Information
Landmark: Mount Tahtalı (Olympos Teleferik)City: Antalya
Country: Turkey
Continent: Asia
Mount Tahtalı (Olympos Teleferik), Antalya, Turkey, Asia
Overview
Mount Tahtalı, or Olympos Dağı, rises above the turquoise coast in southern Turkey, drawing visitors to its slopes in the Beydağları Coastal National Park near Antalya.It’s part of the Taurus Mountains, climbing to 2,365 meters-about 7,760 feet-high enough to catch the chill of the clouds.Mount Tahtalı draws visitors for its breathtaking scenery, unspoiled landscapes, and the ease of getting there-just hop on the Olympos Teleferik cable car and glide above pine forests until the summit comes into view.The Olympos Teleferik, or Tahtalı Cable Car, whisks you from the foot of Mount Tahtalı to its summit, where the wind is crisp and the Mediterranean coast and Beydağları Mountains stretch out in a stunning panorama.Riding the cable car up Mount Tahtalı is the moment everyone remembers, gliding high above and watching the turquoise sweep of the Turkish Riviera spread out below.It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to climb, rising more than 1,600 meters-over 5,200 feet-straight up.Highlights of Mount Tahtalı and the Olympos Cable Car: 1.From the summit of Mount Tahtalı, you can take in sweeping views of the Mediterranean-Çıralı’s golden sands, the ancient ruins of Olympos, and the curve of Kemer Bay shimmering in the sun.On a clear day, you can spot the hazy outline of the Greek Islands and even glimpse the Antalya coastline glinting in the sun.From the summit, you can see the land stretch in every direction, a full circle of mountains and sea, making it one of Turkey’s prime spots for panoramic shots.You can see rugged mountains rising in the distance, a sweep of golden coastline, and the deep, shimmering blue of the Mediterranean Sea.Number two.At the top of Mount Tahtalı, a wide terrace waits, where you can take in sweeping mountain-and-sea views with a warm coffee in hand or linger over a meal in the restaurant.At the top, you’ll find cafés and shaded benches, a spot where you can settle in with a coffee and enjoy the view.From the summit, you might see jagged peaks dusted with snow in winter, or, when the season turns, deep green pine forests stretching to the horizon.Three.If you love nature or crave a bit of adventure, Mount Tahtalı has trails that wind through pine-scented slopes all the way to its summit.These trails lead you through shady forests, over rugged stone paths, and along cliffs where the wind carries the scent of pine and the view stretches for miles.Hiking here can push you hard, especially if you’re new to steep mountain trails, but it’s perfect for anyone craving a workout that leaves your legs humming.Number four.Flora and fauna: Beydağları National Park, which wraps around Mount Tahtalı, bursts with life-from pine forests scented with resin to deer moving quietly through the undergrowth.This region’s famous for its towering pine forests, bright bursts of wildflowers, and an incredible variety of wildlife.Hiking along the mountain’s slopes, visitors might glimpse eagles gliding on the wind, vultures circling high above, and quick-footed goats or foxes darting between the rocks.Up on the summit, the air turns cool, and a different mix of mountain plants takes root-patches of moss and hardy blooms that heighten the region’s natural charm.Number five.Mount Tahtalı holds special historical value, long linked to the fabled Mount Olympos, one of the storied peaks that echo through Greek mythology.Legend says Mount Olympos was home to the twelve Olympian gods, their thrones imagined high above the clouds, making it a place of great importance in ancient lore.Mount Tahtalı isn’t the same Mount Olympos from classical myths, but its towering peak and role in ancient history still make it a striking landmark in the region.At the base of Mount Tahtalı, you can wander through the weathered stone arches and crumbling walls of Olympos, a fascinating ancient city steeped in history.Once a bustling port, this ancient Lycian city echoed with the creak of ships and the shouts of traders.Just a few minutes’ drive from the cable car base, the ruins blend crumbling stone walls with sweeping views of the surrounding hills.Just below the mountain lies Yanartaş, or the Chimaera, where flickers of flame lick up from cracks in the rock, fueled by natural gas seeping from the earth.This phenomenon connects to the mythic Chimaera, a beast said to breathe fire hot enough to scorch stone.Çıralı Beach : The beach is located near the base of the mountain and is known for its pristine, peaceful setting.Çıralı Beach sits at the foot of the mountain, where soft sand meets quiet, glassy water.It’s perfect for a swim, a lazy stretch in the sun, and taking in the curve of the Mediterranean where the water glitters like glass.Getting there is simple-the Olympos Teleferik cable car’s base station sits just outside Kemer, along the sun‑drenched stretch of the Turkish Riviera.It’s roughly an hour’s drive from Antalya, just enough time to watch the coastline flash by.The cable car starts at the base station, 235 meters above sea level, and climbs steadily until you’re high on the summit at 2,365 meters, with the ground shrinking far below.The ride glides along without a bump, and each gondola can hold up to eight people-plenty of room for a small group and their backpacks.The best time to head up Mount Tahtalı is in spring, from April to June, or in autumn, between September and November, when the air feels gentle and the sky stretches bright and blue above you.These seasons are perfect for soaking up the cable car’s sweeping views and wandering the trails, where pine needles crunch underfoot.July and August can scorch the valleys, but up on the summit, the air stays cool and crisp-a perfect break from the heat.In winter, the mountain often gets blanketed in snow, transforming the air into something crisp and sharp and giving visitors a whole new world to explore-perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, or simply taking in the dazzling white peaks.In the Antalya region, riding the Olympos Teleferik up Mount Tahtalı treats visitors to an experience they won’t forget, with crisp mountain air and sweeping views of the sea.From the summit, you can drink in sweeping views of the Mediterranean’s blue shimmer, the rugged Taurus Mountains, and the land stretching far beyond-a rare and unforgettable sight in Turkey.
