The flames are caused by the spontaneous combustion of methane gas seeping through rock fissures.
Ancient mariners historically used these flames as a natural lighthouse for navigation along the Lycian coast.
The site is identified in ancient Greek mythology as the location where the hero Bellerophon killed the Chimera, a fire-breathing monster.
The gas emission is technically classified as a cold seep, meaning the flames do not produce heat intense enough to burn the surrounding stone deeply.
Archaeological remains of a Byzantine-era church are situated near the lower portion of the trail.
Mount Chimaera, locally known as Yanartaş, features a cluster of rock vents that emit natural methane gas, causing perpetual flames to burn directly from the mountain's rocky surface. These fires are fuelled by geological emissions and have been active for millennia. The site is situated on a steep mountainside above the village of Çıralı in the Olympos-Bey Mountains National Park. The flames are most visible when the surrounding environment is dark, as they do not produce significant light during daylight hours. No human intervention maintains these fires; they remain ignited regardless of weather conditions. The site is accessible via a steep, rugged hiking trail that requires physical exertion. Visitors traverse a pine forest path to reach the main rocky plateau where the vents are located. The geological phenomenon is linked to the tectonic activity of the region.
The upper rocky clearing where the largest clusters of flames emerge, providing the best contrast against the night sky.
Bring a high-quality headlamp or flashlight for the descent, as the trail is rocky and unlit at night.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip to manage the steep, uneven limestone terrain.
Bring your own water, as there are no amenities or vendors on the plateau itself.
Attempting the hike in flip-flops or sandals; neglecting to bring adequate lighting for the return trip.
Do not attempt to extinguish the flames with water or dirt; keep the area clean and pack out all trash.
