About Olympos

History of Olympos

To briefly touch on the history of Olympos: Olympos was founded in the 3rd century B.C. and is one of the cities of Lycia. During that period, Olympos was a major city represented by three votes in the economic council. This indicates that approximately 100,000 people lived in Olympos at the time.

At the entrance to the ancient city of Olympos, you will see an arched structure supported by wooden beams. During the Lycian period, this was a three-story stone building. In this stone structure, where up to 1,500 workers were employed, a sauce called “Garum”—which is still used today—was produced. Garum sauce, made by letting sardines sit in earthen pits for six months and then extracting the oil that formed on the surface, is known to have been a major source of income for the city of Olympos.

The stream that divides the sea—which we might call the face of Olympos today—served as a harbor where merchant ships docked during the Lycian period. These sauces were bottled and loaded onto ships from here.

The name of the city of Olympos derives from “Tahtalı Mountain,” known as the highest mountain closest to the sea. The city of Olympos lies at the foot of this mountain. Today, Tahtalı Mountain, which can also be reached by cable car, stands at an elevation of 2,366 meters and possesses a majestic grandeur visible from all sides.

Additionally, the 506-kilometer-long Lycian Way, which begins in Fethiye’s Ölüdeniz and ends in Antalya’s Hisar Çandır, passes through Olympos. And today, many local and foreign tourists hike this trail during certain months. After the Lycian period, Olympos, which hosted numerous pirate raids and civilizations, lost its importance when the Ottomans took control of the seas in the 15th century. Its ruins have survived to the present day.

Let’s also discuss the current role of this historic city in modern tourism, where excavation work initiated by Anadolu University in Eskişehir in 2000 is still ongoing.

Olympos Today

I will never forget the day we first arrived in Olympos in 1998. As we stood there gazing in awe, I never imagined we would one day call Olympos home or reach this point in time. Back then, it was a pristine place. While the effects of its growing popularity make us miss its former state, it still captivates visitors today.

If I were to describe the aspects of Olympos that have touched us and hold a special place in our hearts:

First, the springs that flow constantly from underground. The laurel trees surrounding these waters and the unique natural landscape. We believe these spring waters—which we love to bathe in before or after the sea—hold something that reconnects one to life. At the same time, the essences and minerals provided by the laurel trees make them ideal for natural burn treatments.

It’s a 500-meter walk to reach the sea. This path is lined with laurel trees and historical ruins. If you venture further in, you’ll find canals, sarcophagi, and freshwater springs.

Although the sea is generally pebbly and deepens quickly, it is one of the cleanest in the region. It is clear, calm, and cooler due to the mixing of cold waters. You won’t feel overwhelmed even in the summer months.

Olympos and Çıralı share the same beach. You can quickly reach Çıralı on foot from the beach. This beach is also a nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles.

“Yanartaş (Chimera),” whose fire never goes out year-round, is located in the Çıralı region; climbing up there with loved ones to enjoy a glass of wine, especially during a full moon, is a delightful experience.

With its nature, history, and sea, Olympos still knows how to win people over and continues to offer an alternative experience for those seeking something different.