WHERE IS OLYMPOS?

Olympos is located between Kemer and Kumluca in Mediterrenean Region. It is 30 kms from Kumluca and 40 kms from Kemer.

How to Get to Ancient City of Olympos

If you want to get there by car, you need to use the Antalya/Kemer road. After Tekirova, you take the Olympos exit on the main road to Kumluca. You can reach there after 11 kms. If you would like to use public transport, you have to take the minibuses that go to Kalkan and Kaş direction from Antalya Bus Terminal. After a 2-hour journey you need to get off at Olympos turning and take Olympos minibuses that depart every hour.

The History of Olympos Antique City

The history of Olympos dates back to 300 BC, during Hellenistic period. The name Olympos can be seen around 78 BC. Sicily governor Servilius Vatia defeated Zenicetes, the greatest pirate of the time, in a naval battle. Zenicetes hid his ships at Olympos dock using it as his castle. Afterwards, the city was ruled by the Romans and later on it lost its importance and was abandoned due to the continuous attacks of the pirates.

It was rebuilt by the Genoese, Venetians and Rhodes knights in 12th century. It was used as a commercial port during the Crusades. It got uninhabited when the Ottoman Empire took power in 15th century.

The Origin of the Name “Olympos”

Olympos means “Sacred Mountain” in ancient Greek. It is also known as the city of pirates, city of gods, city of eternal flames.

The Importance of Olympos

Olympos antique city was one of the most important commercial ports of its time. Thanks to the Olympos (Akçay) Stream running through the city to the sea, the ships were able to get into the city easily. Olympos was one of the biggest cities in Lycia.

Places to Visit in Ancient City of Olympos

The Church no 1

The entrance complexes

The Bishopric Palace

The bridge

Lykiarkes Marcus Arkhepolis mausoleum

Mosaic building

Ancient theatre

Antimakhos sarcophagus

Harbour mausoleums

Entrance to Olympos Ancient City

Since Olympos antique city is a museum, the entrance is not free. You have to get tickets at the entrance gates. Either you will visit the city or walk to the beach:

Single ticket: 40 tl

Museum Card: 60 tl

Multiple entrance ticket (Beach card, 10 days and 10 entrances)

Children under 18 are free of charge

If you want to visit the city walking from the Çıralı direction, you need to walk around 15 minutes. As Çıralı and Olympos beaches are adjacent, you do not have to pay in order to swim in Olympos. However, you need to get a ticket if you wish to visit the ancient city ruins.