IS THE TURKISH TOWN OF CIRALI WORTH VISITING?
One of the highlights of our time walking the Lycian Way was our stay in Çıralı. We spent about two weeks on this section of the Turkish coast and had been treated to some awesome coastline. But Çıralı stood out to us.
It is the kind of destination that feels like a secret too good to share. With its unspoiled beaches, lush green mountains, and a pace of life that encourages you to slow down, Çıralı felt like a little slice of chilled out Mediterranean heaven.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right place for your next trip.
Is Çıralı Worth Visiting?
The short answer? We really loved Çıralı and would visit again. What struck us about this town particularly, is that Çıralı is the antithesis of the high-rise resorts and crowded promenades you might associate with Turkey’s more tourist-heavy spots. Indeed, we had visited some of them during our trip.
Instead, Çıralı seems to be much more about natural beauty, cultural history, and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to resist.
Set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, Çıralı boasts a long, pebble-and-sand beach that feels almost untouched. And when we visited in October, it was completely uncrowded.
But Çıralı isn’t just about the beach. It’s also home to ancient ruins, natural wonders like the eternal flames of Chimaera, and a thriving eco-tourism scene. Many locals are committed to preserving the area’s charm, so you won’t find large-scale developments here. Instead, there are family-run pensions, cosy restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
If you’re looking for a party town or luxury amenities, Çıralı might not be for you. But if you value peace, authenticity, and a bit of adventure, it’s a great choice.
9 best Things to Do in Çıralı
Despite its small size, Çıralı has a few nice chilled activities that cater to all kinds of travellers.
1. Relax on Çıralı Beach
Çıralı’s beach stretches for nearly 4 kilometers, offering plenty of space to find your own secluded spot. The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand, so bring water shoes if you prefer smoother footing. The water is crystal-clear and perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
What makes Çıralı Beach even more special is its status as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles. If you visit between May and September, you might spot tiny hatchlings making their way to the sea, a magical experience that highlights the town’s commitment to conservation.
Just remember to keep your distance from the turtles and stay away from nests at other times of the year.
2. Explore the Ruins of Olympos
Just a short walk or bike ride from Çıralı lies the ancient city of Olympos. All along the Lycian Coast you’ll find ruins of former bustling port cities. Olympos is thought to have been an important one and dates back to the 2nd century BC.
Inside you can find remnants of bath houses, a theatre and various other ruins. Just be warned, whilst it is an interesting site, it is very much a ruin and not many artefacts are very intact. Tickets cost around £10.
Close to the ruins you’ll find Olympos Plage, a lovely beach.
3. Hike to the Eternal Flames of Chimaera
One of Çıralı’s most unique attractions is the Chimaera (known locally as Yanartaş), a series of natural gas flames that have been burning on the mountainside for thousands of years.
The hike to the flames takes about 20-30 minutes and is best done in the evening when the flames are most visible. Bring a torch or headlamp for the walk back, as the trail can get dark.
We unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see this spectacle, but we hear that it’s amazing. Start the walk from here (you can also park a car here.)
4. Enjoy a Boat Trip
The turquoise waters around Çıralı are perfect for exploring by boat. Several operators offer day trips to nearby coves and beaches, many of which are only accessible by water.
Expect stops at stunning spots like Suluada Island, known for its white sand and clear waters, or the quieter Phaselis Bay, where you can swim and explore more ancient ruins.
You can find boat tours on Get Your Guide to book online or arrange it with your hotel.
5. Hike the Lycian Way
Çıralı is located along the famous Lycian Way, a long-distance hiking trail that runs along the coast of southwestern Turkey. Even if you’re not up for tackling the whole route, there are shorter sections near Çıralı that offer breath-taking views of the coastline.
The hike from Çıralı to Tekirova is particularly popular, taking you through pine forests and offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. You’ll also find a few gorgeous and tranquil bays along this hike.
You can find our full guide to the Lycian Way here.
6. Tuck into Local Cuisine
Turkish food is always a highlight, and Çıralı doesn’t disappoint. Most restaurants here focus on fresh, local ingredients, with seafood being a standout.
Be sure to try grilled fish, meze platters, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). For dessert, indulge in some baklava or kunefe (a sweet, cheesy pastry soaked in syrup).
One of my favourite spots was Yakamoz Cafe, where the family-run vibe and delicious food made for a memorable meal. Generally we found that the restaurants away from the beach had a little more authenticity, but obviously the seafront restaurants have a better view.
7. Visit Ulupınar for Fresh Trout
A short drive from Çıralı, the village of Ulupınar is known for its trout farms. Many of the local restaurants have tables set up next to bubbling streams, creating a serene dining experience.
The trout is usually served grilled and accompanied by fresh salads and bread. It’s simple but incredibly satisfying.
If you don’t have a car, you can visit with a tour. This half day tour will collect in Cirali and includes a fishing experience.
8. Practice Yoga or Meditation
With its tranquil surroundings, Çıralı is a great place to unwind and reconnect. Many guesthouses offer yoga sessions, or you can find a quiet spot on the beach to meditate as the sun rises over the mountains.
Get in touch with Myland Nature hotel. They host regular yoga classes.
9. Get cocktails on the beach
We enjoyed cocktails at Eco Blue Bar. A bar with a lovely garden and various animals roaming around. A little unusual to have a chicken on our table over drinks, but we rolled with it!
If coffee is more your vibe, check out Beaver coffee shop. A really chilled spot along the beach front.
Where to Stay in Çıralı
Accommodation in Çıralı is low-key, quirky and eco-friendly, with many options run by locals who are passionate about preserving the area’s charm.
BUDGET: There are some great budget friendly properties in the town, just note that most are a small walk from the beach. Personally, we didn’t mind this as the walk is safe and easy.
Teo Hotel & Pension – a budget property, offering a friendly environment. Around 700m from the beach are the family run Mercan Bungalows. We stayed somewhere similar to this and enjoyed the chilled vibe of being in our own bungalow.
MID-RANGE: Hemerans Anatolia offer cute rooms at good prices. Rooms have balconies, some with sea views and the location is highly rated.
LUXURY: Naturelife Bungalows & SPA offers total luxury in Cirali. This hotel is right on the beach, offering guests a quiet stretch of private sand. Each villa has been decorated well, giving an eco touch to the design. Prices here are super reasonable for such a lovely spot.
Most accommodations in Çıralı include traditional Turkish breakfasts, often featuring fresh, local ingredients like homemade jams, eggs, and seasonal fruits.
How to Get to Çıralı
Çıralı might feel off the beaten path, but it’s surprisingly easy to reach with a bit of planning.
Nearest Airport
The nearest airport is Antalya Airport (AYT), which is about 90 kilometers away. From there, you can either rent a car or arrange a transfer. Y
Hire car
Driving to Çıralı gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding area. The drive from Antalya takes about 1.5 hours and follows a scenic coastal road.
Public Transport
If you’re traveling by public transport, you can take a bus from Antalya to the nearby town of Kemer and then catch a dolmuş (shared minibus) to Çıralı. The dolmuş drops you at the entrance to the village, from where it’s a short walk to most accommodations.
Getting around Cirali
One thing to note, is that the town is actually bigger than you might expect. And things are quite spread out. We would recommend hiring bikes to make your stay more enjoyable, especially if you want to see the town fully. Most hotels will offer rental.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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