Tahtalı Mountain – Olympos Cable Car

Description

It is a high mountain peak famous for its cable car that reaches an altitude of 2365 meters, offering a view of the Mediterranean.

Story

Tahtalı Mountain, known in ancient times as Olympus, is one of the magnificent peaks of the Beydağları that today carries thousands of visitors to its summit via the Olympos Cable Car system. With a height reaching 2365 meters, it is one of the rare points where you can see the endless blue horizon of the Mediterranean on one side and the undulating silhouette of the Taurus Mountains on the other in the same frame. In ancient times, this place was thought to be the homeland of the gods in mythological narratives; particularly, it was considered a part of the sacred geography of the region along with the ancient city of Olympos on the opposite coast and the Çıralı Yanartaş. Nowadays, you can reach the summit of the mountain with a modern cable car system starting from a point close to sea level in about 10 minutes. As you ascend in the cable car cabin, you first glide over pine forests, then pass by rocky slopes and steep cliffs; with every meter you rise, both the scenery and the air temperature change. Even in the summer months, the wind can be strong and the air cool at the summit. The summit station features panoramic terraces, cafes, and photo spots; on a clear day, your gaze can follow the coastline stretching towards Kaş. In the winter months, the summit is covered in snow, making the mountain attractive for skiing and snow hiking. Many stories are told in local legends, from the mythological heroes wandering at the foot of Tahtalı to the lightning strikes at the mountain's peak. This mountain, where modern tourist infrastructure intertwines with ancient mythology, is one of the places that embodies Antalya's slogan of "from the sea to the sky" in its most tangible form.

Visit Tips

• The cable car schedule varies by season; check the official website for service and maintenance information before you go.
• The weather at the summit can be 10–15 degrees cooler than at the shore; even in summer, it’s a good idea to bring a jacket or fleece with you.
• Ticket prices are charged per person; special trips are occasionally organized for early morning or sunset.
• Try to stay close to the window in the booth for taking photos; however, be careful not to lean or hang down for safety reasons.

Photos