What exactly is Chimera and why does it burn?

Chimera (Yanartas) is a hillside above Cirali village where natural underground gas sources fuel eternally burning flames. The name references the mythological fire-spewing monster. The flames burn year-round due to continuous gas emission from the earth.

Is swimming mandatory, and what is Cirali beach like?

Swimming is a scheduled stop but not mandatory. Cirali beach is one of the region's most beautiful, stretching 3 kilometers along the Mediterranean with clear, calm water ideal for swimming.

How difficult is the hike to Chimera?

The hike involves walking up a stony path of moderate difficulty. Sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes are strongly recommended. The path is manageable for most fitness levels, but take your time and use the guide's pace.

What is included in the dinner at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant?

Dinner includes a choice of fish or chicken, a starter plate, salad, and seasonal fruit. The restaurant is set near a waterfall, adding to the ambiance.

What time does the tour end and how is return transport arranged?

The tour departs Chimera at 10:00 PM and returns to your Kemer hotel around 11:00 PM. Hotel pickup and return transport are included from all Kemer resorts.

What should I bring on this tour?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a waterproof bag for valuables, and sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes. A light jacket may be useful for the evening. Sunscreen is recommended for the beach portion.

Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar 1

Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar 2

Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar 3

Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar 4

Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar 5

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Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar

Kemer, Turkey

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About this activity

Experience two of Turkey's most captivating natural wonders in a single evening: swim in the crystalline waters of Cirali beach, then hike to the eternally burning flames of Chimera mountain. This 7-hour adventure combines coastal beauty, geological marvel, and authentic Turkish hospitality with a waterfall-side dinner included.

Start with pickup from all hotels in the Kemer resort. Drive to the tour start point and meet your guide for the evening. Receive a full briefing about the tour program.

Travel by jeep through Kuzdere, Camyuva, and Tekirova until you arrive at Cirali beach. Enjoy a swimming stop here along a 3 kilometer long beach, one of the most beautiful in the region. A short drive from there will take you to the fire mountain Yanartas, located above the Cirali village near Olympos. This hill is also known as Chimera due to the myth about a fire-spewing monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a snake.

You are recommended to wear comfortable shoes as you will walk up a stony path. Upon reaching Chimera you will have enough time to enjoy this fascinating natural phenomenon. The reason for these flames is a natural underground gas source, leading to an everlasting flame. The flames burn all year round and are especially attractive to visit in the dark.

After some time at Chimera hill make your way to the Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant for a dinner (fish or chicken, starter plate, salad and seasonal fruits). At 10:00 PM, start your journey back to Kemer. Approximate arrival time is 11:00 PM.

Highlights

✓Swim at Cirali beach, a pristine 3km stretch along the Mediterranean coast
✓Witness the natural eternal flames of Chimera (Yanartas) glowing against the night sky
✓Hike a rocky mountain path to explore the geological wonder up close
✓Dinner at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant with fish or chicken, starter, salad, and seasonal fruit
✓Hotel pickup and return transport from all Kemer resorts included
✓Small-group jeep journey through scenic coastal villages

Insider tips

★Visit Chimera after dark to see the flames at their most dramatic and photogenic—the guide times the hike accordingly
★Bring a waterproof bag or dry bag for your phone if swimming at Cirali; the beach is stunning but exposed
★Wear lightweight but sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip for the rocky ascent to Chimera
★Arrive at the restaurant early enough to enjoy the waterfall setting before dusk if you want good light photos

Good to know

•Comfortable walking shoes strongly recommended due to stony mountain paths; flip-flops not suitable
•Bring swimwear and a towel for Cirali beach stop
•Hotel pickup from all Kemer accommodations; return around 11:00 PM
•Dinner menu includes fish or chicken option with starter, salad, and seasonal fruit; vegetarian options should be confirmed at booking
•The flames burn year-round but are most visually striking after sunset

Who it's for

Adventure seekers wanting a mix of swimming, hiking, and natural wondersNature lovers and geology enthusiasts curious about geological phenomenaCouples and small groups seeking an evening activity with dinner includedFirst-time visitors to Kemer wanting iconic local experiences combined

Best time to visit

Visit in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) for comfortable hiking temperatures and clear evening skies. The eternal flames are visible any time of year, but viewing after dark (roughly 8:00 PM onwards in summer, earlier in winter) creates the most striking visual experience.