Description of the attraction
Mount Tahtali, also known as Mount Olympos, is the hallmark of the Turkish resort of Kemer and the highest peak in the Olympos-Beydaglari National Park. The height of the mountain is 2365 meters above sea level, so it can be seen from almost anywhere in Kemer, moreover, it is perfectly visible from the sea. The name of the mountain - "Tahtali" - translated from Turkish means "boardwalk", "with boards".
The part of the mountain, which does not exceed 1900 meters, is very rich in vegetation and looks emerald green. But above this mark, all vegetation disappears. From January to April, the slopes of Tahtala are always covered with a layer of snow and ice. In the spring months, all this splendor turns red due to the winds blowing from the Sahara, bringing sand of a characteristic color to the mountain.
A large number of myths and legends are associated with the history of Mount Tahtali, and locals generally consider it one of the most mysterious mountains in Turkey. The famous ancient Greek writer Homer mentions Mount Olympos in his famous Iliad. He tells how the mythical Chimera, a monster with the body of a goat, the head of a lion and the tail of a snake, lived near Olympos. The hero of the poem Bellerophon, fighting the monster, threw him to the top of the mountain, which is now called Mount Chimera. The monster did not die and continues to live inside it. It constantly spews out tongues of flame from the ground, very clearly distinguishable in the dark. Nowadays it is already known that this unique process is associated with the presence of natural gas in the mountain, which comes out to the surface of the mountain and seeps through it in a concentration sufficient for its open combustion. It is also believed that the name of the city of Kemer itself originated from the name of the Chimera monster.
You can appreciate all the greatness and beauty of Mount Tahtali using the Olympos Teleferik passenger cable car, located near Kemer. The road leads to the top of the mountain and is currently very popular with tourists and locals. The road was built in 2007. Its design and construction was carried out by a Swiss company. To implement this project, it was necessary to build a freight cable car for the transport of materials, along which 3,700 cubic meters of concrete, 4,500 cubic meters of water, 420 tons of iron / steel and 8600 tons of aggregates were transported along the road for the construction of the upper station and facilities.
This cable car is one of the longest in Europe and the second longest in the world. Its length is 4350 meters with a height difference of 1639 meters, which is why the Turks call this excursion route "From the sea to the sky". Using the cable car, you will not spend so much time on the way - about ten minutes (the speed of movement is 10 m / s), but this is quite enough to enjoy beautiful landscapes, sea views, dark green pine trees, a beautiful gorge and majestic mountains. The lift is carried out in cabins for 80 people.
Passengers boarding takes place at the Lower Station, which is 726 meters above sea level. The station can be reached by bus or by car. Here you can have a snack in a cozy cafe and even visit a mini-zoo. The upper station is a powerful three-story structure. It has arrivals and waiting rooms, two good restaurants with panoramic views and a terrace, small souvenir shops. And on the roof of the building there is a large observation deck with a 360-degree panorama, from which a breathtaking view of the sea surface, the mountain range and the coast opens. Even if there are clouds in the sky, from here you can see Kemer and the nearby villages - Tekirova and Camyuva. And in clear weather, you can see the whole area from the city of Finike to the resort area of Side. In addition, hiking in the mountains is available at the Upper Station, and interesting evening performances are arranged for groups by prior arrangement.
