Side-Turkey.

Kemer is the green corner of the Turkish Riviera, where the Beydaglari mountains drop straight into a clear sea and pine forest reaches almost to the waterline. If you only have one day here, you can still pair two of the coast's most memorable places: the ancient harbour city of Phaselis and the summit of Mount Tahtali, reached by the Olympos cable car. Here is how to shape a single, unhurried day around them.

Morning: Phaselis, ruins between two beaches

Start with Phaselis while the light is soft and the crowds are thin. This was a busy maritime trading city in antiquity, and what remains is unusually atmospheric: a paved main avenue, the outline of an agora, baths, and a small theatre, all threaded through umbrella pines. The real magic is that Phaselis sits between sheltered, half-moon bays, so you can wander the ruins and then swim straight off the same shore where ancient ships once anchored.

How to enjoy it

Walk the colonnaded street first, then drift down to the water. Bring swim gear and water shoes; the bays are calm and shallow in places, which makes them friendly for families. There is shade under the pines for a rest between the stones and the sea.

Midday to afternoon: Mount Tahtali by cable car

From the coast, the day climbs. The Olympos cable car carries you up the flank of Mount Tahtali (also called Olympos), which rises to roughly 2,365 metres inside the Olympos Beydaglari National Park. The track is one of the longest of its kind in the world, and the ride lifts you from warm coastal air to a cool, wide-open summit in a matter of minutes.

What you see from the top

On a clear day the view stretches over the Gulf of Antalya, the folded ridges of the Beydaglari range, and the coastline you explored that morning, Phaselis included. There is a viewing terrace and a cafe at the top. Bring a layer even in summer; the summit air is noticeably cooler and breezier than the beach.

Evening: the Kemer coast at golden hour

Wind the day down along Kemer's marina and pine-backed beaches. The light here at the end of the day is gentle, the sea turns metallic, and the mountains behind town catch the last sun. It is an easy, relaxed close before the drive back. For those who want a little more, Goynuk Canyon and the eternal flames of Yanartas (the Chimaera) near Cirali are part of the wider Kemer area, though a single day usually focuses on Phaselis and Tahtali.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Day excursion combining Phaselis and Mount Tahtali; exact timing confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Transfer and guided itinerary; cable car and site entries confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Personal spending, meals and drinks unless stated; check the inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes, swimming bays at Phaselis and a short cable car ride suit most ages.
• Best Season: Spring through autumn for warm sea and clear summit views.
• Difficulty: Easy; light walking over ruins and uneven ground, summit reached by cable car.

Related Excursions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim at Phaselis?

Yes. Phaselis has sheltered bays right beside the ruins, so you can combine sightseeing with a swim. Bring swimwear, a towel and water shoes.

How high is Mount Tahtali?

Mount Tahtali (Olympos) rises to roughly 2,365 metres within the Olympos Beydaglari National Park, reached by the Olympos cable car.

Do I need warm clothing for the summit?

It is wise to bring a light jacket or layer even in summer, as the summit is cooler and windier than the coast.

Is the day suitable for children?

Yes. The calm swimming bays and the short cable car ride make it comfortable for most families. Watch footing on the uneven ground at the ruins.

What are the cable car opening times and prices?

These can vary by season and weather. Please check the official site or confirm details at booking.

Can you pick us up from Side or Manavgat?

Yes. We arrange hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts; the exact time is confirmed at booking.

Why book direct instead of through an agency?

Booking direct with us as the local operator removes agency and OTA commission, and we back it with a best-price guarantee.

Ready to plan your perfect day in Kemer? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As the local operator we cut out agency and OTA commission and back every booking with our best-price guarantee.