Side-Turkey.

If there is one ride on the Turkish Riviera that turns a regular holiday into a story you tell back home, it is the cable car up Mount Tahtali near Kemer. In a few quiet minutes you climb from warm coastal pine forest to a bare, wind-brushed summit that sits roughly 2,365 metres above the Mediterranean. The sea spreads out below like hammered metal, the Beydaglari ridges march off into the haze, and on a clear day you simply cannot stop looking. Here is what is genuinely worth knowing before you go.

What the Mount Tahtali cable car actually is

Mount Tahtali — known in antiquity as Olympos — is the high point of this stretch of the western Taurus, and it rises straight out of the coast inside the Olympos Beydaglari Coastal National Park. The Olympos Teleferik aerial tramway carries you from a forested base station near Kemer up to the summit terminal at around 2,365 metres. There is no scrambling and no hiking required: you ride in a large enclosed cabin, gaining height fast as the trees thin out and the rock takes over. At the top there is an observation area where most people happily lose half an hour to the panorama.

The view, and why the timing matters

From the summit you look down over Kemer, Phaselis and a long sweep of coastline, with the open Mediterranean on one side and serried mountain ridges on the other. Because Tahtali is so high, the temperature up top can be dramatically cooler than the beach — even when the coast is baking, the summit can feel cold and very windy. A clear, calm morning usually gives the sharpest views before any afternoon haze builds.

Planning your visit

The cable car runs daily, but exact operating hours shift with the season and the weather, and high wind or scheduled maintenance can pause it. The official Olympos Teleferik site asks visitors to check current times online before travelling — so we always confirm the running schedule at booking rather than guessing. Note that Kemer sits well west of Side and Antalya, so this is a longer drive than the excursions right on your doorstep; we factor that into the day.

What to bring

Bring a warm layer or light jacket whatever the forecast says — the summit is a different climate from the shore. Add sunglasses, sun cream and comfortable closed shoes, plus a charged phone or camera, because you will want photos. Drinking water is always a good idea.

Quick Facts

• Duration: The cable car ascent is short — roughly a quarter of an hour each way — with summit time on top; exact timings confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Hotel transfer and a guided day to Mount Tahtali; full inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Cable-car tickets, meals and personal extras unless stated; confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes — the ride is enclosed and suits most ages; mind the cold, wind and exposure at the summit with small children.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn for the clearest, calmest skies; clear mornings are best.
• Difficulty: Easy — no hiking required to reach the summit by cable car.

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Kemer
• Tours & excursions from Side
• Antalya day trips
• Alanya excursions
• Belek tours
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Mount Tahtali?

The summit reached by the Olympos Teleferik sits at around 2,365 metres above sea level — the highest point of this section of the western Taurus.

How long is the cable car ride?

The ascent is short, on the order of fifteen minutes each way, plus the time you spend at the top. Exact timing is confirmed at booking.

Is it cold at the top?

Often, yes. The summit can be much cooler and windier than the coast even in summer, so bring a warm layer.

Do I need to be fit or hike?

No. The whole point is that the cable car does the climbing — no trekking is required to reach the summit.

Does it run every day?

It operates daily, but hours change with the season and it can pause for strong wind or maintenance. We confirm the current schedule at booking; you can also check the official site.

Is Tahtali far from Side?

Kemer is well west of Side and Antalya, so expect a longer drive than excursions closer to your hotel. We plan the day around that.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, families ride it regularly. Just keep small children warm and away from edges at the windy, exposed summit.

What should I bring?

A warm layer, sunglasses, sun cream, comfortable closed shoes, water and a camera.

Ready to ride above the clouds? Book direct with the Murat Atalay team at side-turkey.com — message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct cuts out agency and OTA commission, and we back it with our best-price guarantee.