Embark on a picturesque day trip to the summit of Mt. Tahtali, starting from the Turkish Riviera town of Side. Experience the convenience of public transportation as you navigate through the stunning landscapes en route to the cable car that will whisk you to breathtaking views atop one of Turkey's majestic mountains.
In the spring of 2009, I found myself returning to Turkey, settling into the Four Seasons apartment complex in Ilica, a burgeoning village near the historical town of Side. This area, part of the Turkish Mediterranean, is accessible via Antalya Airport, the primary airport in Southern Turkey. At the time, there was buzz about the new Gazipasa Airport near Alanya, which was not yet operational.
My adventure to Mt. Tahtali began around 9:00 am with a short walk to the main Alanya-Antalya highway, where I caught a coach to Antalya Otogar (bus station). The fare was a mere 8 Turkish Lira, and passengers were provided with a refreshing carton of water—a small but welcome gesture.
The excitement of exploring a foreign city was palpable, but an unexpected need for a restroom break led to an unplanned stop at a petrol station. This minor setback could have derailed my plans, but fortune smiled upon me. I met a helpful Turkish woman who guided me to a bus heading towards Kemer, potentially saving me time on my journey.
The kindness of strangers was evident when the woman paid my bus fare, refusing reimbursement for the nominal amount. This act of generosity is a testament to the warm-hearted nature of some Turkish people, though one should remain vigilant, especially in marketplaces like Manavgat, where bargaining is part of the experience.
A transfer at a coach lay-by near the "Hillside" hotel was necessary to catch the Kemer express bus. This area is also home to Antalya Aqualand and Dolphinland, as well as the expansive Migros shopping center, which I had the opportunity to visit later that evening.
Arriving in Kemer, a picturesque resort town 40 km southwest of Antalya, I was greeted by charming shops and the beautiful Ataturk Square, lined with excellent eateries. Despite the allure of the marina and another dolphin center, time constraints kept me focused on my primary goal.
After a brief interaction with fellow travelers, including an English couple and a well-to-do gentleman from Moscow, I faced another hiccup: my coach to Mt. Tahtali's base station was nowhere to be found. Thankfully, after a quick visit to the agent's office in Ataturk Square, the driver of the red and white minibus graciously agreed to return for me.
The road to the base station was a winding ascent, with the increasing altitude popping my ears. The base station bustled with activity, and the cable car, capable of carrying up to 80 people, promised a ten-minute journey to the summit—the longest cable car route in Europe.
At the peak, the April snow, clouds, and panoramic views were nothing short of spectacular. The proximity of the mountain to the coastline offered a unique perspective, akin to soaring in an aircraft. On a clear day, one could see from Finike to Side, but even with some mist and cloud cover, the scenery was awe-inspiring.
The summit building housed a restaurant with a diverse menu and a gift shop. An archway of snow and ice provided a perfect backdrop for tourist photos. In conclusion, the trip to Mt. Tahtali was an exceptional experience, potentially more economical by rental car, but the public transport adventure added a unique charm to the journey.
