The Taurus mountain range is one of the most iconic features of southern Turkey, separating central Anatolia from the Mediterranean Sea. Filled with soaring peaks that reach over 3,700 meters high, the region is littered with dramatic scenery, just waiting to be explored by intrepid adventurers.

Day trips to the Taurus Mountains from Antalya are full of spine-tingling fun, bumping through the many peaks and valleys of the landscape on the back of a buggy or jumping behind the wheel of a quad bike.

Here's all you need to know about the Taurus Mountains, one of the most exciting day trips from Antalya.

How to get to the Taurus Mountains from Antalya?

The Taurus Mountains cover a land span of more than 560 kilometers and run parallel to the coast of southern Turkey. The Western Taurus surround Antalya and include the Bey Mountains, Katrancık Mountain, and Geyik Mountains.

From Antalya to the Taurus Mountains by car

From Antalya, most visitors travel to the Western Taurus, located just outside of the city. To reach this destination, you’ll head out of Antalya in a westerly direction along Atatürk Boulevard then make your way inland, following Boğaçay Cadessi. On average, the journey to the outskirts of the Taurus Mountains takes about 30 minutes.

Guided tour to the Taurus Mountains from Antalya

As public transportation is limited in this mountainous region of Turkey, the best way for those without access to a car to make the jaunt to the Taurus Mountains is via an organized tour. Day trips typically last 3 to 8 hours and include a hotel pickup and drop-off service, making for a seamless Taurus Mountains excursion.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical day trip to the Taurus Mountains begins with at your hotel, where you will be picked up by your guide and meet your group to board your vehicle. This may be a buggy with a professional driver waiting to lead you through the mountain range or you might have the opportunity to follow a guide from behind the wheel of your very own quad bike.

You’ll journey away from the city and out into the expansive Taurus Mountains, exploring as much of the natural oasis as possible. While you’ll only see a tiny corner of the region on your excursion, you’ll gain an insight into the diversity of southern Turkey.

While some Taurus Mountains day tours return to Antalya after traveling through the peaks and valleys of the destinations, others may include stops for lunch and swimming along the way.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Taurus Mountains?

Taurus Mountains Jeep tour from Antalya

Jumping in the passenger seat of your jeep, you’ll leave Antalya behind as you travel in the direction of the Taurus Mountains. You’ll pass by remote villages along the way where you can catch a glimpse into traditional Turkish customs. You’ll stop at various viewpoints to admire panoramic views that stretch across the Antalya region and out to the Mediterranean Sea.

Step inside a historic village house in Yumaklar before enjoying a local lunch. Lastly, you’ll visit Ucansu Waterfall, which tumbles down the surrounding rocks from heights of 50 meters, for an energizing swim before your Taurus Mountains jeep tour ends and you return to Antalya.

Taurus Mountains Quad biking tour from Antalya

Turn the thrill level up by zooming over the bumpy terrain on a quad bike. These ATV tours in the Taurus Mountains from Antalya enable you to hop into the driver’s seat and soar across the landscape after a quick briefing session to get accustomed to the vehicle’s movements.

As you ride, you’ll navigate your way through dense pine thickets, trickling streams and limestone formations, all of which will challenge your driving skills. Immerse yourself fully in nature with each twist and turn, and be dazzled by the ever-changing scenery, which includes shimmering lakes and deep forests, nestled in the heart of the Taurus Mountains.

How much does a day trip to the Taurus Mountains from Antalya cost?

A day trip to the Taurus Mountains with a jeep typically costs just over US$40 per person, and operates in a small group limited to 15 participants.

Similarly, you can expect to pay a little over US$40 per person for a quad bike tour in the Taurus Mountains from Antalya.

What will you see and do?

The Taurus Mountains dominate the landscape of southern Turkey and are split into three sections — Western Taurus, Central Taurus, and Southeastern Taurus. The highest peak in the range is Mount Kizilkaya, which measures 3,767 meters in height, closely followed by Mount Demirkazık at 3,756.

Other notable peaks include Mount Akbaba, as well as Mount Medetsiz. Alongside its peaks, the Taurus Mountains are home to five passes, the most famous of which is the Cilician Gates — also known as Gülek Pass. This route through the mountains dates back over 6,000 years and has been used by many civilizations over the centuries, including the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, and Mongols. Limestone gorges and raging waterfalls can also be found across the Taurus Mountains, including the renowned Köprülü Canyon, known to be the best spot for rafting tours in Antalya.

There are a host of outdoor activities that visitors of the Taurus Mountains can participate in, the most popular of which is a buggy tour. These enable you to see more of the region than you could cover by foot and travel off-road to secret spots that other vehicles can’t access. The flora and fauna are rich in this undisturbed section of Turkey, with many mammals including wild boar, wolves and jackals calling the area home, as well as a selection of birdlife.

Across the rocky stretch, you’ll find a wide variety of plants, from pine and oak trees to wild olive trees, blackberry bushes, and juniper trees. Bringing color and fragrance to the mountain range are wild cyclamens, poppies, and lavender, all of which can be seen on a Taurus Mountains day trip.

When is the best time to visit the Taurus Mountains?

The best time for a day trip to the Taurus Mountains is late spring to early summer (May to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with temperatures comfortable for hiking, sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

Are there any tours to the Taurus Mountains from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Turkey:

Travel tips

The weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so it's best to dress in layers and adjust your clothing as needed. Don't forget waterproof and windproof clothing, as well as sturdy hiking boots if you plan on doing any walking or hiking.
Always carry enough water and snacks with you. Hiking and exploring can take more time than expected, and there might not be many places to purchase food and drink.
Be aware of altitude sickness. The higher you go, the less oxygen there is in the air. If you're planning to go high up, take your time to acclimatize and watch out for any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Taurus Mountains: Day Trips and Tours from Antalya