🪂 Air Activities
Must See
2365 m Summit
Olympos Cable Car to the Summit of Mount Tahtalı
Tekirova, Kemer, Antalya
Foto: Tanya Dedyukhina / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
The Olympos Cable Car takes you in about 10–12 minutes to the highest point in the area: the 2365-metre summit of Mount Tahtalı, the mountain that also carries the ancient name Olympos. A day that starts in 40-degree heat by the sea continues minutes later on a cool terrace above the clouds. On a clear day the summit opens up a 360-degree view over Olympos, Çıralı, Phaselis, the Kemer coast and all the way to Antalya.
The cable car in numbers
- Opened in 2007, the line was built by the Austrian Doppelmayr Garaventa group.
- About 4.35 km long, it climbs 1639 metres from the lower station at 726 m to the summit at 2365 m.
- Two large cabins of 80 passengers each run in opposite directions.
- The line passes over extensions of Beydağları Coastal National Park.
What to do at the top
- Viewing terraces and restaurant-café: Coffee or lunch above the clouds.
- Tandem paragliding: Fly from the summit to Tekirova beach (see our Tahtalı Paragliding page).
- Bungee catapult: A short, thrilling ride at the summit station where elastic ropes launch you into the air.
- Hiking: Short walks around the summit; Lycian Way routes on the Beycik and Kuzdere sides also cross the mountain's foothills.
- Sunrise and sunset programmes: Special early and late departures on certain days of the year.
Seasonal opening hours
- 1 June – 30 September: 09:00 – 18:00
- 1 April – 31 May and 1–31 October: 09:00 – 17:00
- 1 November – 31 March: 09:00 – 15:00
The last trip to the summit leaves about 30 minutes before closing, and vehicle access to the mountain road closes 15 minutes before the last departure. Hours can change with weather and maintenance, so check the official website before you go.
The two things visitors warn about most
- Fog and cloud: The summit can sit inside the clouds, and then the view disappears completely. Before buying a ticket, check the screens at the ticket office or the online live camera; mornings are usually clearer.
- Cold: The summit is 15–20 degrees cooler than the coast and can be windy even in midsummer. Always bring a sweater or windbreaker.
Many visitors find the ticket price high, but reviews largely agree that on a clear day the view is worth it. Cabins can be very crowded on weekend afternoons.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the lower station and how do I get there from Olympos?
The lower station is between Çamyuva and Tekirova, at the end of a roughly 7 km private mountain road that starts from the main entrance near the Phaselis tunnel. From Olympos and Çıralı, take the D400 highway towards Tekirova; the main entrance is signposted.
Can I get there by public transport?
Yes. From Antalya, take a city bus to the 5M Migros transfer point, then a Kemer–Tekirova minibus to the cable car's main entrance. A paid shuttle runs from the main entrance to the lower station. In summer there are also transfers from Antalya, Kemer and nearby hotels.
How cold is the summit and what should I wear?
The summit is 15–20 degrees cooler than the coast; even in midsummer it can be around 15–20°C and windy. If you're in shorts and a T-shirt, bring a sweater or windbreaker. In winter there is snow at the top.
What if it's foggy?
If the summit is in the clouds, you may not see the view. Check the screens at the ticket office or the online live camera before buying a ticket. Mornings are generally clearer.
How long is the ride, and are the cabins crowded?
The ride up takes about 10–12 minutes. Each cabin holds 80 people and can be full, especially on weekend afternoons; go early to avoid queues.
I'm afraid of heights. Can I still ride?
The cabins are large and enclosed and the ride is short and smooth. The height above ground does get very high at times; people with a fear of heights often find it easier to stand in the middle of the cabin and look at the horizon.
Can I stop for a picnic on the mountain road?
No. Stopping and picnicking on the mountain road to the lower station is prohibited.
How much time should I allow?
Excluding travel, 2–3 hours is enough for the ride up and down, the view and a coffee. If you plan to paraglide or hike, allow half a day.
Does the cable car run in all weather?
No. Strong wind, cloud and maintenance can affect operations; check the operator's official channels before you go.
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