Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar

Night flames beat most souvenirs.

This Olympos, Cirali, and Chimera night tour is built around one unforgettable stop: Yanartas (the Chimera flames) just above Cirali. You start with a jeep ride from Kemer, swing by Cirali’s long beach for a swim, then hike a stony path up to the fire mountain after dark.

I especially like how the evening mixes nature and myth without wasting your day. Cirali’s beach is a real reset, and the Chimera flames are one of those rare sights that feel natural and strange at the same time. I also like that dinner is included, served at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant as a set meal, so you can relax after the hike.

One thing to consider: the night runs long, and the timing is tight at the dinner stop. If you want a slow pace, or if you’re picky about eating time, plan to keep expectations realistic, because the schedule is built for efficiency.

Key Highlights I’d Put at the Top

• Yanartas Chimera flames after dark, the main event near Cirali
• Cirali beach swim stop on a long stretch of sand
• Jeep safari from Kemer through smaller coastal towns en route
• A stony, uphill walk to the fire mountain, so good shoes matter
• Set dinner at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant, fish or chicken plus extras
• Skip-the-line entry for Chimaera, with the Olympos fee handled separately

From Kemer Pickup to a Jeep Safari at Dusk

This is the kind of tour that feels like it starts the moment you’re picked up. The ride includes pickup from hotels across the Kemer resort area, then you head to the tour starting point before meeting your guide. The safari itself kicks off at 5:30 PM, and the schedule is built for evening light, cooler temperatures, and night viewing.

Then comes the jeep part. You travel by jeep through Kuzdere, Camyuva, and Tekirova, heading toward Cirali. Even if you’ve done jeep tours before, the vibe here is different because you’re going toward a natural night attraction, not a scripted viewpoint. Expect the ride to be bumpy at times, the kind of travel that keeps you alert and ready to jostle a bit.

This matters for two reasons. First, jeep time breaks up the day so you’re not just sitting around. Second, it sets up the evening rhythm: you’re moving toward the beach, then climbing toward Yanartas right when it looks best.

Cirali Beach Swim Stop, the Calm Before the Flames

Cirali beach is the reset button on this itinerary. After driving in, you get a swimming stop on a 3 kilometer long stretch of coastline. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, and the value of the stop is simple: it gives you something active and refreshing before the hike.

You’ll want swimwear and a plan. If you feel the urge to swim, you’ll probably appreciate doing it early in the stop window, not at the last minute. The tour timing keeps moving, and the later parts of the evening depend on everyone staying on schedule.

One practical point: Cirali is near the Olympos area, and the overall time in this zone can be tight. In real life, it can turn into a choice between water time and a quick look at the ancient area, so decide what matters most to you before you arrive.

Yanartas, the Chimera Flames Above Cirali

Now for the main act: Yanartas, also called Chimera. The fire mountain sits above Cirali village near Olympos, and it gets its name from the myth of a monster with a lion head, goat body, and snake tail. But here’s the better part for modern travelers: what you’re seeing is driven by a natural cause.

When you reach Yanartas, you’ll have enough time to take in the phenomenon. The flames come from an underground gas source, creating what feels like an everlasting blaze. It burns all year long, and it’s especially attractive at night, when the glow is easier to see and the whole place feels more dramatic.

The hike matters. You’re walking up a stony path, so comfortable shoes are not optional. I’d treat this as a short but serious walk, not a stroll. You’ll want traction and enough support for uneven ground.

Also, go in with the right mindset. This is not a theme park show. You’re looking at a natural gas fire, and the experience is more about atmosphere and wonder than perfection. In the dark, it feels closer, more real, and frankly more memorable than photos you’ll take on a sunny day.

Olympos Area Timing, Where the Ticket Fee Comes In

This tour specifically includes the entrance fee to Chimaera, meaning Yanartas is covered. But the Olympos entrance fee (10 €) is listed as not included.

So what does that mean for your time? It usually means that if your tour includes time at Olympos proper (the ancient ruins area), you should be ready to pay at the gate. It’s also a signal that you might not get unlimited time in either beach or ruins. In other words, don’t plan to do everything perfectly. Plan to choose the moment that fits your interests best.

If you’re the type who loves ruins, I’d prioritize the ancient area during the stop window. If you’re mostly there for water and Yanartas, give Olympos a lighter touch, or skip it to focus on the hike and dinner.

Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant Dinner, Included but Fast

After the Yanartas time, you’ll head to dinner at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant. Dinner is included, and it’s a set menu: fish or chicken, a starter plate, salad, and seasonal fruits.

There are two things to know. One, this is not an all-night sit-down dinner. The schedule moves. Two, you’ll likely feel the dinner is designed for groups on a tour clock, not a leisurely meal with long conversation.

That doesn’t mean the food is bad. It means you should treat it as fuel plus an easy end to the day. If you’re hungry after the hike, this hits the spot. If you’re hoping for slow dining, keep your expectations aligned with the tour’s flow.

If you want drinks, plan to pay for them separately, since drinks are not included. Also, if you get cold after dark, you may appreciate having something warm in your bag. Even if the day is hot, night after a hike can feel cooler.

Return to Kemer Late Night: Plan for the Long Finish

The timeline is clear on the end: at 10:00 PM you start the return journey back to Kemer. The approximate arrival time is 11:00 to 11:30 PM.

This is why the Cirali beach swim and the Yanartas hike are timed the way they are. The tour needs to fit the hike and the dinner with enough buffer to get everyone back late in the evening. The payoff is that Yanartas is best at night, not in the early afternoon haze.

So what should you do the night before? Don’t schedule something tight right after. You’ll likely get back around late 11 PM. If you’re traveling with family or seniors, this late return and the walk should be carefully considered.

Value for $41: What You’re Getting and What You’re Not

At $41 per person, the value here comes from the blend of costs that are otherwise separate. You’re paying for:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Entrance fee to Chimaera (Yanartas)
• Dinner at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant
• A live tour guide (Russian and English)
• Skip-the-ticket-line for Chimera

Not included:

• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• Olympos entrance fee (10 €) if it’s part of your time in the area

When you price it out as an easy, guided evening with transport and admission, it’s a fair deal, especially if you don’t want to sort out buses, timing, and ticket entry yourself. If you do want a slower evening and more flexibility at stops, you might find the schedule a bit tight for the hike-to-dinner transition. But that’s the tradeoff for paying a single price that includes so much.

The Guide Factor, Why Personalities Matter on a Night Tour

This is one of those tours where guide personality can change the feel of the night. In the available information, you’ll see examples of guides like Tuncay and Aydin showing up on this route, and the feedback around them highlights something real: a good guide keeps the group moving but also keeps the vibe relaxed.

If your guide is friendly and organized, you’ll likely feel the tour flows. If your guide is less patient, you might spend more energy managing frustration than enjoying the moment.

My advice is simple: during pickup and early in the evening, ask one clear question about timing. Then stick to the plan you can control: bring shoes, water, and a warm layer, and be ready for a hike that comes before dinner.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A night adventure in the Kemer area that isn’t just sitting on a bus
• A mix of beach time, hiking, and myth-inspired nature
• An included group dinner so you don’t have to hunt for food late

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate uneven ground and don’t want a stony uphill walk
• You want long, unhurried meals and free time at every stop
• You’re extremely sensitive to strict schedules at night

Kids can potentially enjoy the beach part, but the hike is the deciding factor. For anyone with mobility concerns, the Yanartas walk is the key question, because the tour does require you to go up to see the flames.

Should You Book This Chimera Night Tour?

I’d book it if you’re chasing the rare feeling of seeing a natural fire feature at night, with a guided jeep route and dinner already handled. It’s good value at $41, especially because the Chimera entrance and transport are included, and the whole evening is built around the best time to experience Yanartas.

I’d think twice if you’re expecting a relaxed, flexible evening or if you’re not comfortable with an uneven, uphill path. In that case, the schedule could feel rushed, and the later dinner timing may not match your style.

If you do book, pack smart: comfortable shoes, a warm layer for after dark, and consider bringing water. And pick your priorities in the Cirali/Olympos area so you don’t feel like you missed the one thing you actually came for.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

What time does the jeep tour start?

The safari tour starts at 5:30 PM.

Where are you picked up from?

Pickup is included from hotels in the Kemer resort area.

What’s included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fee to Chimaera, and dinner are included.

Is the Olympos entrance fee included?

No. The Olympos entrance fee is listed as 10 € and is not included.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide speaks Russian and English.

What dinner is included?

Dinner is served at Ulupinar Waterfall Restaurant as a set meal: fish or chicken, starter plate, salad, and seasonal fruits.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes for the stony path walk.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.