Olympos-Beydağları Coast

The wildlife of Olympos-Beydağları includes a diverse array of Mediterranean species. The region serves as a crucial habitat for endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), which nest on its beaches. The mountains harbor wild goats, foxes, and various raptor species including eagles and falcons. The area is also home to endemic butterfly species, Mediterranean monk seals in coastal caves, and numerous migratory birds that use the coast as a stopover point during their seasonal journeys.

The coastal region supports a rich Mediterranean vegetation pattern, including extensive pine forests dominated by Turkish Pine (Pinus brutia) and Cedar of Lebanon. The area harbors over 1,000 plant species, with approximately 250 being endemic to Turkey. Notable species include the rare Olympos Mountain tulip, various orchid species, carob trees, wild olives, and myrtle bushes. The protected status of the region has helped preserve these diverse plant communities, including several endangered species found nowhere else in the world.

The Olympos-Beydağları Coast features dramatic limestone mountains that rise directly from the Mediterranean Sea, creating a stunning coastline of cliffs and hidden coves. The area's most remarkable geological feature is the Yanartaş (Chimaera), where natural methane gas seeps through cracks in the rock and spontaneously ignites upon contact with air. The region's karst topography has created numerous caves and underground water systems, while tectonic activity has shaped the distinctive peaks of the Taurus Mountains that dominate the landscape.

The Olympos-Beydağları Coast enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 25-35°C (77-95°F), while winter temperatures remain moderate at 8-15°C (46-59°F). The region receives most of its rainfall between November and March, with over 300 sunny days per year making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities throughout most seasons. Sea temperatures are particularly pleasant for swimming from May through October, averaging 20-26°C (68-79°F).

The region's rich history spans over two millennia, beginning with ancient Lycian settlements in the 2nd century BC. The ancient city of Olympos flourished as a major Lycian League member and later became an important Roman port city. Pirates, including the notorious Zenicetes, once used the area as a base until Roman forces defeated them in 78 BC. The region later came under Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule, leaving behind a fascinating archaeological legacy that includes temples, churches, fortifications, and the eternal flames of Chimaera, which have burned continuously for thousands of years.

The region's most distinctive attractions include the ancient ruins of Olympos, scattered through a valley where history meets nature, and the eternal flames of Chimaera (Yanartaş). The pristine beaches, particularly the 3.5km-long Çıralı Beach, offer excellent swimming and sunbathing opportunities. The Lycian Way, one of the world's great long-distance hiking trails, passes through the area, offering spectacular coastal views. The combination of historical sites, natural wonders, and recreational opportunities makes this coast a unique destination where ancient history and natural beauty seamlessly blend.