Chimaera to Olympos

We travel back to the mythic past today, starting with a hike to Chimaera to see the mysterious flames that sprout from the rocks.   Myths say that this ancient site is where the hero Bellerophon and the flying horse Pegasus defeated the fire-breathing monster Chimaera. They drove it underground, from where it still belches fire.  Whatever the source, this site is uniquely interesting and a great introduction to Turkey's mixture of past and present.

Retracing our steps, we then walk down the mountain, following a valley to the sea, where we walk thru the local village of Cirali.   We then traverse the coast, walking on the beach past an imposing promontory with the remains of a Byzantine castle to enter the remains of the city of Olympos.  A river divides the site, not occupied only by turtles and ducks.   Much of the site is overgrown, but you can find temple gates, the necropolis and other major buildings.  Emerging from the past, we walk thru backpacker treehouse pensions (complete with internet access).   Our bus will be waiting to take us to a nearby restaurant for a lunch of gozleme (Turkish crepes with a variety of fillings). 

After lunch, we'll stop at the site of Phaselis, once an important port with 3 harbors.  We'll have time to explore the site, or swim in one of the abandoned harbors, or just relax in an ancient agora.

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