My next stop on a South Western tour of Turkey was the small coastal resort of Cirali. After feeling underwhelmed by Kemer, I arrived with high hopes. One day of exploring Cirali and its surroundings was all it took — I fell completely in love with this unspoilt, tranquil destination.
About Cirali
Cirali is a simple village with one main street, no ATM and no formal local transport network. It does not try to be anything other than itself: rustic, relaxed and welcoming. The resort retains a distinct personality and a calm atmosphere, offering visitors a taste of authentic coastal life rather than glossy resort trappings.
Getting to Cirali
I reached Cirali by catching the local dolmus along the Antalya coastal highway, then waiting for the shared taxi bus (dolmus) to fill before descending the winding mountain road into the bay. The road is lined with abundant pomegranate trees and leads you into the village center, which offers a handful of shops, eateries and friendly mobile vendors who add to the village’s relaxed pace of life.
Don’t be surprised if a family of ducks watches you while you eat lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, take a siesta in a hammock strung from the old trees behind the restaurants.
Follow the village lane to reach the peaceful beach shared with nearby Olympos.
Local transport is often by bicycle, an easy way to explore the village and nearby hills; many accommodations provide bikes free of charge.
Accommodation
Cirali offers a couple of modern hotels, but most visitors stay in traditional Turkish pensions or at small camping sites. These options are affordable and well suited to budget travelers, couples and families seeking a quieter alternative to Olympos, which tends to draw younger crowds and a livelier nightlife.
Things to Do
Although Cirali is peaceful and secluded, there is plenty to see and do. The ancient ruins of Olympos lie a half-hour walk along the beach, and in the evening you can visit the nearby burning stones of Chimera, where flames flicker from the mountainside.
For wider exploration, return to the Antalya highway and catch a bus to nearby attractions such as Phaselis, the Mount Tahtali cable car, or the town of Demre, home to the church of St Nicholas and the Lycian ruins of Myra.
If you visit between July and September you might spot nesting Caretta Caretta turtles on the beach. I arrived out of season and missed the nesting, but those who time their visit right will enjoy turtle-watching experiences.
Cirali is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an authentic, low-key holiday away from mass tourism. Friendly locals, unspoilt beaches and a genuine village atmosphere combine to make it a memorable spot that captures Turkey at its best.
