Located between Antalya and Muğla, Adrasan is a hidden paradise of the Mediterranean, where all the colors of nature blend harmoniously with its lush greenery and vibrant blue waters. Situated in the south of Turkey, it resembles a painting, surrounded by pine forests and the crystal-clear sea of Antalya’s most beautiful coast.
The tranquil, peaceful atmosphere here allows you to relax your soul and immerse yourself in the rhythm of the waves, making it impossible not to notice how time seems to slow down. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a peaceful vacation, there are many reasons to visit this paradise, which offers unique beauty not only during the summer months but throughout the year.
Must-Visit Spots at ADRASAN
Musa Mountain
When you think of Adrasan, the first thing that often comes to mind is Olympos. Don’t you agree? I can’t think of Adrasan and Olympos as separate places because whenever I plan a trip to Olympos, I always pass through Adrasan, and whenever I visit Adrasan, I can’t help but see Olympos as well.
What makes these two places special and adds even more beauty to them is Mount Musa, located exactly between Adrasan and Olympos. It separates the two, standing tall right across from Adrasan. With its grandeur, Mount Musa offers different views at sunrise and sunset, making it a symbol of Adrasan. Perhaps that’s why every time I hear the name Adrasan, I think of the unique beauty of Mount Musa at sunset.
Adrasan doesn’t only attract vacationers. This mountain is also on the list of places to visit for hikers and climbing enthusiasts. It is an important part of the Lycian Way, rising abruptly to about 1,500 meters in altitude. When you complete the trail and reach the summit, you’ll come across ancient ruins, remnants of the Olympos Ancient City that have remained intact to this day, with the most notable being the water cisterns. These cisterns, resembling buried jars, are 7-8 meters deep with openings almost 2 meters wide. And the views don’t end there; from the summit, you can see the coastline stretching from Çıralı, Kemer, and on clear days, all the way to Antalya. If you want to experience adventure and enjoyment at the same time, don’t finish your trip in Adrasan without climbing this mountain.
Adrasan Bay & Beach
If you’re looking to enjoy a perfect seaside holiday and immerse yourself in the sea, Adrasan Bay is one of the most beautiful spots you can reach, with its aquarium-clear, shallow sandy waters surrounded by pine trees. I wholeheartedly recommend this place to vacationers of all ages. The main reason is that the sea is shallow, calm, and sheltered like a harbor, making it wave-free and peaceful. There is no entrance fee to the beach. If you wish, you can rent a sunbed and umbrella for 50 TL at Adrasan Beach. If you have your own umbrella and chair, you can easily bring them and enjoy the beach. Near the bay, there are many family-run guesthouses, bungalows, and camping areas. If you’re within walking distance, you can easily reach the beach. For those coming by car, there are paid parking areas available.
Adrasan Castle
If you’re a nature enthusiast and you’ve already enjoyed the crystal-clear waters of Adrasan and climbed Musa Mountain, but still crave more adventure, I highly recommend hiking up to Adrasan Castle, also known as Kız Kalesi, where you can immerse yourself in the historical fabric of Adrasan. Reaching the summit requires a challenging hike. If you’re experienced with walking and trail paths, this will be to your advantage. You can drive to the Adrasan Castle sign, but from there, it’s about a 30-minute trek on a steep terrain. I wouldn’t call it a road, as you’ll be walking over rocky areas.
If you’re determined to tackle this challenging climb, I suggest wearing hiking boots if possible. I don’t need to remind you not to come in sandals, flip-flops, or similar footwear. Be sure to bring water, and to reward yourself at the summit, pack some fruit or snacks. Once you reach the top, the view will make all the effort worthwhile, and you’ll be in awe of Adrasan’s unique beauty.
Adrasan is a place full of activities that can be enjoyed in every season, and the spring and autumn months are the best times to hike up to Adrasan Castle.
Adrasan Creek
Adrasan Creek, located within Bey Mountains National Park, flows from Tahtalı Mountain into Adrasan Bay. I liken it to the ones found in Saklıkent, Ulupınar, and Alanya Dim Stream due to its seating areas built over the creek. On both sides of the creek, there are hotels and terraced buildings. Especially during the hottest summer months, this is the perfect spot to cool off. The area is adorned with sycamore trees, and there are seating areas where you can enjoy your meal while relishing the refreshing coolness of the water.Karaöz
If you’re longing for an untouched, pristine nature, Karaöz will fulfill that desire. Located 10 km away from Adrasan and along the Lycian Way, it’s a popular stop for hiking enthusiasts. The meeting point of lush green forests and the deep blue sea, Karaöz Beach offers an unforgettable swimming experience. While you’re here, make sure to visit Pirate Cove as well.
Gelidonya Lighthouse
You can’t visit Karaöz and Pirate Cove without heading to Gelidonya Lighthouse, as it is not only Turkey’s largest lighthouse but also offers stunning sunset views that will captivate you with their beauty. This location is also known for one of the most striking views along the Lycian Way, which is popular among hikers from around the world. From the lighthouse, you can see the Five Islands, which hold significant historical importance in Lycian history and are uninhabited.
Gelidonya Lighthouse can be reached from two different points, both of which do not have direct access by car. One option is to walk the Adrasan-Gelidonya Lighthouse route, which is 12 km long and of moderate difficulty. The other is to take a car to the Karaöz Village route and then complete the remaining 1-hour walk to the lighthouse.
Çıralı
Çıralı, located in the Kemer district of Antalya, is famous for being a breeding ground for Caretta Caretta turtles and is a protected area. It is also one of the cleanest tourist destinations in Antalya, which contributes to its popularity. Thanks to the Ulupınar stream flowing into the sea, you can swim in the salty waters of Çıralı and cleanse yourself in the natural showers of Ulupınar. With its magnificent nature, crystal-clear sea, ancient ruins, and the presence of Caretta Caretta turtles, Çıralı offers a perfect vacation experience.
Suluada
When you think of Adrasan, the first place that comes to mind is the miraculous beauty of Suluada, often referred to as the Maldives of the Mediterranean. This is my favorite spot, a place that enchants me every time I visit. The fame of Suluada is well-known in Turkey, and its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pure white sands attract not only local tourists but also foreign visitors.
Access to Suluada is provided through daily boat tours departing from Adrasan. There are different tour alternatives available: you can join a tour of paradise coves to explore different bays of Adrasan, or opt for a private boat tour that exclusively takes you to Suluada, allowing you to spend the entire day there with your family and friends.
We joined the tour with Miraç Captain from Adrasan. You can find more details about our boat tour in our other article.
Lycian Way
A must-do for any traveler’s list is walking the stages of the Lycian Way, including the Karaöz-Gelidonya Cape-Adrasan and Adrasan-Olympos-Çıralı segments. Gelidonya Cape, the southernmost point of Lycia, is also home to the Gelidonya Lighthouse. Additionally, the Phoenician shipwreck dating back to the 12th century BC was discovered here.
Phaselis Ancient City
If you want to enjoy the sea and sun during your summer vacation but also experience a touch of culture, you must visit Phaselis. Located in Kemer, just 33 km away from Adrasan, it was one of the most important port cities of Lycia.
The ancient city is filled with so many impressive structures that as you explore this historic site, you can not only trace the footprints of the past and witness history, but you can also feel the historical texture even while swimming in the sea.
Editor’s note:
Phaselis Ancient City is not only for those who come to explore the ruins but also for those who want to spend the whole day swimming and having a picnic… continue reading >>
Korsan Koyu
This place is also known as Çoban Koyu, and as the name suggests, it was one of the areas used by pirates as a shelter in the past.
Surrounded by pine trees, the cove is a popular spot for campers. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its proximity to historic and tourist destinations like Adrasan, Gelidonya Lighthouse, Karaöz, and the Ancient City of Olimpos. Additionally, it’s one of the rare spots with a freshwater source along the Lycian Way, making it a must-visit for many hikers who don’t complete their journey without stopping here.
Korsan Koyu is one of the most beautiful spots for camping, and you’ll never forget the sleep you get under millions of stars and the morning you wake up to the crystal-clear blue sea.
Yanartaş – Chimera : The Eternal Flame of Olympus
If you’re visiting Adrasan, don’t miss the chance to explore Yanartaş, also known as the “Eternal Flame of Olympus.” Located near Çıralı in Kemer, this natural gas source has been burning for centuries and is steeped in Greek mythology. It’s one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the region, and its proximity to Adrasan makes it a must-see on your travel list.
Getting There: A Rewarding Hike
To reach Yanartaş, you’ll need to embark on a moderately challenging hike that takes about 30 minutes. The effort is well worth it as you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and the unforgettable sight of natural flames burning from the rocks.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re visiting during the summer, the hike can get quite hot, so it’s best to go either early in the morning or just before sunset. The cooler temperatures during these times make for a much more pleasant walk, and you’ll also get to enjoy the mesmerizing sunset views. Be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the path can be uneven.
Entrance Fee and Practical Information
As of 2024, the entrance fee to Yanartaş is 45 TL. Please note that the Museum Card is not valid for entry here.
Discover the Ancient Ruins of Olympos: A Hidden Gem in Antalya
Located within the Beydağları Coastal National Park in southern Antalya, Olympos is one of the most significant ancient port cities after Phaselis. The ruins that remain today mainly date back to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
A Unique Atmosphere
There’s something truly special about Olympos that you won’t find in any other ancient city. Surrounded by pine forests, the city allows you to immerse yourself in its historical atmosphere, and then, just steps away, you can dive into the turquoise waters. In my opinion, the most iconic feature of Olympos is the bridge over the Olympos River (Akçay), which divides the city in two.
Key Attractions in Olympos
The protected area in Olympos is home to numerous impressive ruins. To the north, you’ll find the North Necropolis, a Roman temple, monumental tombs, mosaic buildings, the Captain Eudomos Sarcophagus, the Genoese Castle, and harbor memorial tombs. To the south, you can explore the South Necropolis, the Alkeltis sarcophagus, city walls, theater, and bathhouses. These ancient landmarks will captivate you and transport you back in time.
How to Get to Olympos Ancient City
Whether you’re drawn to the natural beauty or the ancient ruins, Olympos is a must-visit destination. If you’re driving, you can park your car in the parking lot at the entrance of the ancient city, which costs 100 TL. It’s important to note that this is the only available parking area, so you’ll need to park here.
You can also reach Olympos by public transport. Minibuses heading toward Kumluca and Kaş depart from Antalya’s bus station, and you can get off at the Olympos junction.
Alternatively, you can take part in a guided tour to explore the site with expert insights.
Entrance Fees
- Parking: 100 TL
- Entrance fee: 60 TL
- Museum Pass is valid.
How to Go?
How to Reach Adrasan from Antalya by Public Transport
Adrasan is located **95 km** from Antalya and can be reached in approximately **1.5 hours**. If you are traveling by bus, you can take a bus heading to Kumluca, and get off at the Adrasan junction (Kumluca Regional Traffic Directorate). From there, you can take an Adrasan Tur minibus or a taxi to reach the town. Another option is to take a minibus from Antalya Bus Terminal, which departs every half hour to Kumluca. Once you arrive in Kumluca, get off at the Adrasan junction, and continue your journey to the center of Adrasan by Adrasan Tur or a taxi.How to Reach Adrasan by Car
To reach Adrasan by car from Antalya, follow the route towards Kemer. After passing Kemer, continue through Çamyuva, Tekirova, Ulupınar, Çıralı, and the Olympos-Adrasan junction. Drive approximately 7 km further, and turn off at the Adrasan junction. From here, drive another 9 km, then turn right at the end of the road. Follow the coastal signs for 2 km. After reaching Çakmak Mosque (marked by a poplar tree in the middle), turn left and drive another 2 km to reach the point where the river meets the sea.Accommodation Recommendations
Adrasan, one of Turkey’s most peaceful holiday destinations, offers a variety of accommodation options, from cozy bungalows and tree houses to charming hotels. These accommodations, just a short walk from the beach, are nestled in nature and provide a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. We’ve carefully reviewed the best options for you, ensuring a comfortable stay and unforgettable memories.
Do you prefer tranquility or entertainment? Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled getaway, our detailed guide is packed with personal experiences and recommendations. From BBQs to historic tours, we’ve gathered tips to make every moment of your holiday special.
Check out our Accommodation Recommendations to find the perfect place for your stay!
Dining, Shopping, and Local Delights
In Adrasan, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options, from bed and breakfast to full board, and even bungalows with fridges and kitchen equipment for those who like to cook. Finding an option that suits you won’t be hard. However, don’t compare this region to the ultra-all-inclusive five-star hotels in Antalya! Here, the focus is on nature, sustainability, and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life—perfect for nature lovers and those seeking peace.
During our stay at Yavuz Hotel, we enjoyed both breakfast and dinner. The variety of breakfast options was impressive, and the dinners far exceeded our expectations in terms of both taste and quality. We were particularly impressed by the meals cooked by the owner’s sister. At Twin Aparts Bungalows, there wasn’t a dining service, but there were nearby markets like Migros and Bim where we bought practical supplies, breakfast items, and grill-friendly products, which made our meals quite enjoyable. Additionally, there are several restaurants in the area. If you’re traveling by car, we highly recommend visiting the restaurants along the Ulupınar River, just 20 minutes away. You won’t regret it!
