Treehouse accommodation, burning rocks and a sweeping beach surround the ancient ruins of Olympos

Well off the tour bus circuit but an increasing fixture on the backpacker trail, the ancient ruins of Olympos lie in a forested valley in the Bey Mountains Coastal National Park about 90km southwest of Antalya city.

A necropolis, theatre, bathhouse and acropolis are among the remains of this once-major port town which backs onto a 4km-long beach and now lies scattered in the riverbed and forest, overrun by wild grapevines and pines.

Some 7km away on Mount Olympos, clusters of permanently alight flames flare up from the rocky slopes. Known as Chimaera or the Yanartas (burning stone) they are caused by natural gas (mainly methane) escaping from the earth and bursting into flames on contact with air. Ancient inhabitants of the area attributed the phenomenon to the fiery breath of a mythical subterranean beast. The most dramatic time to visit Chimaera is after dark.

Olympos has in recent years become extremely popular with backpackers who come here to chill out in the beachside treehouse accommodation. As assortment of rustic bars and discos cater to this clientele.

Other high-energy pursuits in the area include rock climbing, canyoning and horse-riding.