Camping – Olympos, Antalya

Camping in Olympos, Antalya: Nature, History, and a Taste of Bohemian Freedom

Tucked away in a lush valley along Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast, Olympos is one of the most unique and enchanting destinations for camping lovers. Located within the province of Antalya, this magical village blends nature, history, and a relaxed, bohemian spirit that draws travelers from around the world. Whether you're a backpacker seeking tranquility, a history buff fascinated by ancient ruins, or just someone craving a break from modern life, camping in Olympos offers an unforgettable experience.

A Place Where Time Stands Still

Olympos (or Olimpos, as it’s known in Turkish) sits along the Turquoise Coast, embraced by dense pine forests and towering cliffs, just a few kilometers off the main highway between Antalya and Kaş. The area is part of the Olympos Beydağları National Park, which helps preserve its raw, natural beauty.

What sets Olympos apart from other coastal destinations is its laid-back atmosphere and deep connection to history. Once a prominent Lycian city dating back to the 2nd century BCE, Olympos is now home to evocative ruins scattered along a riverbed that flows into the sea. These remnants of temples, tombs, and Roman baths are overgrown with vegetation, making it feel as though you're discovering a secret world long forgotten.

Camping here isn't just about sleeping under the stars—it's about immersing yourself in a timeless landscape.

The Camping Scene

Olympos isn’t your traditional tent-in-the-woods kind of place. The area is known for its treehouse-style guesthouses, eco-friendly bungalows, and rustic campgrounds that cater to a diverse crowd of travelers. Most of the accommodations offer a hybrid experience—private wooden cabins or tents, often surrounded by orange trees, where you can still feel close to nature without sacrificing comfort.

Popular camping and guesthouse spots like Bayram’s Tree Houses, Kadir’s Top Tree Houses, and Saban Pension have been serving travelers for decades. These places have become cultural landmarks in their own right, known for their communal meals, open-air lounges, hammocks, and impromptu music nights around the campfire.

While some people pitch their own tents, most visitors prefer staying in the quirky treehouses or cabins that define Olympos’ style. It's boho-chic meets backpacker haven, and it works beautifully.

What to Do While You’re There

1. Explore the Ancient Ruins
Just a short walk from the campgrounds lies the entrance to the ancient city of Olympos. Entry to the site also gives you access to the beach. Wander through the moss-covered ruins of Roman baths, Byzantine churches, and the Lycian sarcophagi that dot the site. As you walk under the shade of giant fig trees, it’s easy to imagine what life must have been like here thousands of years ago.

2. Chill on Olympos Beach
Olympos Beach is a beautiful, pebbly stretch of coastline bordered by dramatic cliffs and the remnants of the ancient city. It’s a protected area due to the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles that come here to nest. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply watching the sunset.

3. Hike to Mount Chimaera (Yanartaş)
A short drive or longer hike from Olympos brings you to Chimaera, a natural phenomenon where eternal flames emerge from cracks in the rocky hillside. Fueled by natural gas seeping through the earth, these flames have been burning for thousands of years and were the inspiration for the mythological fire-breathing creature, the Chimera. The hike up is best done in the early evening—bring a flashlight and enjoy the surreal experience of sitting around natural fire pits under the stars.

4. Try Rock Climbing or Paragliding
Adventure lovers will find their thrill here too. The rugged cliffs around Olympos are great for rock climbing, and nearby areas like Adrasan offer paragliding experiences that let you soar above the turquoise coastline.

5. Enjoy the Vibe
One of the best things to do in Olympos? Nothing at all. Many travelers come here to disconnect—there’s little mobile signal, Wi-Fi is patchy at best, and no blaring nightlife. Instead, you’ll find people reading in hammocks, doing yoga in the mornings, or jamming with guitars in the evening.

Best Time to Visit

The camping season in Olympos typically runs from April to October, with May, June, and September offering the best balance of warm weather and smaller crowds. July and August can get very hot, but the shade of the forest and the refreshing sea help keep things manageable.

In the shoulder seasons, you can expect cooler nights—perfect for bonfires and cozying up in your treehouse.

Getting There

From Antalya, Olympos is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive (approximately 85 km). You can take a bus heading toward Kaş or Kumluca and get off at the Olympos junction, then hop on a minibus (dolmuş) that takes you down into the valley. If you're renting a car, the scenic drive along the coast is a bonus adventure of its own.

Eco-Friendly and Traveler Conscious

Olympos is known for its eco-conscious ethos. Many of the camps and pensions use solar power, recycle waste, and promote sustainable tourism. Travelers are encouraged to respect the land, clean up after themselves, and be mindful of the delicate turtle nesting grounds on the beach.

Final Thoughts

Camping in Olympos is more than a vacation—it’s a return to simplicity. Here, time slows down. You wake to the sounds of birds and the scent of citrus, spend your days between ancient ruins and warm seas, and fall asleep under a sky full of stars. It’s not just about where you go—it’s how it makes you feel. And Olympos? It’ll make you feel free.