Tahtalı Cable Car (Olympos): Above the Clouds at 2365 m

The Tahtalı Cable Car is a gondola line in Antalya's Kemer district that carries you to the summit of Tahtalı Mountain, 2365 metres above sea level. Set in the Olympos region, the facility whisks you within minutes from the pine forests of the Beydağları up to the snow line, offering an unmatched panorama over the entire Mediterranean coast. Don't miss this view on your trip to Antalya; it is one of the region's most unforgettable vantage points.

What awaits you at the summit?

Tahtalı Mountain rises just behind the coastline known in antiquity as Olympos, and it is one of the highest peaks in the area. From the moment you step into the gondola cabin the scenery changes fast: below, the coves, pine forests and shoreline of Kemer shrink away, while above you appear bare rock and open sky.

When you reach the top, a wide viewing terrace welcomes you. On a clear day your gaze stretches south to the Gulf of Antalya and west to the mountain chains of the Beydağları. When clouds settle below the peak, the sensation of standing above a sea of clouds is mesmerising. The summit has a cafeteria and photo spots; at sunrise and sunset the light paints the coast and mountains in entirely new colours.

For those seeking adventure, the summit is also the launch point for paragliding and mountain hiking routes. As part of the Beydağları Coastal National Park, this altitude is a true paradise for nature lovers.

How to get there

The lower station of the Tahtalı Cable Car is near Tekirova, within the Kemer district. To reach the area from Antalya city centre you can take regional buses and minibuses (dolmuş) heading toward Kemer; from Kemer, a short ride by dolmuş or car brings you to the lower station. If you come by your own car there is parking at the lower station, and the coastal road itself makes for a delightful drive.

Whether you are staying in Kemer, Tekirova, Çıralı or central Antalya, this can easily be planned as a day trip. Many tour companies offer packages with transfers from the region, but going independently by public transport and dolmuş is also entirely possible. Since schedules and ticket hours can change with the season and weather, we recommend checking the current operating hours before you set off.

When to go

The summit's appeal shifts with every season. In spring and autumn the air is usually crisp and visibility reaches its peak, making these periods ideal for photography. In summer, while the coast swelters, a cool breeze greets you at the top, making it the perfect escape from the heat. In winter the summit is blanketed in snow, and moving from the mild coastal air to a snowy panorama within minutes is a unique experience.

Whatever season you choose, remember that the temperature at the top is markedly lower than on the coast. Even in midsummer it is wise to bring an extra warm layer.

Practical tips

Wind and cool air are almost always present at the summit; be sure to bring a jacket or windbreaker. Because the sun is more intense at altitude, sunglasses and sunscreen come in handy. Comfortable walking shoes will improve your comfort on the viewing terraces and short trail loops.

For the clearest view, favour the early morning hours; by afternoon clouds may wrap the peak. The cable car is sensitive to weather, so operations can be affected on windy days — plan flexibly. For photography enthusiasts, sunset is a magical moment when the coastline turns golden.

How long does the Tahtalı Cable Car ride take?

The cable car journey from the lower station to the summit takes a few minutes, and in that short span you experience a dramatic shift in scenery, from pine forests to bare peak. How long you spend at the top is up to you; most visitors set aside a couple of hours to take in the view, snap photos and rest at the cafeteria.

What is the weather like at the Tahtalı summit?

Because the summit stands at 2365 metres, the weather is noticeably colder and windier than on the coast. Even in summer a cool breeze prevails, and in winter the peak is covered in snow. For this reason, whatever the season, it is advisable to bring a warm layer of clothing.

What can you do at the summit besides the cable car?

The summit has wide viewing terraces, a cafeteria and panoramic photo spots. For adventure seekers, it is the launch point for paragliding flights and mountain hiking routes. Watching the Beydağları scenery through binoculars and gazing at the sea of clouds are among the most beloved activities.

After taking in this magnificent Antalya summit, you can round off your journey by discovering the surrounding coves, ancient cities and more travel routes through FindAntalya.