Olympos is in a charming spot set on a 5 km long beach amidst unspoilt nature, and the Olympos ancient ruins include baths, a temple, Roman theatre and necropolis.
The Mediterranean coast of Turkey has a marvelous collection of ancient ruins dotted along its jagged coastline. Most belonged to the Lycian empire including the ruins of Olympos, situated next to a hippy village of the same name, which is popular with back packers.
Historians are unsure of the exact date, when the city was founded; but they can verify, it dates from the Hellenistic period. As one of the six cities with voting power in the Lycian league, it had huge importance and status, but the position on the coastline, also left it vulnerable to attacks from pirates. A river running beside the ruins and into the sea is now filled with reeds, but during history, it was possible for large ships to sail inland on this waterway route.
Eventually the Lycian league was absorbed into the Roman Empire, and Olympos fell under their domain before being abandoned during the 15th century.
To the north of Olympos, past the attractive beachfront hamlet of Cirali, high on the hillside is the legendary burning flame of Yanartas, literally burning stone.
