Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar

Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar offers a captivating mix of natural beauty, mythic intrigue, and authentic Turkish hospitality. For around 7 hours, you’ll experience the thrill of witnessing Chimera’s eternal flames, relax with a swim on a pristine beach, and savor a hearty dinner in a charming setting. The tour departs from Kemer, making it a convenient evening escape for travelers based in the region.

What we particularly love about this tour is the combination of outdoor adventure and cultural charm. The jeep ride through scenic landscapes is lively and fun, and the highlight—the fire mountain Yanartas—delivers a truly unique spectacle. Plus, the dinner at Ulupinar offers a taste of local cuisine that caps off the night perfectly.

One possible drawback is that the tour’s guide reputation varies—while some travelers praise the smooth organization and engaging storytelling, others mention less personable or even rude guides. This inconsistency might matter if you value attentive service. Also, be prepared with comfortable shoes for the short but stony walk up Chimera, especially since the flames are best appreciated after dark.

This tour suits those looking for a memorable evening combining natural wonders, mythology, and delicious food. If you enjoy outdoor activities, scenic drives, and authentic local experiences, this trip offers excellent value and a chance to see one of Turkey’s most intriguing natural phenomena.

Key Points

• Stunning natural phenomenon: The everlasting flames of Chimera are a rare sight, especially after sunset.
• Scenic beach stop: A relaxing swim at Cirali Beach lets you unwind before heading uphill.
• Cultural intrigue: The myth of the fire monster adds a layer of storytelling to the experience.
• Varied guide reviews: Some travelers find the guides engaging, others less so—manage expectations accordingly.
• Comfortable shoes recommended: The walk up Chimera is on a stony path, so footwear matters.
• Good for outdoor lovers: Perfect for those who enjoy scenic drives, nature, and authentic Turkish cuisine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour is designed to be straightforward and hassle-free. Your hotel pickup and drop-off in Kemer** are included**, along with the entrance fee to Chimera, and a dinner at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant featuring fish or chicken, starters, salad, and seasonal fruits. Drinks and personal expenses are on you, and the entrance fee to Olympos is extra if you wish to explore that site separately.

The Itinerary: From Beach to Flames

The adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Kemer, which sets the tone for a stress-free evening. You’ll travel by jeep through scenic areas like Kuzdere, Camyuva, and Tekirova, giving you glimpses of the countryside and mountains—an aspect many travelers appreciate as it adds local flavor and a sense of adventure.

Your first stop is Cirali Beach, about 3 kilometers long and widely admired for its natural beauty. Here, you’ll have ample time for a swim, relax on the sand, or simply enjoy the sunset views. The beach is often highlighted as a peaceful, less crowded spot, making it ideal for unwinding after a busy day.

Following the beach, you’ll head uphill to Yanartas, the site of the fire mountain Chimera. This area is truly one of Turkey’s natural marvels. The flames have been burning for thousands of years due to underground natural gas sources, creating an everlasting fire. It’s particularly striking after dark when the flames flicker more visibly against the night sky. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes because the path is somewhat stony and uneven, but the experience of gazing at these flames—mythically linked to the Greek myth of the fire-spouting lion-headed monster—is worth it.

The Myth and the Natural Wonder

The legend of Chimera adds a compelling layer to the visit. The story of a fire-breathing creature with a lion’s head, goat’s body, and snake’s tail has fascinated visitors for generations, making this a fascinating stop for mythology buffs. The natural underground gas source fuels the flames that burn all year round, giving the site a mystical feel, especially when viewed in the dark.

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The Dinner Experience at Ulupinar

After exploring the flames, your evening winds down at the Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant. This family-run spot is beloved for its authentic Turkish fare, especially their grilled fish or chicken, served with starters, fresh salad, and seasonal fruits. The setting, often beside a gentle waterfall or lush greenery, enhances the overall experience. Several travelers mention the delicious food and the relaxing atmosphere as highlights.

Group Size, Timing, and Atmosphere

The tour typically starts around 5:30 PM, with approximate return around 11:00-11:30 PM. Group sizes vary, but most groups are small enough to keep things personal and engaging. The live guides speak both Russian and English, which helps ensure you get some interesting stories and safety information along the way.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

While many guests praise the scenic stops and the awe-inspiring flames, some reviews reveal inconsistencies in guide attitudes. One traveler even described a guide as “very rude,” which highlights the importance of managing expectations. Conversely, others emphasize the smooth organization and punctual pickups, making this a reliable option if you prefer a planned adventure without the hassle of independent transportation.

Practical Tips

• Bring comfortable shoes for the walk up Chimera.
• Pack warm clothes if you’re visiting in cooler months or evenings—though the flames are visible in the dark, it can get chilly.
• Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during the jeep ride and walk.
• Have some cash for extras like optional entrance fees or additional drinks.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, mythology enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed yet intriguing evening. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor scenery, scenic drives, and authentic local dining. Families with children and couples looking for a romantic yet adventurous night also find it appealing.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour packs a lot into one evening—beach relaxation, mythic sights, and hearty Turkish cuisine—all starting from a convenient pickup point. The highlight—the eternal flames of Chimera—is genuinely memorable and worth seeing at night when they flicker beautifully against the dark sky. The jeep ride adds an element of fun and adventure, making it a good value for those wanting a varied experience in a single evening.

However, be aware of the guide’s demeanor—if you’re sensitive to guide interactions, it might affect your experience. Also, remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring some warm clothing for the peak moments at Chimera.

All in all, if you’re after a mix of scenic beauty, cultural legend, and local flavors, this tour offers a well-rounded and authentic taste of the Antalya region after sunset.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting around 5:30 PM and returning by 11:00-11:30 PM, depending on traffic and group size.

What is included in the price?
Your price covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Kemer, entrance fee to Chimera, and dinner at Ulupinar. Drinks and personal expenses are extra.

Do I need special footwear?
Yes, comfortable shoes are recommended because you’ll walk up a stony path to reach the flames at Chimera.

Can I visit Olympos as well?
The tour includes the option to visit Chimera; entrance to Olympos is not included and costs about 10, should you choose to explore separately.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the outdoor nature and walking involved suggest it’s best suited for older children who can handle an uneven, short walk and a nighttime outing.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothes for the cooler evening temperatures, a water bottle, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a flashlight for the walk at Chimera.

In essence, this night tour offers a meaningful glimpse into a natural wonder wrapped in myth, seasoned with local cuisine and scenic beauty. It’s a good pick for those who love outdoor adventures, cultural stories, and memorable landscapes, all wrapped up in a manageable evening outing.

You can check availability for your dates here: