Olympos Ancient City Antalya
Explore ancient Lycian ruins leading to a pristine beach with turquoise waters, nestled beneath Mount Tahtalı.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Olympos Ancient City Antalya
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Lycian ruins leading to a pristine beach with turquoise waters, nestled beneath Mount Tahtalı.
"Turquoise waters and ancient ruins make Olympos a top destination for beach lovers and history buffs alike."
🚶♀️ Walk Through History
Explore ancient Lycian ruins leading to the beach for a truly unique adventure.
🏨 Stay in a Bungalow
Experience a unique stay in Olympos by booking a bungalow for an immersive visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Lycian Ruins
Olympos Ancient City
Explore millennia-old theaters, bathhouses, and a necropolis amidst stunning natural beauty.
Olympos Beach
Adjacent to the ancient city
A pristine, untouched beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation.
Mount Tahtalı Views
Overlooking Olympos
Gaze upon the majestic Mount Tahtalı, providing a dramatic backdrop to the ancient city and coast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Olympos
Getting to Olympos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Through History
Explore ancient Lycian ruins leading to the beach for a truly unique adventure.
🏨 Stay in a Bungalow
Experience a unique stay in Olympos by booking a bungalow for an immersive visit.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense summer sun.
🌊 Crystal Clear Waters
Enjoy the stunning, clear turquoise waters of Olympos Beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Through History
Explore ancient Lycian ruins leading to the beach for a truly unique adventure.
🏨 Stay in a Bungalow
Experience a unique stay in Olympos by booking a bungalow for an immersive visit.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense summer sun.
🌊 Crystal Clear Waters
Enjoy the stunning, clear turquoise waters of Olympos Beach.
🚗 Antalya to Olympos
Plan your journey from Antalya; consider transport options in advance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Olympos Ancient City and Beach are highly praised for their unique combination of historical ruins and natural beauty. Visitors love the untouched feel of the beach and the immersive experience of walking through ancient Lycian sites. Some find the summer heat intense and note that facilities can be basic.
"It's a beautiful ancient city. I love visiting places like this; I'm even a bit adventurous. I try to go where there aren't any roads. But here (especially across the river), the roads are sometimes impassable. And unfortunately, people throw their trash into the city(as one of my videos shows). The beach is 5/5, the buildings are 5/3, and transportation (car-free) is 5/2. Please don't throw your trash around (:"
TBCP
"A short walk along the beach from Cirah and this amazing place opened out. Turkey is doing amazing things with its Roman remains, and that can be seen here better than anywhere we’ve been. Work is very obviously ongoing on one side of the creek, but the other side has clearly been untouched for centuries. The contrast is exquisite and helps you realise how much work goes into presenting and preserving the remains."
Mike Simpson
"Interesting, clean museum, there’re some boards with useful information, quite modern concept. Recommend."
Vasilisa Medvedeva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Olympos from Antalya is by bus or dolmuş (minibus) to Kumluca, then transferring to a local Olympos dolmuş. Alternatively, you can hire a private transfer or rent a car for more flexibility. The journey offers scenic coastal views.
Access to Olympos involves walking paths through the ancient ruins to reach the beach, adding to the sense of adventure.
Once you arrive in the Olympos area, walking is the primary way to explore the ancient city and reach the beach. Local dolmuş services connect the main road to the Olympos village and beach area.
While you can drive to the vicinity of Olympos, direct access to the ancient city ruins and beach is typically on foot. Parking is available near the entrance.
The travel time from Antalya to Olympos can range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours by bus or car, depending on traffic and stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance fee is required to access Olympos Ancient City and its ruins. It's advisable to check the latest ticket prices and opening hours before your visit.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the site is open from morning until early evening. It's best to confirm the current hours online or upon arrival.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or children is usually available at the ticket office. Consider purchasing a Museum Pass if you plan to visit multiple historical sites in Turkey.
While the beach is adjacent to the ancient city, access often requires an entrance ticket to the archaeological site.
Online booking options may be available, especially during peak season. Checking the official Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism website or reputable tour operators is recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore well-preserved ruins including a theater, Roman baths, temples, and a necropolis. The site leads directly to the beautiful Olympos Beach, offering a unique combination of history and nature. 
Allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore the ancient ruins and enjoy the beach. If you plan to hike or relax longer, consider more time.
Basic facilities such as restrooms are usually available near the entrance. Cafes and restaurants are more common in the nearby Olympos village.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the ruins and playing on the beach. However, supervision is recommended due to uneven terrain and the proximity to the sea.
Olympos Beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The clear waters are also great for snorkeling.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the ancient theater, the necropolis with its sarcophagi, and the path leading to the beach. The juxtaposition of ruins against the natural landscape is highly photogenic.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the ruins and beach.
Drone usage is often restricted in archaeological sites and national parks. It's crucial to check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ruins and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the ruins or distant views of Mount Tahtalı.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or commercial shoots may require special permits. Always respect signage and staff instructions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities within the ancient city are limited. The beach itself is perfect for building sandcastles and splashing in the clear, shallow waters. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day to ensure comfort for younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilizing public transport from Antalya to Olympos can significantly reduce travel costs. While there's an entrance fee for the ancient city, the combination of historical exploration and beach access provides excellent value for money. Pack your own food and drinks to save on expenses within the site.
💑 Couples
+1Consider a sunset visit for breathtaking views and a more intimate atmosphere. Staying in a charming bungalow can enhance the romantic experience, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ancient Lycian Heritage
+2Walking through Olympos feels like stepping back in time. The pathways wind through the remnants of a once-thriving city, revealing architectural marvels at every turn. The unique character of Olympos is preserved due to its relative isolation and limited modern development, making it an untouched gem. This sense of discovery is amplified by the journey to the beach, which is accessed via footpaths that enhance the feeling of adventure.
For history enthusiasts, Olympos is a treasure trove. The remnants of its Hellenistic, Roman, and Eastern Roman periods are evident in the diverse architectural styles. The strategic location as a port city is still palpable, and imagining the bustling life that once filled these spaces adds a layer of depth to the visit.
The Allure of Olympos Beach and Nature
+1The surrounding Olympos National Park offers a rich natural environment. Towering Mount Tahtalı provides a dramatic backdrop, and the lush greenery surrounding the ancient city adds to its picturesque setting. This combination of historical ruins and stunning natural scenery makes Olympos a truly special destination.
Visitors often describe the beach as inviting and the water as incredibly pleasant for swimming and relaxation. The untouched nature of the area is a significant draw, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Experiencing Olympos: Beyond the Ruins
Beyond the ancient city and beach, the Olympos region offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the national park. The journey to the beach itself, through the ruins, is an integral part of the Olympos experience, blending adventure with historical discovery.
For those looking for a more comprehensive visit, consider combining your exploration of Olympos Ancient City with nearby attractions or simply dedicating a full day to soak in the tranquility of the beach and the historical ambiance.
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