Olympos sits about 80 km southwest of Antalya, and a private transfer takes roughly 75–85 minutes door to door, with the final stretch winding down a wooded valley to the coast. It's one of the Riviera's most atmospheric spots: Lycian ruins scattered among the trees, opening onto a long pebble beach near Çıralı, with the eternal Yanartaş flames burning on the hillside above.
The easiest, most relaxed way to reach it is a private car with a driver who knows that last twisty descent — no changing buses in the heat, no parking hunt. You're dropped near the site entrance, and your driver waits while you explore the valley and the shore.
What makes Olympos special
Olympos was a Lycian and later Roman harbour city, and what survives today is unusually romantic: half-buried tombs, a monumental gateway, a theatre and bath fragments, all reclaimed by oleander, fig trees and a stream that threads through the valley. Unlike the neat, sun-baked ruins elsewhere, Olympos feels wild and green — you wander shaded paths rather than an open archaeological field.
The valley then spills out onto a wide pebble beach backed by forested hills. It's a genuine walk-through experience: ruins, then river, then sea, all in one visit. The wider area is also known for its rustic tree-house lodges, which give Olympos its laid-back, bohemian reputation.
How to get there and drive times
From central Antalya or the airport (AYT), reckon on roughly 75–85 minutes for the roughly 80 km. The coastal highway runs south past Kemer, then a signposted turn-off leads down a narrowing road to the valley floor — pretty, but slow and winding, which is exactly where a local driver earns their keep. Real times shift with season and traffic, so treat these as approximate; midsummer and weekends can add a while.
If you're staying further east — Side, Belek or Alanya — the drive is longer, and a private transfer makes even more sense so you're not tied to sparse public connections. Coming in by air first? Our complete airport transfer guide walks through meet-and-greet, flight tracking and how the whole pickup works.
What to combine with Olympos
The classic pairing is Yanartaş (the Chimaera flames), a short drive and then an uphill walk above nearby Çıralı, where natural gas seeps burn from the rocky slope. It's best in the evening as the light fades, so many visitors do Olympos and Çıralı beach by day, then finish at the flames. With a private driver you can build exactly that rhythm — beach in the afternoon, flames at dusk, home whenever you're ready.
Çıralı beach itself, next door, is a calmer, sandier stretch and a lovely place to swim. If you'd rather balance ruins with pure coast, our Phaselis ancient city and beach and Konyaaltı beach guides cover two more ruins-meet-sea options closer to the city. For a very different day out on the water, boat trips and the Green Canyon are worth a look at sideboattrips.com.
Who it suits
Olympos rewards anyone who likes ruins with soul over polish — history lovers, photographers, couples, and families who enjoy a bit of walking and a swim. There's uneven ground and shingle underfoot, so sturdy shoes help, and it's not the most buggy- or heavy-luggage-friendly site. A private car means you can carry beach kit, a picnic and towels without worrying about them on a coach.
Practical tips and how the service works
Olympos is a ticketed archaeological site, and the beach is reached through it — check the current opening times and entrance fees before you go, as these change. Bring water, sun cover and swimwear, and something for the pebbles if you're tender-footed. Shade is plentiful in the valley but thin on the beach.
With us it's straightforward: a fixed price agreed when you book, a licensed D2 driver, and door-to-door pickup from your hotel or the airport. Your driver waits at Olympos while you explore, so there's no rush and no return timetable to catch. Free child and infant seats are available on request, and you can pay on the day or online — WhatsApp support is there if plans shift. Prefer maximum flexibility across a whole day of stops? A private transfer easily becomes a driver-for-the-day.
Book a private transfer or a driver for the day at bookridenow.com/en and let us handle the winding roads while you enjoy Olympos.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the transfer from Antalya to Olympos?
It's about 80 km and roughly 75–85 minutes door to door from central Antalya or the airport. The last part is a winding descent into the valley, so allow extra time in peak season or heavy traffic. Your exact time depends on where in Antalya you start.
Can I visit Olympos and the Yanartaş flames on the same trip?
Yes, and it's the most popular combination. Olympos and Çıralı beach work well by day, then the Chimaera flames are best seen at dusk on the hillside above. With a private driver you can time it exactly, without rushing to make a bus.
Is there an entrance fee for Olympos?
Olympos is a ticketed archaeological site, and you pass through it to reach the beach. Fees and opening hours change, so check the current times and prices before your visit. Bring some cash just in case.
Does the driver wait while I explore the ruins and beach?
Yes. On a private transfer or a driver-for-the-day booking, your driver waits so you can wander the valley, swim and relax without watching the clock. There's no fixed return time to catch — you set the pace.
Is Olympos suitable for families with young children?
It can be, with some care. The paths are uneven and the beach is pebbly, so good footwear helps and a carrier may be easier than a pushchair. We provide free child and infant seats on request, and a private car lets you bring all your beach gear comfortably.
What should I bring for a day at Olympos?
Pack water, sun protection, swimwear and a towel, plus sturdy shoes for the ruins and shingle. There's plenty of shade in the wooded valley but little on the open beach. Some cash for the entrance and any refreshments is wise, as facilities are limited.
Can you pick us up from a hotel in Side, Belek or Alanya?
Yes. We collect door to door from any hotel along the coast, though the drive from further east takes longer. A private transfer is especially worthwhile from these areas, as public transport to Olympos is limited and slow.
How do I pay, and is the price fixed?
The price is agreed when you book and doesn't change on the day. You can pay in cash or by card on the day, or online in advance. For an exact figure for your route and dates, get an instant quote at /en.