From Sea to Summit: Exploring Olympos Beydağları National Park
A coastal mountain playground where cable cars, cliffs and the Mediterranean meet
The cable car lifts you off a pine-scented shoulder of the Mediterranean coastline and, within minutes, you are suspended between two worlds: below, the turquoise sweep of the sea and the serrated ribbon of the Lycian coast; above, a ragged skyline of limestone ridges etched with ancient terraces and hidden valleys. That sharp, clean air—cold even in summer—asks you to breathe deeper. It is an invitation the Olympos Beydağları National Park makes repeatedly: a place where shoreline light and mountain shadow share the same address.
Trail Wisdom
Take the cable car for instant altitude
If you want summit views without a full-day climb, the Tahtalı cable car from Kemer or Antalya brings you to 2,365 m in about 10–15 minutes.
Start early for hiking
High-elevation hikes get hot and exposed—begin before dawn to avoid midday heat and to catch the best light.
Layer for rapid changes
Temperatures can swing dramatically with elevation—carry a windproof layer and a warm mid-layer even in summer.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen for boat days
Boat tours include swimming stops—use reef-safe sunscreen and bring a quick-dry towel to protect the marine environment.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sunset viewpoints near the Chimaera (Yanartaş) flames — visit in the evening for small natural gas vents that have burned for millennia
- •Quiet pine ravines inland from Olympos where spring wildflowers and solitary Lycian tombs are easy to find
Wildlife
Bonelli's eagle, Anatolian wild goat (Capra aegagrus turcmenica) and small mammals
Conservation Note
Park authorities monitor archaeological sites and endemic plant communities—stay on marked trails, avoid collecting plants, and use local guides to minimize impact.
The park includes Lycian and Roman-era sites; ancient Olympos was an important coastal city in antiquity and its ruins still lie near the shoreline.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: wildflowers, cool hiking, clear mountain views
Challenges: mud on lower trails, some remaining high-elevation snow
Spring brings milder temperatures and blooming lower slopes—excellent for multi-day hikes and photography, though snow may linger high on Tahtalı.
summer
Best for: boat tours and swimming, early morning ridge walks
Challenges: intense coastal heat, crowds at cable car and beaches
Summer is ideal for sea-based activities and cool summit air via the cable car, but expect hot conditions down at sea level and busier services.
fall
Best for: stable weather, extended daylight for hiking, autumn colors at elevation
Challenges: shorter days later in season, cooler nights at altitude
Fall is a sweet spot for hiking and photography with stable skies and comfortable temperatures—book accommodations early for peak weeks.
winter
Best for: snow-capped summit shots, quieter trails
Challenges: snow and ice on high routes, limited services
Winters can deliver snow on the peaks and dramatic contrasts; however, trails and some services are limited and require winter gear.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Support and traction are crucial on limestone scree and uneven mountain trails.
Windproof mid-layerEssential
High-elevation wind and rapid weather shifts make a light insulated shell invaluable.
2–3L hydration systemEssential
Stay ahead of dehydration, especially on exposed ascents and during boat days.
Waterproof camera or phone case
Protect gear during boat tours and brief showers while still capturing coastal and summit views.
Common Questions
How long does the Tahtalı cable car ride take?
The ride from the lower station to the summit takes about 10–15 minutes and covers the rapid change in elevation up to 2,365 m.
Can I hike to the Tahtalı summit instead of taking the cable car?
Yes—several trail routes climb the massif, but expect a long day with 1,200–1,800 m of elevation gain depending on your start; bring navigation and start early.
Are boat tours included in typical park itineraries?
Boat tours depart from Antalya and are a common complement to a park visit; they usually include swims, lunch, and visits to three bays along the coast.
Is the park suitable for families?
Lower trails, beach access, and the cable car make the park family-friendly, but summit hikes are best for experienced hikers and older teens.
Do I need a permit to hike in Olympos Beydağları?
Day hiking does not require a special permit for most trails, but check with local park authorities for restrictions near archaeological sites or protected habitats.
What wildlife might I encounter?
Expect to see birds of prey, small mammals, and occasionally mountain goats; observe from a distance and avoid disturbing habitats.
What to Pack
Sturdy boots (traction on limestone), 2–3L water (heat and exposure), windproof layer (rapid temperature change), reef-safe sunscreen (boat swims and coastal sun).
Did You Know
Tahtalı (Mount Olympos) reaches 2,365 meters above sea level—enough elevation that you can be swimming in the Mediterranean and standing on snow in the same day.
Quick Travel Tips
Book cable car tickets early during high season; carry cash for small village eateries; download offline maps for hiking; check boat tour weather the morning of departure.
Local Flavor
Coastal Antalya cuisine favors fresh seafood, mezze plates like çoban salatası, and mountain honey—pair a post-hike ayran (yogurt drink) with a seaside grilled fish for local contrast.
Logistics Snapshot
Nearest base: Kemer (20–30 min to lower cable car); summit elevation 2,365 m; cable car available from Kemer and Antalya; expect 10–15 minute ride; boat tours depart Antalya, half-day to full-day options.
Sustainability Note
Respect marked trails and archaeological sites, use reef-safe sunscreen on boat swims, pack out plastics, and consider hiring local guides to support the community and reduce ecological impact.