Mount Chimera is a unique place on the coast of Turkey, where tongues of natural gas flame burst directly from the rocks through crevices. The mountain itself is part of the famous Lycian Way — a 500-kilometer hiking route from Fethiye to Antalya, and here, on the slopes of Chimera, this ancient path offers an ideal route for a short but unforgettable walk through pine forests. You will walk along stone steps reminiscent of Roman roads, with the opportunity to ascend to the eternal flames, see the ruins of an ancient temple, and descend to a picturesque valley with trout restaurants.
Mount Chimera
Mount Chimera, which Turks call Yanartaş — "Burning Stone" — is a place where the very earth breathes fire. Dozens of flames burst directly from the rocks here, burning continuously for over two and a half thousand years. The ancient Greeks believed that here dwelled the monster Chimera — a fire-breathing creature with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and a serpent`s tail, defeated by the hero Bellerophon on the winged horse Pegasus. According to myth, the defeated monster sank into the earth, but the flames continue to escape, reminding us of that battle.
Scientists explain this phenomenon as the release of natural gas — methane — through fissures in the rocks. In ancient times, the flames were so bright that they served as a beacon for sailors. Here stood the temple of Hephaestus — the god of fire and blacksmithing — and later a Byzantine church was built, the ruins of which can still be seen today.
The Lycian Way – Turkey`s Most Famous Route
The foot of Mount Chimera lies in a valley near the village of Çıralı, about 40 kilometers from Kemer. The mountain itself is part of the Lycian Way — the famous 500-kilometer route stretching along the Mediterranean coast from Fethiye to Antalya.
The Lycian Way is a vast trail requiring multi-day treks, but the section on Mount Chimera is one of those perfectly suited for a short but unforgettable walk of a few hours. Many tourists come here to see the mesmerizing spectacle of the burning stones. But seasoned travelers know: after seeing the flames, one shouldn`t rush back. It`s worth continuing along the Lycian Way, which climbs higher, revealing new horizons.
Ancient Road Underfoot
The ascent along the Lycian Way to the Chimera flames begins from the parking lot at the mountain`s foot. The walk takes about 20–30 minutes of leisurely hiking, and the trail is well-marked with red-and-white blazes — the standard marking of the Lycian Way.
Some sections are paved with large stones, forming step-like structures reminiscent of ancient Roman roads — like the famous Appian Way in Italy. This gives the walk a special historical charm: you tread on stones hundreds of years old and feel part of ancient history.
The main group of flames is located right by the ruins of a Byzantine church, which was built on the site of an even more ancient Lycian temple — here, fire bursts from the ground among the ancient stones, creating a truly mystical atmosphere.
After exploring this area, the trail continues higher. If you climb a bit further, you can see a smaller group of flames at a higher elevation, as well as other remnants of ancient structures, revealing ever-new panoramas of the coast and surrounding mountains.
Route Parameters on the Lycian Way at Chimera
The elevation gain from the parking lot to the upper flames is about 200–250 meters, and the highest point of the route, the Mount Chimera pass, reaches approximately 340 meters above sea level. The height of Mount Chimera itself is 401 meters above sea level.
If you continue further, the trail leads to the pass and goes towards a picturesque valley, and from there — to the village of Ulupınar, famous for its trout restaurants where tables are set right in the waters of the mountain stream. Among the restaurants in the village of Ulupınar, you can highlight Botanik Restaurant, Selale, or Premium Park. There are other restaurants there as well.
The distance from the parking lot at Chimera to the restaurants in Ulupınar village is about 6 kilometers, and this section takes approximately 3–4 hours, but it`s better to allow more time. The path goes through pine forests, along small mountain streams, and offers stunning views of the coast up to the pass.
How to Plan Your Route on the Lycian Way at Mount Chimera
The most convenient option for active holidaymakers is to organize a linear route. You can arrive at the parking lot at the foot of Mount Chimera, ascend to the flames, then hike along the Lycian Way to Ulupınar, have lunch at one of the restaurants, then order a taxi from that restaurant and return to your hotel. The total length of such a journey is about 10–12 kilometers, and it will take almost the entire day, including rest and lunch.
A journey along the Lycian Way on Mount Chimera is an opportunity to touch two wonders at once: a unique natural phenomenon where fire has burst from the earth for millennia, and a scenic route established at the end of the 20th century, but passing through places that hold the memory of ancient civilizations.
