2 Hour Olympos Cable Car Tour to Tahtali Mountains from Kemer

A Scenic Ascent to the Tahtali Mountains from Kemer: An Honest Review

If you’re looking for a way to see the stunning Turkish coastline and lush Taurus Mountains without breaking a sweat, the 2-hour Olympos Cable Car Tour to Tahtali Mountains offers an accessible and memorable experience. This tour, which starts from Kemer, takes you on a smooth, well-organized ride up to the summit of Mount Olympos—an altitude of around 2,365 meters—where panoramic views of the Mediterranean and beyond await. What makes this experience particularly appealing is the combination of breathtaking scenery, ease of access, and the opportunity to explore at your own pace once at the top.

One of my favorite aspects is how seamless the transportation is, with air-conditioned vehicles that pick you up directly from your hotel or designated meeting point. Another is the versatility of the summit itself—whether you’re a casual stroller or an avid hiker, you’ll find trails and vantage points that match your energy level. However, it’s worth noting that the tour lasts just about two hours, so if you’re craving in-depth exploration or a longer adventure, this might feel a bit brief. Still, for a quick escape into nature with spectacular views, it hits the mark nicely.

A potential consideration is that some travelers comment on the lack of a guide or storytelling during the journey. As one review pointed out, a guide might enhance the experience with interesting tales about the mountains’ history or local lore. That said, the summit’s natural beauty, combined with the chance to relax at the restaurant or snap standout photos, makes this a lovely brief escape. And for those who love a good view and a bit of fresh mountain air, this tour is often praised for its straightforward, safe, and stunning experience.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Spectacular Views: The panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean, Taurus Mountains, and lush greenery are the main draw.
• Accessibility: The cable car makes the mountain accessible to almost everyone, including those who aren’t up for strenuous hikes.
• Comfortable Transport: The tour includes air-conditioned pickups, making the journey smooth and hassle-free.
• Seasonal Appeal: The summit offers different experiences year-round—from snow-covered winter wonderlands to vibrant green landscapes in warmer months.
• Authentic Experience: The summit has well-marked trails and a restaurant, where you can enjoy Turkish cuisine with a view.
• Price and Value: At $64, it’s a fair price for the views and convenience, though some might consider it a short experience for the cost.

Entering the Realm of Mount Olympos: The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or a designated spot in Kemer, which is usually smooth and punctual. From there, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle for the short drive to the base station of the Olympos Teleferik. Once at the cable car station, the real highlight begins: the ascent itself. The cable car ride offers a gentle climb that is as much a visual treat as the destination itself. As you rise, the landscape transitions from coastal pine forests to expansive views of the sea, giving you a sense of the vastness of the region.

The cable car ride takes you to the summit, where you’ll step into a different world. The view from the top is what many visitors treasure most—unobstructed and sweeping, stretching across the coastline and over the Taurus Mountains. The summit is a natural playground with well-marked trails, so whether you’re after a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike, options are available. From the reviews, it’s clear that the scenery and the outdoors are what stand out—one reviewer even mentioned how they loved that there’s a Starbucks shop at the top, so you can grab a coffee and take in the views.

At the summit, you’ll find a restaurant serving traditional Turkish dishes and drinks—an ideal spot to relax and soak in the scenery. The summit’s environment varies greatly with the seasons. In winter, snow transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland, perfect for snow-related activities, while in summer, the lush greenery and clear skies dominate.

The return trip is just as smooth, with transportation arranged to take you back to your starting point. The entire experience clocks in at roughly two hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that won’t eat into your other plans.

The Unique Charm of the Summit and Trails

Once at the top, the view is everything you’d hope for—vast and panoramic, with the Mediterranean sparkling below and the Taurus Mountains stretching into the distance. The well-marked trails make it easy to explore without a guide, though some reviews mention that a guide could add interesting stories or local insights. Still, the natural beauty is enough to impress, and many find it satisfying to explore at their own pace.

The summit area also offers some optional activities, like paragliding or swings, as mentioned in one review, which could appeal to adventure seekers. However, these extras are not part of the standard tour and would require separate arrangements.

For photography enthusiasts, the summit is a goldmine—expect stunning shots of the coastline, mountain ranges, and possibly some snow in the winter months. Several reviews highlight how beautiful and safe the experience is, with visitors feeling comfortable to explore and take pictures.

Price, Logistics, and Who This Tour Suits Best

At $64 per person, this tour offers good value, considering the convenience and the spectacular views. The price includes the cable car ticket and transportation, so you don’t have to worry about additional costs unless you want to dine or purchase souvenirs. It’s a quick, efficient way of getting up to Mount Olympos without the hassle of hiking or driving yourself.

The tour’s timing and limited duration make it ideal for travelers who want a snapshot of the region’s natural beauty without committing to a full-day excursion. It’s particularly well-suited for families, older travelers, or anyone with limited time but who still wants to see impressive landscapes.

However, if you’re craving an in-depth mountain adventure or local storytelling, you might find this experience somewhat superficial. The lack of a guide means you’ll need to do some homework beforehand if you want to learn about the mountains’ history or ecology.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those seeking breathtaking views without strenuous effort, especially if you enjoy natural scenery, photography, or a relaxing mountain escape. It’s also a good choice for travelers who value comfort and convenience—the included transportation and easy access make it straightforward. Those interested in seasonal scenery—snow in winter or lush greenery in summer—will find this tour offers different perspectives throughout the year.

It’s less ideal for those looking for an extended nature trek or someone hoping for a guided storytelling experience. Still, for many, the simplicity, safety, and stunning vistas justify the cost and short time commitment.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In short, the 2-hour cable car trip to Mount Olympos (Tahtali) delivers on its promise of spectacular views in a comfortable package. For the price of $64, you get a smooth ride, altitude with a view, and the chance to walk around and enjoy the mountain’s natural beauty. If you’re a traveler who appreciates a quick, safe, and scenic escape from the coast, this tour fits the bill nicely.

What really makes it stand out is the combination of ease and the quality of the vistas. The summit’s trails and the restaurant are thoughtful touches that add to the experience. If you’re traveling with friends or family and want a memorable view without a long hike, this is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that it’s a brief experience—so if you’re after a full-day adventure or a guided story, you might want to look elsewhere.

This tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to see a different side of Kemer—one full of natural beauty, fresh mountain air, and spectacular views.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off via air-conditioned vehicles, making the journey to and from the cable car station smooth and comfortable.

How long does the whole experience last?
The entire experience is about two hours, including the cable car ride and time at the summit.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $64 per person, which covers the cable car ticket and transportation.

Can I hike around the summit?
Yes, there are well-marked trails at the summit for those who want to explore on foot. The trails are suitable for different energy levels.

Is there food available at the top?
Yes, there is a restaurant at the summit where you can enjoy Turkish cuisine or refreshments while taking in the views.

Will I see snow at the summit?
Depending on the season, snow might cover the summit in winter, creating a winter paradise. During warmer months, it’s lush and green.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes. The cable car ride and summit exploration are safe and accessible, making it suitable for families, seniors, and travelers with limited mobility.

Are there any optional activities at the summit?
Some reviews mention activities like paragliding or swings, though these are not included in the standard tour and require separate arrangements.

What should I bring?
Bring layers if visiting in winter, sunscreen, camera, and comfortable shoes for walking around the summit.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour is a straightforward, scenic escape that promises beautiful vistas and a comfortable journey—ideal for those wanting a quick, memorable mountain experience from Kemer.