Drive to Çıralı

Getting there: take the D400 south from Kemer for approximately 24 km, past Tekirova. Turn right following signs for 'Çıralı' and 'Olympos'. The road descends through pine forest — it's paved but winding, with some narrow sections. After about 6 km from the D400 turn-off, you'll reach Çıralı village. The main beach access has a large, free car park. Alternative: drive to the Yanartaş car park (separate entrance, signed from Çıralı village) for the Chimaera flames hike.

What to do at Çıralı: (1) Çıralı Beach — 4 km of golden sand, clean, shallow water, protected turtle nesting site. No sunbeds or development — bring your own towel and umbrella. (2) Yanartaş (Chimaera) — eternal flames burning from a rocky mountainside for over 2,500 years. Park at the Yanartaş car park (small fee) and hike 30 minutes uphill. Go at sunset — the flames are most visible in fading light. (3) Olympos ruins — 2 km from Çıralı, walk along the beach or drive to the Olympos car park. (4) Village restaurants — Çıralı has excellent family-run fish restaurants along the beach road, far better value than Kemer's tourist restaurants.

Driving tips: the road from the D400 to Çıralı is paved but winding through forest — take it slowly, especially at night (limited lighting). The Çıralı beach car park is free and large. For Yanartaş: a separate car park (small fee, ~€1) is located at the trailhead. Bring a torch for the Yanartaş hike if you're coming down after dark. Çıralı has no petrol stations — fill up in Kemer or Tekirova before heading down. Combine with Olympos for a full day: ruins in the morning, beach afternoon, Yanartaş at sunset.