Turkey’s mythical mountain of eternal flames

Greek mythology is rich with fantastical tales — from winged horses to the fearsome Minotaur, from vengeful gods to the iconic Trojan horse.

Though ancient writer Palaephatus sought to debunk many of these extraordinary stories, he couldn’t deny the truth behind the legends surrounding what is now modern-day Olympos in Turkey.

In his work 'On Incredible Things,' he wrote, 'There is a vast chasm in the earth, from which flames erupt.'

'This mountain is called Chimaera,' he concluded.

He was correct. This place is very much real. Situated in southwestern Turkey, just above the stunning Antalya coastline, there are indeed openings in the earth where flames burn. These fires have been blazing continuously, just as they did in Palaephatus’s time.

The burning rocks of Yanartaş — the present-day name for what was once Mount Chimaera — are located within the Olympos Beydagları National Park, an area of breathtaking Mediterranean beauty where ancient myths feel almost tangible.

Here, the ancient coastal region of Lycia once thrived before meeting its decline. The windswept ruins of its prosperous towns dot the coastline, while abandoned temple walls lie hidden in the trees, silently guarded by towering mountains.

The park is a haven of jagged peaks, serene turquoise coves, and expansive rocky shores. Yet, the most unique feature here is undoubtedly Yanartaş, where you can find natural holes in the ground where flames never go out.

Though the sight of eternal fires may seem extraordinary, there is a scientific explanation behind this fascinating phenomenon.

The flames are the result of methane gas seeping from the earth and igniting upon contact with the air, creating explosive fires.

An awe-inspiring phenomenon

The Yanartaş region is considered one of the most highly flammable areas for natural methane emissions on the planet. Beneath the vents, igneous rocks rich in ruthenium act as a potent catalyst for methane creation.

"I first stumbled upon this place in 1997, and it left me in awe," says Ibrahim Genc, a seasoned tour guide with over 25 years of experience, who regularly leads groups to the mesmerizing site. "As a local, I couldn't help but joke that we could cook a delicious kebab here."

Yanartaş certainly has an element of surprise. Visitors walk along a stone-paved path beneath the towering Tahtalı Dağı mountain, before reaching a one-acre expanse where the faint scent of gas and the chorus of cicadas accompany fiery vents scattered across the rocky terrain.

It's an otherworldly scene, yet calming, framed by pine trees and the sparkling blue of the distant Mediterranean. The ruins of a temple dedicated to Hephaestus complete the atmosphere — truly, what better place to honor the Greek god of fire?

The burning rocks are part of a protected cultural site with an entrance on the northern edge of the coastal village Çıralı. A 30-minute uphill hike through picturesque surroundings leads to Yanartaş, making it an accessible and scenic adventure.

"The best time to visit is from mid-September to late November, or from mid-March to the end of May," suggests Genc, noting that evening visits add a magical touch. As twilight descends, the flames burn brighter, and the captivating Olympos park landscape comes alive. The park closes at 8 p.m."

Midday is best avoided during the scorching summer months, when the intense heat and direct sunlight of southern Turkey can be overwhelming. And, despite Genc's lighthearted suggestion, attempting to grill kebabs here is not a good idea. The rocks are under state protection, and doing so could lead to legal consequences.

Three-headed creature

It's easy to understand why this place sparked ancient legends. Imagine being a Lycian in the 13th century BCE, trekking through the forest, when suddenly flames begin to rise from beneath the mountains.

Greek mythology recounts the tale of the Chimaera, a fire-breathing, three-headed monster that ravaged Lycia. As the ancient Greek poet Hesiod described it, 'In her front she was a lion; in her rear, a dragon; and in her middle, a goat, exhaling a terrifying blast of blazing fire.'

When monsters appear in Greek mythology, they are usually defeated by a hero. Such was the fate of Chimaera. In his epic 'Iliad,' the ancient poet Homer told of how King Iobates of Lycia sent the hero Bellerophon (famous for riding the winged Pegasus) to slay the creature.

'And Bellerophon killed her, guided by the omens of the gods,' Homer wrote. The fearsome beast was no match for the hero.

While imagining a fierce battle between a hero on a flying horse and a three-headed monster amidst the stunning scenery of Olympos National Park is thrilling, it's more likely that the Chimaera was not a mythical beast, but rather the mountain itself, where lions may have roamed and goats grazed. The 'fire-breathing' aspect was probably inspired by the flames of Yanartaş.

'Bellerophon made the mountain habitable, thus he is said to have 'killed Chimaera,'' wrote the first-century scholar Isidore of Seville in his work 'Etymologiae.'

Soaring above

Olympos Beydagları National Park is a paradise for both nature lovers and history buffs.

The park is also home to the remarkable ruins of Olympos, an ancient city nestled in a dramatic river valley between the sea and the mountains. Founded in the 3rd century BCE, the site offers a glimpse into Lycian life, with remnants of a theater, basilica, bathhouse, and numerous tombs.

Once a thriving maritime hub of Lycia, Olympos ends at a vast, rocky beach. While it's close to the village of Çıralı, the beach feels remote and secluded, embodying the untamed allure of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. The medieval remnants of the Genovese Fortress, etched into the cliffs, add a touch of romance to the dramatic scenery.

For the best views of the region, take the Olympos Teleferik, a cable car that ascends 7,759 feet (2,365 meters) to the summit of Tahtalı Dağı. Here, thrill-seekers can try their hand at paragliding — perhaps imagining themselves as a hero soaring on Pegasus, ready to defeat the fire-breathing Chimaera.

Just don’t forget to slather on some sunscreen.