Babadağ is the 1,969-metre peak that stands almost straight above Ölüdeniz, and most visitors meet it from below, watching tandem paragliders spiral down towards the beach. The cable car lets you go the other way. Its lower station sits near the village at the foot of the mountain, and the ride climbs in stages over pine forest and bare limestone to upper stations at roughly 1,700 metres and above, depending on the season and which sections are running. The reward is the view. From the top you look down on the Blue Lagoon and its sand spit, across the long arc of the bay, along the Lycian coast towards Butterfly Valley and Gemiler, and inland across ridge after ridge of mountains. On a clear day the water looks like a painted map. At the top there is a restaurant and café, viewing platforms, picnic space and short paths, and the air is noticeably cooler than at the beach, so even in high summer you will want a layer. Because it is a ticket-and-ride attraction rather than a hike, it suits almost every age and fitness level, and it is a good wet-weather-free plan for a day when the sea is rough or the boats are not sailing. It also makes a calm contrast with the paragliding launch, which is reached by road rather than by cable car, and where you can watch pilots run off the edge from a safe distance.
How to do it well
Go in the morning, when the air is clearest and the cloud tends to be higher, and check the sky before you buy a ticket, because cloud sitting on the summit hides the view that you are paying for. Wear shoes with grip, since the paths at the top are rocky, and bring a jacket and sunglasses.
The cable car runs in sections, and the schedule and the upper stations in use change with the season, with the highest sections generally running in the warm months and a shorter service in winter. Always confirm the day you plan to go. Allow around two to three hours in total, including the queue, the ride and time at the top.
Getting there is simple. The lower station is near Ölüdeniz, a short drive or dolmuş ride from the village and about 14 kilometres from Fethiye, and many ticket options include a transfer from Fethiye so you can leave the driving to someone else. There is a combined day tour in the same family of trips that pairs the cable car with Kayaköy and the Amyntas tombs, which is a good fit if you want a full day of sights without a hire car.
If you are travelling with small children, be aware that the upper stations are windy and exposed, and keep hold of them near the viewing edges.
Pairing
The cable car works well with a Blue Lagoon visit or a walk on the Lycian Way, since all three are within a few kilometres of each other. If you are also planning a paragliding flight, do the cable car on a different day, because both depend on clear weather and you will want a spare day for each. Sunset from the summit is memorable, but plan the return carefully so that you are not left waiting in the cold, and check the last departure times on the day.
What to expect
The experience
A staged cable car ride from the foot of Babadağ to a high station, with time at the top for views, a café and short walks.
Best time
Morning on a clear day, before cloud builds over the summit.
How long
Two to three hours including the queue, the ride and time at the top.
Tips
Bring a jacket, wear shoes with grip, check the sky before you go and confirm which upper stations are running that day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the Ölüdeniz mountain view without paragliding.
- Families
- Easy and fun for children, but the top is windy and exposed, so hold hands near the edges.
- Couples
- A slow, scenic outing with a coffee at altitude; the light is best late in the day.
- Pair with
- The Blue Lagoon, Babadağ paragliding and the Lycian Way.
- Time needed
- Half a morning or afternoon.
Good questions
How high does the cable car go?+
It climbs in stages to upper stations at roughly 1,700 metres and above, while the summit itself is 1,969 metres. Which sections run depends on the season, so confirm before you go.
Is it better than paragliding?+
They are different. The cable car is a calm, low-cost way to see the same view, while paragliding is a flight. Many visitors do both on separate days.
Can I go in winter?+
A shorter service runs in the cooler months, and the highest sections generally run in the warm season. Check the schedule for your date.
How cold is it at the top?+
Noticeably cooler and windier than the beach, even in summer, so bring a layer.
How far is it from Fethiye?+
The lower station is near Ölüdeniz, about 14 kilometres from Fethiye. Some ticket options include a transfer from the town.
