Yanartaş (Chimaera): Ever-Burning Stones and the Chimaera Legend

Yanartaş is a unique natural wonder on the slope above Çıralı, near Kemer, where natural gas rises from the surface of the earth and burns on its own, continuously, among the stones. Considered the source of the ancient Chimaera legend, these flames are barely visible by day but glow captivatingly in the evening darkness. To see these fires that nature has kept burning for thousands of years, it is a spot everyone coming to Çıralı must climb up to.

The Legend and the Natural Phenomenon

According to legend, this is the place where the fire-breathing creature named Chimaera was confined; the flames were thought to be its breath. In reality, Yanartaş is formed when natural gas reaching the surface from underground emerges among the stones and ignites the moment it makes contact with air. These flames have gone on burning without going out for centuries, even millennia. It is known that the fire here was considered sacred in antiquity and that worship took place around it. Today too, this natural phenomenon is a captivating meeting point for lovers of both science and legend.

What to See and How to Explore

Reaching Yanartaş requires climbing upward along a rocky path. Along the way, pine trees and traces of ancient-era ruins accompany you. When you reach the top, you meet flames of various sizes rising among the stones; sometimes dancing with the wind, these fires are nature's simplest yet most impressive show. You can spend a little time beside the flames, take photos, and enjoy the view while thinking of the legend. When darkness falls, the brightness of the flames increases and the experience becomes far more striking.

How to Get There

Yanartaş is above the Çıralı settlement and is usually planned together with an Olympos-Çıralı trip. If you drive, you can reach the area at the start of the path and climb up on foot from there. For those coming by public transport, the regional buses running from the Antalya-Kemer direction and then the Çıralı connecting minibuses (dolmuş) are a good option; the transfer inland is mostly made by dolmuş. If you are staying in Çıralı, you can head up easily in the late afternoon. Checking the current schedules, times and entry conditions in advance will make your trip easier.

When to Go and Practical Tips

To see Yanartaş's flames at their most impressive, prefer the evening hours: start climbing before sunset and watch the flames in the dark. For this reason, be sure to bring a flashlight or phone light; the way down can be dark. Comfortable shoes with sturdy soles are a must, because the path is rocky. Water and a light layer are also useful. The area may be ticketed; it is best to check the entry conditions and hours up to date before you go.

Why does Yanartaş burn continuously?

Yanartaş burns continuously because natural gas reaching the surface from deep underground emerges among the stones and ignites on its own when it comes into contact with the air. Since this gas source is fed without interruption, the flames have gone on burning for centuries without going out. It is precisely this extraordinary natural phenomenon that inspired the ancient legend of the fire-breathing Chimaera.

When is the best time to climb to Yanartaş?

The best time is the late afternoon. If you start climbing before sunset, you can see the way in daylight and then watch the flames at their brightest once darkness falls. This experience is far more impressive than by day. For the descent, be sure to carry a light source with you; the rocky path can be challenging in the dark.

Is the Yanartaş climb difficult?

The way up to Yanartaş is a moderately difficult climb along a rocky path. Though not very technical, it calls for sturdy shoes and a little breath. If you climb unhurried, resting along the way, it is an enjoyable walk for most visitors. Carrying water and moving at your own pace makes the climb easier.

You can keep discovering Çıralı, Olympos and the nature-and-history routes nearby, complete with maps, through FindAntalya.