Çıralı and Olympos are two quiet bays on Antalya's western coast, between Kemer and Kumluca, known more for guesthouses, bungalows and small boutique properties than for large hotels. The distance between Antalya Airport and Çıralı is roughly 95 kilometres, and by private vehicle the journey usually takes around an hour and a half in normal traffic. As there is no direct public transport from the airport to either place, planning your transport in advance becomes decisive, especially for evening and night arrivals. When planning how to get to Çıralı and Olympos, knowing the last kilometres of the route, the exact address of your accommodation and how much luggage you carry keeps the journey smooth.
Where Çıralı and Olympos Are and How They Differ
Çıralı lies within Ulupınar, a neighbourhood of the Kemer district, inside Olympos Beydağları National Park. It stands out for its long pebble and sand beach, the guesthouses running parallel to the shore and a calm setting well suited to family holidays. The beach is one of the nesting areas of loggerhead sea turtles, so in summer rules on lighting and beach use at night are observed.
Olympos sits at the southern end of the same beach, in a narrow valley where the ancient city is located. Accommodation here mostly consists of tree houses and guesthouses inside the valley. Although Çıralı and Olympos are connected along the beach, different roads are used when travelling by car. When booking, it is therefore important to state exactly where you are staying so that the driver takes the correct turn off.
The Route From the Airport to Çıralı and Olympos
Leaving the airport, the vehicle first crosses Antalya and follows the D400 towards Kemer. After passing Beldibi, Göynük, Kemer and Tekirova, it continues in the direction of Kumluca. To reach Çıralı, the driver takes the Çıralı turn off from the main road and descends to the shore on a winding road of about 7 kilometres through pine forest.
The road to Olympos leaves the main road at a separate turn off and descends into the valley. This section is narrow and in places single lane, so larger vehicles in particular need to proceed carefully. Times and distances given are approximate, and summer traffic around Kemer, roadworks and the position of your accommodation within the valley can lengthen the journey. You can see details of the route on the Çıralı transfer page.
Steps for Those Who Want to Use Public Transport
Reaching Çıralı by public transport is possible, but it involves several changes. From the airport you first go to Antalya bus station, where you take a bus heading towards Kumluca and Kaş. After getting off at the Çıralı junction, you need a minibus, known locally as a dolmuş, to reach the beach. This option can be economical, but because it depends on bus and minibus timetables the total journey time becomes noticeably longer.
For those travelling with heavy suitcases, children or at night, a journey with changes can be demanding. Minibuses run less often at night and you may have to wait at the junction, which can make the first hours of your holiday tiring. In that case a pre booked transfer that goes directly from the airport to the door of your accommodation removes the changes and waiting altogether.
Sharing the Address of Your Accommodation Correctly
Some of the guesthouses and bungalows in Çıralı and Olympos are set back from the main road, with small signs or no clear street name. For this reason, rather than giving only the name of the property, you should share the full address and, if possible, a map location. Sending the location by message helps the driver find the right entrance easily, especially at night.
In the Olympos valley there may be properties the vehicle cannot reach right up to the door, with the last few hundred metres completed on foot. If that is the case, ask your accommodation and add it to the booking notes so that it is known in advance how far your luggage can be carried by car. You can find route information for Olympos on the Olympos transfer page.
Breaks and Shopping Along the Way
On a journey of around an hour and a half a break is usually not necessary, but passengers arriving after a long flight can add a request for one to the booking notes. The Kemer and Tekirova area offers suitable places to stop along the main road. As you approach the Çıralı turn off, settlements become sparser and roadside options decrease.
Although there are small shops in Çıralı and Olympos, larger supermarket options may be limited. Travellers renting a bungalow or apartment with a kitchen in particular can ask for a short supermarket stop on the way for their first day's needs. Since extra stops like this lengthen the journey, they should be mentioned when booking. If you have young children with you, keeping water, snacks and the child's things in your hand luggage also makes the drive more comfortable.
What to Keep in Mind on Night Arrivals
A passenger landing in Antalya late at night may reach Çıralı in the early hours. The forest road after the Çıralı turn off and the road down into the Olympos valley are winding with limited lighting at night. Travelling with a driver who knows the area reduces the risk of losing your way in the dark or taking the wrong turn.
Reception at small guesthouses may be closed at night. You should let the owner know in advance that you will arrive late and ask how keys will be handed over. Entering your flight number correctly when booking means that the meeting is rearranged for the new time if your flight lands late. The driver waits at the terminal exit with a sign showing your name.
Vehicle Class, Luggage and Child Seats
Many visitors to Çıralı and Olympos stay for a long time and travel with hiking or camping gear. When items such as backpacks, trekking poles or a tent are listed in the booking, the vehicle class is chosen accordingly. For a family of two or three the Private Minivan, for larger groups the Private Sprinter and for passengers who prioritise comfort the Premium Minivan are suitable options.
Those travelling with children should request a baby or child seat when booking, stating the child's age. As larger vehicles may have limited room to manoeuvre on the narrow parts of the Olympos road, larger groups should ask their accommodation in advance how far a vehicle can drive in. This information is also taken into account when choosing the vehicle class.
Places to See in the Area and Planning Your Return
Yanartaş, close to Çıralı, is known for natural flames that rise from between the rocks and have been burning for centuries. The ancient city of Olympos attracts visitors with ruins scattered among the trees inside the valley. Because Olympos beach is reached by passing through the ancient site, the rules of the archaeological site must be followed. These places are within walking distance of Çıralı beach or a short drive away.
When setting your pick up time from the hotel for the return, you need to allow for the drive of around an hour and a half, summer traffic around Kemer and the time required at the airport for check in and security. Planning your return transfer together with your arrival booking means you do not need to give your address and luggage details again. Transfer time and price vary according to date, vehicle class, number of passengers and destination. Before booking, you should check the latest information in the Regions and Prices list on the Antalya transfer prices page.
