Viewpoint peaks and paragliding
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Here the Taurus drops straight into the sea, and the vertical range is startling: turquoise coves sit almost within reach of near two-kilometre summits. Cable cars lift you to Babadağ and Tahtalı in minutes, while hundreds of paragliders circle over Ölüdeniz all day long. The table below gathers the viewpoints of the coastal stretch, and the FAQ covers where to fly, what the ascent costs and when to come.
Viewpoint peaks and cape of the coastal Lycian Way
| Peak | Height, m | Activity | Ascent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babadağ | 1969 | Paragliding, cable car, viewpoint | Cable car or on foot |
| Tahtalı Dağı | 2365 | Cable car, trekking, viewpoint | Cable car or on foot |
| Cape Gelidonya | - | Trekking, viewpoint (lighthouse) | On foot |
Places3
Articles1
FAQ5
Where along the Lycian Way do people paraglide?
The main spot is Mount Babadağ above Ölüdeniz, one of the world's paragliding capitals. You fly tandem with a pilot (no experience needed) from launch pads at 1700-1900 m, and the flight over the Blue Lagoon lasts roughly 20-40 minutes. The season runs from April to October; May, June and September are the calmest and cheapest, and morning thermals are gentler.
How much is the Tahtalı cable car and what can you see?
The Olympos Teleferik runs from the lower station (about 730 m) to the 2365 m summit in roughly 10-12 minutes. A return ticket costs around 41 euros for an adult (children less, toddlers free). From the top you look out over the Gulf of Antalya, Kemer, the ruins of Phaselis and the pine-clad Beydağları, and on a clear day the sea stretches for tens of kilometres.
Can you climb these peaks on foot?
Yes, but it is serious trekking. A trail climbs Tahtalı via Beycik; the ascent takes a good half day and needs an early start and plenty of water. Babadağ also has walking routes, though most people take the cable car for the paragliding. Cape Gelidonya, by contrast, is open to everyone: about an hour each way from Karaöz to the lighthouse above Taşlık Burnu.
When is the best time to visit Tahtalı?
The cable car runs year-round, but the summit weather is nothing like the beach below. In spring snow still lies at 2365 m, and the top can be windy and cold even when it is hot at sea level, so bring a jacket. The steadiest, clearest days come in late spring and autumn; in summer haze sometimes veils the peak by afternoon, so go up early.
How safe is a tandem flight?
A tandem flight is handled by a certified pilot who takes care of launch, steering and landing; all you do is a few steps on the run-up. Weather is the main safety factor, so flights are cancelled in strong wind and mornings are the calmest window. Choose a licensed operator with well-kept gear, and do not hesitate to ask about the pilot's experience before you fly.