Cirali Hotels & Travel Guide: Boutique Stays, Olympos & Things to Do
Çıralı hotels offer a unique option for those looking for a peaceful and enjoyable vacation in touch with nature. Çıralı, located in Kemer district of Antalya, is right next to Olympos and only 70 km away from the center of Antalya. Çıralı, with its unique nature, clean air and undiscovered hidden beauties, is one of the indispensable holiday routes for nature lovers and peace seekers. Çıralı hotels in this unique holiday resort serve in the form of bungalow houses and wooden boutique hotels integrated with nature, away from luxury and multi-storey buildings. Çıralı boutique hotels, which are intertwined with the sea, offer their guests a magnificent view and a peaceful atmosphere. When you wake up in the morning, you can breathe in the scent of banana and tangerine trees, leave your hotel and explore the ancient city of Olympos with a short walk. While staying in Çıralı, you can ride along the coast or easily reach nearby tourist areas such as Kemer and Adrasan thanks to the hotels that offer free bicycle service. Çıralı family hotels provide a comfortable and peaceful experience for families who want to spend a vacation in touch with nature, while the seafront hotels offer a wonderful holiday pleasure. By staying in boutique hotels in Çıralı, you can both integrate with nature and enjoy the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean. By choosing the most suitable one among Çıralı hotels, you can have an unforgettable holiday experience in the lap of nature.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Çıralı?
Çıralı is best visited between April and October. During these months, the weather is mild and perfect for swimming. The best time for your trip depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to enjoy.
April and May are ideal months to visit Çıralı. The weather begins to warm up, but the intense heat of summer hasn't started yet. You can enjoy the beach and explore natural attractions.
June, July, and August are peak summer months. The weather is hot and sunny—perfect for swimming and sunbathing. However, expect larger tourist crowds during this time.
September and October are also wonderful for a visit. The sea is still warm enough to swim in, but the summer crowds start to thin out. This is a great time to enjoy a more peaceful vacation.
From November to March, the weather is cooler. Swimming is less common, but it's a good time for nature walks and exploring. Hotel prices are also typically lower in this off-season.
Things to Do in Çıralı
Wake up to a fresh morning and, if you're an early riser, witness baby caretta caretta turtles hatching and heading to the sea—a truly documentary-like experience.
Join nature walks and hiking tours during the day.
Take day trips or multi-day boat tours.
Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos, hidden deep in the forest.
Visit the most striking structure of the ancient city: a temple gate about 150 meters west of the Akçay (also known as Olympos Stream).
Go on a bicycle tour.
Try scuba diving or paddle out with a canoe.
For a relaxed day, lie in a hammock by the beach, read a book, and listen to the waves.
In the evening, enjoy dinner surrounded by greenery, then hike to the mystical flames of Yanartaş. Don't forget your flashlight for the 230-meter climb. (If hiking is not your thing, there's a road access option too.)
Stargaze by the sea at night.
Must-See Places in Çıralı
- Take the Paradise Bay-Porto Genoa-Sazak-Coban Harbor tour.
- Take a tour of the Three Islands-Phaselis-Kleopatra.
- Kaleköy Peninsula tour, known as the old Simena, is also among your options.
- Rent a canoe from Çıralı Beach and paddle towards Ceneviz Bay, you will discover different bays on your own and enjoy swimming there.
- You can take a historical stroll on the Old Lycian Way, Turkey's first long-distance walking route, on your bike or on foot. You can choose the route of your choice when planning your hike: 3.5 hours Ulupınar - Yanartaş, 7 hours Musa Mountain or 8 hours Adrasan - Gelidonya Lighthouse, 6 hours Göynük Valley, 8 hours Tahtalı Mountain Pass, 5-6 hours
- Gedelme-Yayla Kuzdere. Don't miss the Lycian Way and the ruins of ancient cities along the way.
- If you think that a little movement would be good in this vacation alone with nature, you can descend the waterfalls in the canyon with ropes, jump into the pools or participate in a wide variety of fun and exciting activities from climbing to swimming.
- You can make a safari with ATVs on the foothills of Beydağları.
- One of the places you should not miss is Ulupınar Village. On the way from Antalya to Kumluca, 3 km before the Çıralı road junction. is the settlement established before. You will love the smell of pine trees coming from the Taurus Mountains and the sound of water. Many fish farms established in this village are among the little surprises waiting for you. While you are here, do not return without enjoying the fish in the cozy fish restaurants by the creek, which is ice-cold even in the middle of summer, eating the most beautifully cooked meats, and tasting the options that suit your taste.
- In the evening, take your drink and go to Yanartaş and enjoy the sunset.
- Take a detour to Karaöz, seven kilometers from Adrasan, Olympos' neighbor, and visit the Gelidonya Lighthouse.
Food & Drink Recommendations from the Editor
Have cheese gözleme under straw umbrellas at Orange Restaurant, surrounded by orange trees. Pair it with frothy ayran, often referred to as "Yörük whiskey" by tourists.
Karakuş Restaurant, located on the beach, offers excellent international cuisine. Say hi to Zeynep or Ayfer on our behalf!
Enjoy a romantic dinner at Olympos Lodge Hotel. Send greetings to Ziya and Aysen.
If you’re looking for meat cooked like Nusret does it, head to Baraka House and ask for İhsan Bey.
Cool off with a scoop of local melon ice cream—a regional specialty.
For fish, visit Ulupınar Village and try trout baked in a clay pot at Şelale Restaurant, located by the spring.
Add Azur Aida, Harman Restaurant, and Oleander Restaurant to your list for delicious seafood by the sea.
If you hiked to Yanartaş in the evening, don’t forget to grill some sausages over a wood fire.
Try the "Four Seasons Pizza" at Simge Restaurant it's a must.
Early Booking Deals in Çıralı
Çıralı hotels often offer early booking discounts before the high season. Planning in advance can help you secure better prices and ensure availability.
Shopping in Çıralı
Organic Markets: Weekly markets offer local organic produce like fresh fruits, vegetables, olives, and olive oil.
Antique and Handicraft Shops: Discover unique items like carpets, ceramics, and traditional Turkish crafts.
Local Markets: Find handmade souvenirs, regional foods, and textiles. These lively markets also let you experience local culture up close.
Nightlife & Entertainment in Çıralı
Öküz Bar: Located in Kadir’s Tree Houses, this bar offers great cocktails and a lively, unique music vibe.
Hangar Bar: A cozy place to read in the morning and party at night, sometimes hosting themed parties.
What Is Çıralı Famous For?
Olympos Ancient City: Right next to Çıralı, it features ruins from the Lycian period—like a theater, baths, columns, and tombs.
Çıralı Beach: A Blue Flag beach known for its natural beauty and clean sea, surrounded by pine trees.
Yanartaş (Chimaera Flames): Eternal flames burn on rocky hills behind Çıralı due to natural gas emissions—an unforgettable sight.
Trekking & Hiking: Perfect for nature lovers, with trails like the Lycian Way and scenic mountains.
Organic Farming: Local produce such as olives, pomegranates, and citrus fruits are grown and sold throughout the region.
Top Things to Do in Çıralı
Even in October, when shop windows display winter clothing, Çıralı’s sea temperature stays around 20–25°C. You can still enjoy a swim without sweating under the summer sun. But Çıralı offers more than just sea and sand.
From turtle hatchings to ancient ruins, boat tours, hammocks, mountain hikes, and sky gazing—Çıralı is a destination that offers peace, adventure, and a whole lot of natural beauty.
History of Çıralı
Located in Turkey's southwest, Çıralı is a neighborhood of Kemer in Antalya province. The area has seen settlements since the Lycian era and was part of ancient Lycia. Its proximity to Olympos, a major Lycian city, makes it historically significant.
Hellenistic Period: Influenced by Greek culture, many Hellenistic structures were built in the area.
Roman Period: Became a vital Roman port city, thriving in trade and maritime activity.
Byzantine Period: Christianity flourished; many churches and monasteries were built.
Ottoman Period: Agriculture, livestock, and trade continued under Ottoman rule, preserving its strategic and economic importance.
