ideal for swimming and for starting a boat trip. Day boats to the surrounding coves, including Suluada, depart from Adrasan.

Tips

• Ask our reception for information and help with booking day boat trips.

Hiking

Trekking the Lycian Way

The Lycian Way, stretching from Fethiye to Antalya and considered one of the world's finest long-distance walking routes, passes right by Olympos.

While staying in Olympos you can enjoy moderate day hikes on different sections: over Musa Mountain to Adrasan, from Çıralı to Yanartaş, or around the foothills of Mount Tahtalı. Seeing the Yanartaş (Chimaera) flames, which have been burning from natural gas seeping out of the ground for thousands of years, is a special experience in the evening.

Tips

• In summer, start your hike early in the morning.
• The trails are waymarked in red and white.

Views

Cable Car to Mount Tahtalı

The Olympos Cable Car takes you from sea level to the summit of Mount Tahtalı in minutes, one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Mediterranean coast. From the top you can see the Gulf of Antalya, the Taurus Mountains and the coastline below.

The western route of the Lycian Way passes through the gorge on the western side of the mountain, winding among ancient cedar and juniper trees.

Tips

• It is much cooler at the summit than at sea level; take an extra layer.

Coves

Boat Tours

The coves around Olympos and Adrasan are waiting to be explored by boat. Suluada, famous for its white sand and turquoise water, Üç Adalar (Three Islands), popular for diving and snorkelling, and Phaselis, the ancient city with three harbours, are the most popular routes in the area.

Day trips stop for swims in several coves and return to harbour at sunset.

Tips

• Bring sunscreen, a hat and a towel.

Sunset

Gelidonya Lighthouse

Located near Karaöz, between Adrasan and Kumluca, Gelidonya Lighthouse sits on one of Turkey's most beautiful walking routes. From the lighthouse at the tip of the cape you can see the Gelidonya (Five Islands) islets offshore.

The Lycian Way section from Karaöz to the lighthouse offers unforgettable views where green meets blue, especially at sunset.

Tips

• To watch the sunset, set off early enough that you are not walking back in the dark.