Tahtalı Mountain

The Throne of the Gods

The Turkish name Tahtalı likely derives from the Arabic-origin word taht, meaning throne — a fitting name for a summit that was called Olympos in antiquity, the home of the gods, the point closest to the sky. Today you can reach its 2,365-metre peak in 10 minutes on the world's second longest gondola cable car, rising from a base station at the edge of the Mediterranean to a summit that looks out over the entire coast.

Tahtalı Mountain stands at the heart of Beydağları Coastal National Park, 8 kilometres from Kemer. From the summit, a single unobstructed view takes in the Mediterranean coastline from Finike in the southwest to Side in the northeast, the full ridge of the Taurus Mountains, and nearly every bay and headland along the Kemer coast. It is among the widest panoramic viewpoints in Turkey.

Ancient Olympos and Mythology

Tahtalı's ancient name Olympos is shared with many high mountains of the ancient world — each considered, in its region, the dwelling place of the gods. At the foot of this mountain lie the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos, still being excavated today. Ancient sources record that a temple dedicated to Hephaistos, the god of fire and the forge, once stood on this summit. The fact that Yanartaş — the eternal natural fires of Chimaera — burns at the base of the same mountain adds another layer to the mythology that surrounds this peak.

The Cable Car

Olympos Teleferik entered service in 2007, a Turkish-Swiss joint venture. The 4,359-metre line makes it the world's second longest gondola tramway. It was built by the Austrian Doppelmayr Garaventa Group to European safety standards. Two cabins, each carrying 80 passengers, can move 480 people per hour. The base station sits at 726 metres altitude; the summit station overcomes a vertical rise of 1,639 metres. The cabins can sway slightly in strong winds — this is normal and presents no safety concern. In extreme wind conditions the system shuts down automatically.

At the Summit

The summit station at 2,365 metres has 360-degree panoramic viewing terraces, a restaurant and café, and a gift shop. Note that payment at the summit is cash only — no cards are accepted. In summer, paragliding, hang gliding, and mountain hiking are popular activities. In winter the summit is snow-covered; for many coastal visitors, this is their first encounter with snow. The annual Tahtalı Run To Sky race and the Sea to Sky Enduro Motorcycle Race bring international sports enthusiasts to the peak each year.

Sunset and sunrise cable car tickets are available during high season with separate booking — the views at these hours are exceptional.

Important Notes

The cable car may be suspended due to weather conditions; checking operational status before visiting is strongly recommended, particularly in winter and spring. Online ticket purchase is advised in summer to avoid queues. When driving from Kemer, do not take the tunnel past Çamyuva — follow the Tahtalı signs instead. Taking the tunnel makes the cable car unreachable.

Practical Information

• Location: Between Tekirova, Çamyuva, and Kemer, within Beydağları Coastal National Park. 57 km from Antalya city centre, 8 km from Kemer.
• Getting there: From Antalya, take a Kemer bus and alight at 5M Migros shopping centre, then board a Tekirova minibus and alight at the teleferik entrance. By car via the D400 toward Kemer — past Çamyuva, follow Tahtalı signs rather than the tunnel. Entry gate and parking are free.
• Entrance fee: Cable car ticket charged separately; reduced prices for ages 7–12, free for under 6. Online purchase recommended.
• Opening hours: Varies seasonally — check before visiting.
• Time needed: Minimum half a day including the return ride and approximately 1.5 hours at the summit.
• Important: Cash only at the summit. In winter: warm coat, gloves, and hat are essential. In summer: sunscreen and hat required — there is no shade at the summit.
• Combine with: Olympos Ancient City, Yanartaş, and Phaselis lie along the same coastal route.