Olympos
Travel Guide > Europe > Turkey > Mediterranean Turkey > Antalya > Olympos
In this Article
- Introduction
- History
- Suburbs
- Sights
- Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
- Internet
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On Travellerspoint
arif_koolIntroduction
The ancient town of Olympos is located in a valley on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey around 90 kms east of Antalya. The city has probably taken its name from the nearby Mount Olympos which is known locally as Tahtali Dag.
History
Olympos was founded in the Hellinistic period and its coin date back to 2nd Century BC. This city became an important centre in the Lycian era. The town declined in importance in the 1st Century BC when it was attacked and controlled by the Pirates. Romans seized it from the pirates in 2nd Century AD and subsequently in the middle ages the Venetians, Genoese and Rhodians built fortresses along the coast. The town was finally abandoned with the arrival of Ottomans in 15th Century. Recently it has become a hot spot for tourists.
Suburbs
Sights
- Eternal fire also known as Chimaera can be reached by a trek of around 30 minutes in the neighboring village of Cirali. The source of these eternal flames has been found to be natural gas gushing through cracks in the earth. During ancient period, this fire was worshipped and revered by the locals.
- Beach is lovely and quite popular amongst young holiday seekers.
- Greeco-Roman ruins and fortress located along the coast are worth a visit.
- Olympos coastal National Park located in the picturesque valley is popular for trekking expeditions, mountain biking, rock climbing, sea kayaking, etc.
Activities
Events and Festivals
Weather
Olympos has a typical Mediterranean climate with dry summers and moderately warm and moist winters.
Getting There
By Plane
The nearest airport is in Antalya which is located around 80 Kms from Olympos. This airport handles both domestic and international flights. Antalya is well connected with other parts of Turkey by domestic flights and it is also directly connected with many of the cities of Europe and Middle East.
By Train
Olympos is not connected by rail services. However tourists can travel by train upto Denizli and from there lots of buses are available to Olympos which cover the distance in around 4-5 hours.
By Car
By Bus
Bus service is excellent in Turkey. Olympos main road bus station has good connections with other cities of Turkey like Antalya, Cappadocia, Fethiye, etc. Buses coming from Antalya towards Fethiye and Kas usually stop at the main road bus station and from there you can catch an Olympos service down to the valley to the beach and the ruins. Two of the well known and most reputed bus companies operating in Turkey are Varan and Ulusov.
By Boat
Getting Around
The best way to explore the Olympos valley and its surroundings is on a bicycle which can be hired locally.
By Car
By Public Transport
By Boat
By Bike
Eat
Drink
Sleep
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayrams Treehouse | Olympos Antalya | Hostel | 89 |
| Daphne Guesthouse | Adrasan Yolu Uzeri Olimpos Antalya | Guesthouse | - |
| Kadir's Tree House | Olympos Antalya | Hostel | 80 |
| Olympos Arzum Pension | Olympos Arzum Pension Olympos / Antalya | Guesthouse | - |
| Olympos Orange Pension | Olympos Kumluca Antalya | Hostel | 91 |
| Saban Pension | Yazirkoyu Kumluca | Hostel | 93 |
| Turkmen Pension | Olympos Yazir Koyu Kumluca | Hostel | 37 |
| Yakamoz Pension | Olympos Village | Hostel | - |
Budget
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
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This is version 3. Last edited at 12:52 on Jul 17, 09 by arif_kool (+638). 3 articles link to this page.
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