Mountainbike trails at ancient town of Olympos

Sunday, 09 March 2025 00:00
Written by Portal Editor

As part of our joint exploration trip to find new trails for mountain bikes in the Taurus Mountains, we were guests in Olympos again.

The descent from Tahtali the day before had taken a toll on the biker team, so we were able to use the morning for an extensive tour of the valley and the ruined city of Olympos.

Climbers on a steep wall free climbing

Despite the late date in November, the valley was still quite busy due to the Bayram festival, so our accommodation had just changed beds and was happy about our arrival. Accommodations and restaurants in Olympos are worth visiting in themselves - far from the all-inclusive luxury glamour.

After the excellent in-house breakfast, we set off with the owners of the guest huts Mehmet and Nil, always along the river, which was still without water.

On the opposite side, a climber was trying his hand at free climbing on a steep wall, with the appropriate safety equipment of course. A little later, we could already see the first ruins of the ancient city in front of us.

Along the river and the name "Korykos"

The city of Olympos is said to have originally come from Greek settlers who built the first mountain settlement on Musa Dağı and used the river as a natural harbour.

Increasingly flourishing trade then led to the first buildings along the river and the name "Korykos".

In the course of further development, the first large buildings were built and the city, like the neighbouring city of Phaselis, became a member of the Lycian League in order to protect themselves against increasing pirate attacks.

But despite this measure, Olympos fell victim to the pirates under their leader Zeniketes, who was first defeated so badly by Publius Servilius Vatia (Isauricus) that he took his own life and that of his family by fire in his fortress.

It was only under Emperor Hadrian, who renamed the port of Korykos to Olympos around 130 AD, as the city itself had stagnated in its development while business in the port area was flourishing, that further development could be pushed forward. Both sides of the river were restored and expanded, and a small theatre and a Roman bath were added. The two parts of the city were connected by a bridge, the pillar construction of which can still be clearly seen in the river today. Typical of Roman architecture here is the tapered pillar foundation in the upstream direction to protect the construction from driftwood and ice.

Parts of the harbour walls are also quite well preserved, although the riverbed is now much higher due to deposited debris. The remaining remains of the buildings on the left side of the river (towards the sea) are now heavily overgrown, so that little can be seen from the narrow path. However, some excavations have been carried out, which have uncovered sarcophagi and the remains of a temple from the 2nd century AD. Numerous graves with inscriptions on the necropolis on the opposite side of the river indicate the wealth of that time. Two more large graves can be found just before you get to the beach at Olympos.

The reason for the fires is a natural gas storage facility

On the surrounding hills there are several other buildings from later times, including the remains of a Byzantine Basilica, a castle ruin above the beach that dates back to the time when it was a military base for the Republic of Genoa in the 14th century. However, the prosperity once generated through trade could not be regained even with the expansion of the port. Only the proximity to the eternal fires of the Chimera allowed a certain amount of wealth to be gained through traveling trade, because Olympos was known for the cult of Hephaestus, the god of fire and blacksmiths, that was practiced here. The reason for the fires is a natural gas storage facility below the mountain, which slowly releases the gas upwards. Why it keeps igniting itself despite many attempts to extinguish it is not yet fully understood.

Olympos is now mostly visited by younger backpackers, so the accommodation is tailored to this type of travel. The approximately 3-kilometer-wide pebble beach offers the cleanest water quality and also allows diving and snorkelling, as the rocks on the right-side reach into the water and thus provide shelter for fish. Olympos is also becoming increasingly popular with hikers on the Lycian Hiking Trail, who are looking for a quiet place to spend the night here. Çıralı / Olympos is also known as a breeding ground for sea turtles and has therefore been declared a protected area on the sea side.

The name probably comes from the nearby Tahtali mountain, which early cultures considered the seat of the gods due to its height. Some residents of Olympos also like to add the origin of the Olympic Games in the region. But this is more of a hoax, because there is not only a lack of space, but above all of stadiums and arenas. Today the entire region is protected in the Olimpos Beydağları National Park.

The ancient city of Olympos, completely forgotten for a long time, lies on both sides of a small stream, where the remains of a bridge that connected the two parts of the city can still be seen. The remaining building remains are badly dilapidated and largely overgrown, including the small Roman theatre. A former lake is now swampy - here are the remains of a temple from the 2nd century AD. The necropolis with numerous graves and inscriptions is remarkable, although these do not show any Lycian features. In addition to the remains of a Byzantine Basilica, the remains of settlements on a hill bear witness to the impoverishment of the settlement in the Middle Ages. In addition to the ruins, the nearby, approximately three-kilometre-long sandy beach is another attraction for visitors to Olympos.

Olympos - mountain bike trails at the foot of the Tahtalı

A paradise for mountain bikers on the Turkish Riviera

The region around the Tahtalı Dağı, also known as the Olympos mountain, is an insider tip for mountain bike fans. With breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, varied trails and challenging descents, this area offers an unforgettable adventure for everyone who loves nature and action.

Whether steep downhill passages, flowing single trails or technically demanding sections - the mountain bike trails at the foot of the Tahtalı offer the right challenge for every riding level. In this blog we take you on a tour through this spectacular biking area in Turkey.

The Tahtalı Dağı - A mountain with history

The Tahtalı Dağı (2,365 m) is located in the province of Antalya and is part of the Beydağları National Park. In ancient times, this mountain was considered the seat of the gods and was known as part of the Olympos Mountains. Today, it is not only a popular destination for hikers and cable car tourists, but also for mountain bikers who want to explore the wild trails of this spectacular landscape.

The area is characterized by dense pine forests, rocky mountain slopes and spectacular views of the deep blue Mediterranean. Especially in spring and autumn, the conditions here are perfect for biking - pleasant temperatures, dry trails and hardly any rainfall.

Mountain bike trails on Olympos - what to expect

The region offers a variety of trails for different skill levels. Here is a selection of the best routes:

1. Olympos Flow Trail - Perfect for beginners
Difficulty: Easy to medium
Length: approx. 10 km
Elevation difference: 600 m
This trail starts above Çıralı, an idyllic coastal village, and leads through pine forests down to the sea. It is particularly flowing and offers many beautiful curves, small jumps and a fantastic view. Ideal for beginners and leisure riders!

2. Tahtalı Downhill - pure adrenaline
Difficulty: difficult
Length: approx. 15 km
Difference in altitude: 1,500 m
This challenging trail starts near the mountain station of the Tahtalı cable car. The descent leads over steep scree fields, rooty forest passages and narrow serpentines down to the valley. Anyone who loves downhill will love this trail - absolute riding technique and a good bike are a must here!

3. Beydağları Panorama Trail - adventure with a view
Difficulty: medium
Length: approx. 20 km
Difference in altitude: 800 m
This route is perfect for mountain bikers who like to go on long tours. From Olympos, the trail leads through the Beydağları National Park with breathtaking views of the Turkish Riviera. The route alternates between forest paths and flowing trails – a perfect mix of sport and nature experience.

4. Çıralı Coastal Trail - MTB meets beach

Difficulty: Medium
Length: approx. 12 km
Elevation difference: 500 m
A unique combination of mountains and sea awaits you on this trail. The route starts in the forest and leads down to the coast, where you can bike along the beach. This tour is an unforgettable experience, especially in the morning when the sun rises over the Mediterranean.

Best time to travel for mountain bikers on Olympos

The ideal time for biking in this region is:

✔ Spring (March–May): Pleasant temperatures, green landscapes, perfect trail conditions.

✔ Autumn (September–November): Fewer tourists, mild temperatures, dry trails.

In summer it can get very hot at lower altitudes, so the high trails are more suitable. In winter the peak of Tahtalı is often covered in snow, but the lower areas are often still good for biking.

MTB tours and bike rental on site

There are several companies in the region that offer guided mountain bike tours and bike rental. We particularly recommend:

Olympos MTB Tours - Professional guides, various tours for every level.

Kemer Bike Rentals - High-quality mountain bikes for rent, also e-MTBs available.

Beydağları Adventure Club - Combines mountain biking with other outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing.

If you want to bring your own bike, you should choose a full-suspension mountain bike with at least 140 mm of travel, as many trails are technically demanding.

Tips for your MTB adventure in Olympos

✔ Bike check before the tour: Make sure your mountain bike is in top condition, especially brakes and suspension.
✔ Take enough water with you: There are few water sources in the region.
✔ Wear protective clothing: Helmet, gloves and protectors are mandatory on the more demanding trails.
✔ Use the cable car for uphill: The Tahtalı cable car takes you to over 2,000 m altitude - perfect for long downhill descents!
✔ Respect nature: The region is part of the national park, so no waste disposal in the wilderness.

Conclusion: Mountain biking on Olympos - an unforgettable experience

Mountain biking at the foot of Tahtalı is a unique adventure. From relaxed flow trails to challenging downhill descents, the region offers the right terrain for every mountain biker. The combination of spectacular scenery, fantastic views and varied trails makes Olympos a true paradise for bike fans.

So if you are looking for a new mountain bike spot that combines nature, sport and adrenaline, then pack your bike and discover the trails of Olympos! 🚵‍♂️🔥

Have you ever been mountain biking in Olympos? Write us your experiences in the comments!

Please read as well:

Phaselis - another ancient Harbout Town next to Antalya

Mountainbiking in Turkey