The signature landmark of Turkish Kemer, Tahtalı Mountain, offers a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea and its surroundings. In this article, we discuss whether this attraction is worth visiting, how to get there, and share some of the emotions experienced during the tour. But first, let’s start from the beginning.
Description
Attraction Information
Address: Mount Tahtali, near Kemer, Antalya Province, Turkey 
Working Hours: Typically 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (cable car operating hours; subject to seasonal variations and weather conditions) 
Ticket Price: Approximately 150 TL for adults (round-trip cable car fare); discounted rates available for children and groups; prices may vary slightly depending on the season and operator 
Photo Allowed? Yes 
Historical Info: Mount Tahtali has long been a landmark in the region, known for its mythological and cultural significance in local lore; while its primary appeal is the breathtaking panoramic view of the Mediterranean coastline and surrounding mountains 
Guide / Excursion Info: Guided tours are available through local travel agencies in Kemer; on-site guides at the summit offer insights into the region's natural history and cultural significance, though the cable car ride itself is self-guided 
Recommended Visit Time: 2–3 hours is ideal to enjoy the cable car ride and time at the summit; early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended for optimal lighting and fewer crowds 
Accessibility:
Yes 
Parking Availability:
Yes 
Public Transport Options: Accessible by local buses and taxis from Kemer and Antalya; some hotels in the area also offer shuttle services to the cable car station
Reviews
Photos
Tahtalı Mountain in Kemer (Tahtal Kemer) reaches an elevation of 2365 meters and is part of the Western Taurus mountain range. Tahtalı, also known as Olympos, is the highest mountain along the Mediterranean coast and is clearly visible from anywhere in Kemer and Antalya. This proximity to the peak inspires many tourists to consider climbing to the summit to admire the surroundings—even if only from a modest yet significant height.
Tahtalı translates from Turkish as “planked” (or “boarded”), though the origin of this name remains unknown. Its second name, Olympos, better suits its status as a peak, and locals even believe that the mountain is the dwelling place of ancient gods.
During summer, the mountain is covered with vegetation up to approximately 1900 meters; above that, the flora becomes sparse and, starting from 1900 meters, no trees can be found as snow begins to appear.
In winter, the mountain is almost completely covered with ice and snow, and in spring an interesting phenomenon occurs—the mountain takes on a reddish hue. This is due to winds blowing from the Sahara, carrying sand of a specific color onto its slopes.
Is it worth spending a few hours for a tour of Tahtalı? Absolutely yes, if only for the ten-minute ride on the cable car from the lower to the upper station.
IMPORTANT! Ticket counters operate until 17:30.
Attractions of Tahtalı Mountain (Olympos)
On the mountain itself, you won’t find any historical monuments or legendary structures, except for the three-story cable car building; the true value of the peak lies in the breathtaking landscapes visible from its highest point. The view is simply breathtaking. The plateau itself is a flat expanse that could be likened, from a distance, to a throne upon which the Greek gods once sat, leisurely observing the happenings below.
There are also several telescopes available here, with a usage fee of 1 lira (this was the case as of 2025). It is advisable to carry several coins of this denomination, otherwise you might be charged at a less favorable exchange rate – 1 dollar for 1 lira.
By the way, it’s not advisable to ascend the mountain if the weather is gloomy or if the sky is overcast—what’s the point of cloud-watching from over 2 km high? You head to the mountains for the landscapes, so clear, cloudless weather is essential; simply trust us and postpone your trip if it’s foggy, rainy, etc.
At the foot of the mountain, there is an area where gases burst forth and ignite at the interface between the earth and the air. This spectacle is best observed at night, as daytime views of such a phenomenon can be somewhat diluted. Additionally, the ascent to the area where these ignitions occur is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. Although we mentioned that the ignitions take place at the base of the mountain, this is not entirely the case in reality.
The third attraction, and the most tangible of the aforementioned, is the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos, which is approximately 500 years old. Among the ruins, several iconic structures are well-preserved, including:
- an amphitheater (which accommodated up to 5,000 spectators);
- a medieval castle;
- temple doors;
- fortification walls;
- a temple colonnade.
It cannot be said that the mountain and ancient Olympos are intrinsically linked; they are simply two tourist spots located in close proximity. However, when visiting the mountain, be sure to also swing by the ancient town so you don’t have to make a separate trip…
Olympos has a complex history, and if you wish, you can ask your guide for more details; however, we won’t burden you with lengthy accounts of the city’s growth and development.
Location
Tahtalı is located 18 km from Kemer and approximately 62 km from Antalya, within the Beydaglari Olympos National Park. Its exact location is shown on the map.
There are three ways to reach the mountain:
- by cable car – the “Sea to Sky” route;
- by car;
- on foot.
Cable Car
How do you reach Tahtalı Mountain in Kemer? For those preferring a relaxed experience, the most favorable option is to take the “Sea to Sky” cable car, which stretches for approximately 6 km, according to our calculations. The entire ascent takes 10 minutes, with the cabin moving at a speed of 10 meters per second, so there you have it.
The cable car begins its journey at an elevation of 726 meters, which is still not the summit. If you’re on a guided tour, it’s straightforward; however, if you’re going independently—especially by public transport—there might be some minor nuances.
So, you need to head from Kemer (Antalya) towards Tekirova, and be sure to inform the driver in advance that you wish to alight at the turn leading to the cable car. From that turn, it’s about a 7 km walk or you can opt for a transfer at 12 lira per person. In fact, the official website of the cable car states that transfers are available from both Kemer and even Antalya (in the former case, 8,5 euros for an adult and 4.5 euros for a child, and in the latter, 19 and 9 euros respectively), but we were unable to determine the exact stop for this transfer.
The prices for using the cable car are as follows:
| Item | Adult (EUR) | Child (7–12 years) (EUR) | Child (up to 6 years) (EUR) |
| Round trip | 30 | 15 | Free |
| One-way ticket | 20 | 10 | Free |
| Sunrise | 48 | 24 | Free |
| Sunset | 61 | 31 | 11 |
The cable car operates year-round, with the following operating hours:
| Season | Operating hours |
| April–May | 10:00–17:00 |
| May–June | 09:30–18:00 |
| July–September | 09:00–18:30 |
| October–November | 10:00–18:00 |
| November–April | 10:00–17:00 |
If you want to witness a sunrise, note that this is only possible at designated times during the high season:
| Month | Days | Assembly | Departure | Sunrise time |
| June | Tuesday, Friday | 04:30 | 04:45 | 05:37–05:39 |
| July | Tuesday, Friday | 04:45 | 05:00 | 05:38–05:58 |
| August | Tuesday, Friday | 05:15 | 05:30 | 05:59–06:29 |
| September | Tuesday, Friday | 05:45 | 06:00 | 06:24–06:48 |
| October | Tuesday, Friday | 06:00 | 06:15 | 06:49–07:16 |
For sunset, the schedule is as follows:
| Month | Days | Assembly | Departure | Sunset time |
| June | Monday – Saturday | 18:30 | 19:00 | 20:15–20:24 |
| July | Monday – Saturday | 18:30 | 19:00 | 20:08–20:24 |
| August | Monday – Saturday | 18:30 | 19:00 | 19:31–20:08 |
| September | Monday – Saturday | 18:00 | 18:30 | 18:47–19:30 |
| October | Monday – Saturday | 17:30 | 18:00 | 18:06–18:45 |
Tourists are always assembled at the lower station, where they are also returned after the ride.
A little life hack – if you wish to avoid long queues, we recommend arriving 15–20 minutes before opening, so you can enjoy the cable car ride and the views almost in solitude (aside from other early birds).
A few words about the cabin. The cable car ascent to Tahtalı in Antalya is one of the few interesting activities in this region. The cable car ride will be unforgettable for all enthusiasts of indoor thrills – indeed, “indoor” since the ride is 99% safe (even airplanes don’t offer a 100% guarantee). The cabin holds 80 people, and a word of advice: it’s best to sit by the window (which seems obvious, though not everyone may think so). After all, what’s the point of taking a cable car if you can’t enjoy the scenery? During the ascent, the cabin may dip slightly a few times, but there’s no need to be alarmed – it’s just a typical air pocket, after all, you’re over 2 km high.
Lower Station
The lower station is the point from which the cable car departs; we have explained how to reach it independently above. What’s interesting at the lower station:
- parking for tour buses;
- parking for private vehicles;
- ticket counters;
- firefighting water reservoir;
- a small zoo;
- a small café.
As for prices, they vary considerably between Kemer and Tahtalı, often differing by several multiples. However, a standard meal will cost between 120 and 360 lira, depending on your preferences.
Upper Station
The upper station is a three-story building that houses two restaurants—one of which is panoramic—several souvenir shops with, by Turkish standards, exorbitant prices, and an observation deck equipped with telescopes (as mentioned earlier, we advised you to bring change in Turkish coins).
The panoramic restaurant is truly delightful. Just imagine sitting at the top of the mountain, right by the window, with an endless horizon unfolding before your eyes – it’s a mesmerizing sight.
If you enjoy hiking, there are also walking trails available; depending on the difficulty and length of the route, the cost may vary. Entrance to the mountain is free!
By the way, if you’re into real thrills, paragliding from the summit is offered at 258 dollars.
On Foot
For mountain enthusiasts, you can test your endurance by attempting the ascent on foot (in this case, you won’t have to pay anything, as the hiking trail is free).
The mountain can be ascended from two sides:
- from the village of Beyçik;
- from the Yaila Kudzere side.
It is easiest to reach the village of Beyçik, as the trail from there to the summit is the most popular compared to the route from Yaila Kudzere. Upon arrival, you should ask the locals where the trail begins (it’s usually near a tea seller’s stall).
The trail is clearly marked, so you’ll only get lost if you really want to. As for the second route, part of the path goes through a forest, and we wouldn’t recommend it for beginners.
Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and a change of shoes, as you’ll be trekking on snow near the summit and your feet may get wet.
Another unpleasant factor is the heat—if you choose to hike, it’s best to start early in the morning because, during the high season, the sun can be extremely harsh from 11 a.m. onwards. So, your self-guided hike could turn into a trial. Nevertheless, many people, including families with small children, opt for the hiking route, so if you’re inclined, why not give it a try? Keep in mind that the ascent typically takes about 4–5 hours at a moderate pace.
And as for the photos and videos you can capture on your way up – you’ll have to experience it for yourself to truly imagine.
By Car
If you’re driving your own or a rented car, you can only reach the lower station; from there, the ascent is via the cable car. The route is fairly simple: from the D-400 highway, take a right turn (the turn is after the town of Chamyuva). Follow the 7 km winding road uphill, and you’ll arrive at your destination. The first parking area is for tour buses, and the one further up is for tourist vehicles. It’s best to confirm parking fees on-site, but parking is free for cable car users.
Legends of Tahtalı
Turkey wouldn’t be Turkey without the beautiful legends that surround various places. Tahtalı Mountain is no exception. According to legend, in ancient times a fearsome creature called the Chimera lived at its summit, breathing fire from its mouth and instilling terror in the locals. One of the gods defeated it and cast it beyond the mountain, though not killing it. Since then, the creature is said to breathe malevolently and emit flames through the earth.
Such a beautiful legend served the locals to explain natural phenomena they could not otherwise understand. After all, how were they to know that the fire emanating from the earth was nothing more than gas? Thus, the Chimera and its vanquisher were born in myth.
Thus, this is undoubtedly a must-visit site – don’t miss your chance to touch a piece of history.
