Yanartaş, located in Antalya, is a rock that continuously burns in a natural cave. The rock is situated at the foot of Mount Olympos and is believed to have existed since the ancient Lycian period. Yanartaş has attracted visitors’ attention for years and is famous for its natural beauty and mystical atmosphere.
The continuous burning of Yanartaş is due to a geological phenomenon. The rock is situated above methane gas beds that arise from underground cavities. These gases emerge from cracks in the rock and ignite upon contact with oxygen. The fire burns small and continuously but never turns into a large fire.
Yanartaş is open to visitors every day. The visiting hours are from 08:00 to 19:00 during the summer months and from 08:00 to 17:00 during the winter months. There is no entrance fee to visit. A hiking trail that is part of the road network in the Olympos region can be used to reach Yanartaş. The trail is about 2 kilometers long and about 300 meters high from the sea. It takes about 45-60 minutes to reach Yanartaş.
Yanartaş is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for its historical and mythological connections. In the Lycian period, the rock was used as a natural temple and is still a popular tourist destination today. In ancient mythology, the rock was the home of the God Chimera and was constantly burning until it was defeated by Hercules.
Yanartaş offers visitors a unique natural beauty. Visitors can walk around the rock, experience the mystical atmosphere of the natural fire, and discover historical remnants from the Lycian period. However, visitors must not touch the fire and must follow safety rules around the rock.
In summary, Yanartaş in Antalya is a natural phenomenon that is open to visitors every day. Visitors can access the rock for free, and the best time to visit is during the summer months
