Turkey has plenty of this stuff. The province of Antalya, which could easily accommodate 10 cities the size of Moscow, is three-quarters covered in mountains. The mountains suddenly rise up from the coast, sometimes crossing each other, sometimes stretching parallel, running along the coast and opening up an outstanding view of the Mediterranean Sea from their slopes. This feature is one of the main reasons for the distinctive climate of the region and the diversity of the local flora and fauna. In this article, I want to tell you only about four of the most popular mountains among tourists, relatively accessible from Antalya.

Tunektepe Mountain, Teleferik Cable Car

Situated within the city limits, Tunektepe Mountain is the most accessible place for mountain peak lovers. The climb to the top does not take too much time. Therefore, if your vacation is limited to just a few days, and there is nowhere to take personal transport and tourist equipment, climbing Tunektepe Mountain is a great way to dilute your leisurely beach vacation. It is simply impossible not to notice the mountain. Especially in the evening, when the lights of the restaurant at the very top are lit. Rising 600 meters above the sea, the mountain offers beautiful views of all of Antalya and the neighboring Taurus Mountains.

Mount Tahtali

The mountain is also called "Tahtali Dağ" or "Olympos". Despite the fact that it seems as if the mountain is within easy reach, it is located 20 kilometers from Kemer. To get to the top, you will have to sweat, because the height of the mountain is 2365 meters. However, those who want to test their body for strength are in for a bummer. Along almost the entire slope there is a cable car, along which anyone can climb the mountain without making any effort. Therefore, if you hear friends bragging: "we conquered Olympos", be vigilant. Most likely, they rode there by cable car.

To climb to the top, tourists have several other options in their arsenal: by car, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot. When choosing a way to climb the mountain, consider your strength and time. It is believed that the mountain can be seen from the sea from a distance of 200 kilometers, so sailors use it as a landmark. Unlike the Saklikent ski resort, which is hidden behind two mountain ranges, Tahtalı is clearly visible from any point in Kemer and is visible even from Antalya.

The name of the mountain is often translated as "plank" or "with boards", which accurately reflects the features of the area. Cedars grow on the slope of the mountain, which were previously used to build ships.

There is another version of the origin of the name: the Turkish word "takht" means throne or throne. To resolve the differences in interpretation, I decided to clarify the meaning of the name with local Turks, and I have to disappoint: the name of the mountain does not carry any special meaning. However, this circumstance does not detract from its other advantages: beautiful views from a bird's eye view, as well as local flora and fauna. At one time, Mount Tahtali was a refuge for the ancient cities of Phaselis, Olympos, Idiros and some others, the names of which have long been forgotten.

Mount Yanartaş

A remarkable feature of this place is a rare natural phenomenon: natural gas bursts out from underground cracks and ignites spontaneously. An amazing sight: there is no visible source, no one who lights the fire, tongues of flame burst out of the ground here and there. The largest ones reach a height of 1 meter.

Mount Bakırlıdag

Mount Bakırlıdag, better known for the Saklıkent ski resort located here, is located 50 kilometers from Antalya. Rising to a height of 2,558 meters, the mountain creates good conditions for winter sports.

The ski season begins in December and lasts until the end of March. Due to its location in the subtropics, tourists can combine skiing and relaxing on a sandy beach literally on the same day. The average thickness of the snow cover is 1-2 meters, and sometimes reaches 4. In general, Mount Bakırlıdağ is part of the so-called Taurus Mountains, called "Toros" in Turkish. The mountain range stretches for 560 km along the coast and forms the southern border of the Anatolian plateau. The collision of the European and African tectonic plates led to the formation of this mountain range.

Visiting the mountains is not only interesting, but also good for your health. Pine groves, orchards, high-mountain air - all this will fill your body with freshness and charge you with strength until your next trip.