Taurus Mountains (Toros Daglari)

The basics

The Taurus Mountains hug Turkey’s Mediterranean coast close and most travelers visit from beach towns such as Antalya, Alanya, Kemer, or Side. History fans flock to ancient Termessos, with its 4,200-seat theater, or Mt. Olympos (Tahtalı Dağı) and the ancient city of Olympos. Adventurers seek out Sapadere or Koprulu canyons for rafting and kayaking, or race through the foothills in all-terrain vehicles or 4WDs. Boat rides on Green Canyon, bus trips to pristine villages, and the Olympos Cable Car cater for travelers who like the sights without the drama.

Things to know before you go

• The Taurus Mountains are a photographer’s dream.
• There are bags of family-friendly activities in the Taurus Mountains, but parents will want to opt for back carriers or slings over strollers.
• Sightseeing in the Taurus Mountains, including the Olympos Cable Car, need not be out of reach for travelers who rely on wheelchairs. Adventure activities and ancient sites are generally not adapted.

How to get there

The Taurus Mountains sprawl for more than 500 miles (800 kilometers) across southern Turkey, but it’s the peaks that girdle the Gulf of Antalya on the Mediterranean that draw the majority of travelers. Self-driving or organized tours are the best way to enjoy them.

When to get there

Spring (March through early May) is a lovely time to appreciate the Taurus Mountains from the Turkish Riviera, when they’re still capped with snow. Activities such as white-water rafting are best during summer and early fall. January through March is ski season.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis

One surprising way to see the Taurus Mountains is by traveling from the Turkish Riviera to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale. Pamukkale is an Instagram favorite for the tiers of snow-white travertine pools which descend its slopes, filled with turquoise waters from the hot springs above. But it’s also home to the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, where you can swim over tumbled columns in a Roman pool.