Forty kilometers from the resort town of Kemer, near the picturesque village of Çıralı, lies one of the most mysterious places on the Turkish coast — Mount Chimera, also known as Yanartaş ("Burning Stone"). This is a unique natural phenomenon where tongues of flame burst directly from the rocks through fissures in the ground, burning continuously for over two and a half thousand years.
Scientists explain this phenomenon as the release of natural gas — methane — through fractures in the rock formations. Upon reaching the surface, the gas ignites spontaneously upon contact with oxygen, creating dozens of living flames that do not extinguish even in rain — either in winter or in summer. The intensity of the flames can vary; some fires occasionally die out but reignite after a while, and several dozen such "eternal flames" are scattered here and there across the slope.
In ancient times, the flames of Chimera were so bright that they served as a natural lighthouse for sailors, who used them for navigation during night voyages along the dangerous coast. Today, the flames no longer shoot high into the sky as described by ancient authors, but they still captivate and create a unique mystical atmosphere, especially in the evening and nighttime hours.
The Legend of the Fire-Breathing Monster
One of the most famous ancient Greek myths is associated with this place — the myth of the fire-breathing monster Chimera. According to legend, Chimera was the offspring of the giant Typhon and the half-snake, half-woman Echidna, and was a terrible creature with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and a serpent`s tail, spewing flames from its mouth.
The hero Bellerophon, son of the Corinthian king, was ordered to destroy the monster that terrorized the Lycian lands. Soaring into the sky on the winged horse Pegasus, he struck Chimera with an arrow. According to one version, Bellerophon attached a piece of lead to his spear tip, which melted from the monster`s fiery breath and penetrated its entrails, causing Chimera`s death.
According to the myth, the defeated monster was thrown deep into the mountain, where its fiery breath still escapes through cracks in the rocks to this day. Remarkably, ancient authors, including the famous historian Pliny the Elder, even then associated this place with perpetual gas flames, describing a mountain that "burns with a flame that does not die out day or night."
Another version, proposed by the Roman grammarian Servius, suggests that the name of the mythical monster itself originated from this mountain, where snakes lived at its base, goats grazed on its slopes, and lions dwelt in caves at the summit — precisely matching the description of the three-faced creature.
Ruins of Ancient Sanctuaries on Mount Chimera
Since ancient times, Mount Chimera has been revered as a sacred place. Here stood the temple of Hephaestus — the god of fire and blacksmithing — worshipped by sailors and craftsmen. Later, during the Byzantine era, a Christian Basilica was built on this site, the ruins of which can still be seen today.
As you climb the slope of Mount Chimera, you will encounter the remains of ancient walls and stone masonry — all that is left of the once-venerated sanctuary. The walls and window openings of the ancient temple bear the marks of time, and on some stones, you can make out inscriptions carved by visitors from different eras. Archaeological finds confirm that rituals were indeed performed here in antiquity, and this place held great cult significance.
The main group of flames is located right by the ruins of the Byzantine church, which was built on the site of an even more ancient Lycian temple. It is here, among the ancient stones, that the flames burst from the ground most spectacularly, creating a truly mystical atmosphere. If you climb a little higher up the slope, you can see another, smaller group of flames, as well as other remnants of ancient structures.
The Lycian Way on the Slopes of Chimera
Mount Chimera is part of the famous Lycian Way — a 500-kilometer hiking route stretching along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey from Fethiye to Antalya. For many travelers undertaking this multi-day trek, Chimera becomes one of the key points along the way, a place to rest and witness a unique natural phenomenon.
However, for ordinary tourists not ready for multi-day hikes, the section on Mount Chimera offers an ideal opportunity for a short but unforgettable walk. The ascent to the flames begins from the parking lot at the foot of the mountain and takes about 20–30 minutes of leisurely walking. The trail is well-marked and leads through a scenic pine forest, gradually gaining altitude.
Some sections are paved with large stones, forming step-like structures. This gives the walk a special historical charm — you are walking the same path that ancient pilgrims took thousands of years ago to reach the sacred fire.
After viewing the main group of flames, the trail continues higher. It leads to the pass of Mount Chimera, located at an altitude of about 340 meters above sea level. Mount Chimera itself reaches a height of 401 meters. From the pass, magnificent panoramas open up onto the coast, the pine-covered mountains descending to the sea, and the surrounding valleys.
If you continue further, the trail leads to a picturesque valley and on to the village of Ulupınar, famous for its trout restaurants where tables are set right in the water of the mountain stream. The distance from the parking lot at Chimera to Ulupınar is about 6 kilometers, and this section takes approximately 3–4 hours. The path goes through pine forests, along small mountain streams, and reveals ever-new scenic views.
Route and Practical Tips
The best time to visit Chimera is at sunset and during the first hours after dark. It is at twilight that the flames look most impressive, the fire becomes brighter and creates that mystical atmosphere that attracts tourists from all over the world. Many excursions are specially organized so that the ascent takes place in the evening.
The ascent to Chimera (especially to the pass) requires a certain level of physical fitness. The trail is rocky in places with high steps, and in some spots borders on cliffs where extreme caution is needed. The descent can be even more challenging than the ascent due to the same steps, so shoes must be comfortable and have non-slip soles.
What you should bring:
• Comfortable shoes
• A flashlight if going to the mountain at sunset — the trail is not lit, and descending in the dark over stones without light is unsafe. Check your phone battery to ensure it`s enough for the built-in flashlight.
• Warm clothing - it can be cool in the mountains in the evening.
• Water and a light snack.
Entry to the Chimera area is paid; the cost is about 75 Turkish Lira. There is a small parking lot at the entrance where you can leave your car.
Impressions and Atmosphere of Mount Chimera
Chimera is not just a tourist attraction, but a place of power, shrouded in mysticism and ancient legends. Among tourists, a special atmosphere prevails here: people take creative photos next to the flames, pretend to warm themselves by the "eternal fire," and the most daring even try to cook food over the flames.
The mountain offers stunning views of the surroundings: dense pine forests descend to the very shore of the sea, and on clear days, the coastline and the turquoise expanse of the Mediterranean Sea are visible.
A journey to Mount Chimera is a unique opportunity to touch several wonders at once: a natural phenomenon that has been burning for millennia, and the legendary Lycian Way, along which you can walk, feeling part of a great myth.
