When most travelers think of Antalya, they imagine turquoise beaches, luxury resorts, and ancient Mediterranean ruins. Yet just a short drive inland, the landscape changes dramatically. The Taurus Mountains (Toros Dağları) rise behind the coast, creating a network of highland plateaus known as yaylas that have been used for centuries as summer retreats by local families and nomadic Yörük communities.
These highlands offer a completely different side of Antalya: pine forests, alpine meadows, cool mountain air, traditional village culture, hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking panoramic views. For visitors seeking nature, adventure, photography, and authentic cultural experiences, Antalya’s yaylas are among the most rewarding destinations in southern Türkiye.
What Is a Yayla?
A yayla is a high-altitude summer settlement traditionally used for grazing livestock during the hot Mediterranean summer. In Antalya, many yaylas have evolved into popular summer tourism destinations while still preserving elements of Yörük pastoral culture.
Why Visit Antalya Highlands?
- Escape the summer heat of the coast
- Enjoy temperatures 10–20°F (6–11°C) cooler than Antalya city
- Experience traditional mountain life
- Hike through cedar and pine forests
- Discover waterfalls, caves, and canyons
- Taste authentic Yörük cuisine
- Camp under clear mountain skies
The Most Beautiful Highlands of Antalya
1. Saklıkent Yaylası
Located about 50 km west of Antalya city, Saklıkent is the most famous and accessible highland destination in the province.
Highlights
- Elevation around 6,200 ft (1,900 m)
- Pine and cedar forests
- Panoramic views of the Mediterranean
- Cool summer climate
- Winter ski facilities
Activities
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Paragliding
- Skiing and snowboarding in winter
- Photography and sunset viewing
One of Saklıkent’s unique features is that you can see the Mediterranean Sea while standing in a mountain environment, and in some seasons it is even possible to ski in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon.
2. Feslikan Yaylası
Situated in the Konyaaltı district, Feslikan Yaylası is a favorite weekend escape for Antalya residents.
Why It’s Special
- Dense pine forests
- Picnic and camping areas
- Traditional highland restaurants
- Easy access from Antalya city
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Best For
- Day trips
- Camping
- Forest walks
- Barbecue picnics
- Relaxing in cool mountain air
Summer festivals celebrating Yörük culture, folk music, and traditional foods are often held here.
3. Gömbe Yaylası
Located in Kaş district, Gömbe is one of the most picturesque highland towns in Antalya Province.
Main Attractions
- Yeşilgöl (Green Lake)
- Uçarsu Waterfall
- Apple orchards and mountain gardens
- Traditional stone houses
- Spectacular Taurus Mountain scenery
Activities
- Hiking
- Camping
- Waterfall exploration
- Trout fishing
- Nature photography
Gömbe is especially beautiful in spring and early summer, when waterfalls are strongest and the surrounding meadows are lush and green.
4. Akseki Highlands
The Akseki region is famous for its ancient cedar forests and traditional button houses (düğmeli evler).
Highlights
- Cedar forests thousands of years old
- Traditional wooden-and-stone architecture
- Cool mountain climate
- Excellent trekking opportunities
- Authentic rural culture
This area is ideal for travelers interested in ecotourism and cultural heritage rather than resort-style tourism.
5. İbradı & Ormana Highlands
Near Manavgat, the Ormana–İbradı highlands combine mountain scenery, caves, forests, and traditional villages.
Don’t Miss
- Altınbeşik Cave National Park
- Underground lake cave
- Traditional Ormana houses
- Cedar forests
- Scenic mountain roads
This is one of the best regions for combining nature tourism with cultural exploration.
Best Highland Areas by Interest
| Interest | Recommended Yayla |
|---|---|
| Easy day trip from Antalya | Feslikan |
| Mountain scenery | Saklıkent |
| Waterfalls & lakes | Gömbe |
| Traditional architecture | Akseki / Ormana |
| Adventure & trekking | Saklıkent + Gömbe |
Suggested 4-Day Antalya Highlands Itinerary
Day 1 – Feslikan Yaylası
Morning
- Drive from Antalya city
- Forest walk and panoramic viewpoints
Afternoon
- Traditional Yörük lunch
- Relax in picnic areas
Evening
- Return to Antalya or stay in a mountain pension
Day 2 – Saklıkent
Morning
- Scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains
- Explore hiking trails
Afternoon
- Mountain café with Mediterranean views
- Optional paragliding or cycling
Evening
- Sunset photography from the high plateau
Day 3 – Gömbe & Uçarsu Waterfall
Morning
- Visit Uçarsu Waterfall
- Walk around Yeşilgöl
Afternoon
- Trout lunch at a local restaurant
- Explore orchards and village streets
Evening
- Overnight in Kaş or a Gömbe guesthouse
Day 4 – Ormana & Altınbeşik
Morning
- Visit Altınbeşik Cave National Park
- Boat tour on the underground lake
Afternoon
- Explore traditional Ormana houses
- Taste local mountain products
Evening
- Return toward Antalya
Hiking & Outdoor Activities
Popular Hiking Routes
Saklıkent Forest Trail
- Distance: 5–10 km
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Gömbe – Yeşilgöl Circuit
- Distance: 6 km
- Difficulty: Easy
Ormana – Altınbeşik Nature Trail
- Distance: 8 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
Other Activities
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
- Camping
- Birdwatching
- Stargazing
- Wildflower photography
The highlands are particularly attractive for astrophotography because of their relatively low light pollution.
Yörük Culture
One of the most fascinating aspects of Antalya’s highlands is the surviving Yörük (Turkmen nomadic) culture.
Cultural Experiences
Visitors may encounter:
- Traditional goat-hair tents
- Handmade carpets and kilims
- Cheese and butter production
- Folk dances and music
- Wood-fired flatbread baking
Foods to Try
Gözleme
Thin handmade flatbread filled with:
- Cheese
- Spinach
- Potatoes
- Minced meat
Yörük Ayranı
A refreshing yogurt drink served cold in summer.
Sac Kavurma
Sautéed meat cooked on a traditional metal griddle.
Mountain Trout
Fresh trout from highland streams is a specialty in Gömbe and Akseki.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June)
Excellent
- Wildflowers in bloom
- Waterfalls at their fullest
- Comfortable hiking temperatures
- Fresh green landscapes
Summer (July–August)
Peak highland season
- Cool mountain air
- Ideal escape from coastal heat
- Festivals and local events
- Best for camping and outdoor activities
Autumn (September–October)
Outstanding
- Clear skies
- Golden forest colors
- Fewer visitors
- Excellent photography conditions
Winter (November–March)
- Saklıkent may have snow and ski conditions
- Other highlands can be cold and occasionally inaccessible during heavy snowfall
How to Reach the Highlands
From Antalya City
| Destination | Distance | Driving Time |
| Feslikan | ~30 km | 40–50 min |
| Saklıkent | ~50 km | 1–1.5 hr |
| Gömbe | ~140 km | 2.5–3 hr |
| Ormana | ~110 km | ~2 hr |
| Akseki | ~150 km | 2.5–3 hr |
Transportation Options
Rental Car
Strongly recommended for flexibility and access to remote highland areas.
Organized Tours
Available for:
- Saklıkent
- Ormana & Altınbeşik
- Gömbe and Kaş region excursions
Public Transport
Limited minibuses operate to some highland towns, but schedules may be infrequent.
Accommodation
Types of Accommodation
Mountain Pensions
Small family-run guesthouses offering:
- Homemade meals
- Local hospitality
- Garden and mountain views
Boutique Highland Hotels
Available in Saklıkent, Ormana, and some Akseki villages.
Camping
Popular in:
- Feslikan
- Saklıkent
- Gömbe
- Forest areas near Altınbeşik
Bring warm clothing, as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in midsummer.
Photography Highlights
Best Locations
| Location | Best Subject |
| Saklıkent | Mountain panoramas |
| Feslikan | Pine forests and sunsets |
| Gömbe | Waterfalls and lakes |
| Ormana | Traditional stone houses |
| Akseki | Cedar forests and village life |
Best Seasons
- May: wildflowers
- July: lush green forests
- October: autumn colors
- Winter: snow-covered Taurus peaks
Travel Tips
What to Pack
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Light jacket or fleece
- Rain protection
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera with a wide-angle lens
Important Notes
- Mountain weather changes quickly.
- Evenings can be surprisingly cool.
- Fuel stations may be sparse in remote areas.
- Mobile coverage is generally good near villages but weaker on some mountain roads.
Combining Coast and Highlands
One of Antalya’s greatest advantages is the ability to combine Mediterranean beaches with high mountain landscapes in a single trip.
Sample Combination
Morning
- Swim at Konyaaltı Beach
Afternoon
- Drive to Feslikan Yaylası
Evening
- Enjoy dinner in cool mountain air surrounded by pine forests
This dramatic contrast between sea level and alpine plateau is unique to the Antalya–Taurus region.
Why Antalya Highlands Are Special
Unlike many mountain destinations in Europe, Antalya’s yaylas offer an extraordinary combination of:
Mediterranean Climate
Warm sunny days with relatively mild mountain conditions.
Taurus Mountain Scenery
Dramatic limestone peaks, cedar forests, and deep valleys.
Living Nomadic Heritage
Traditional Yörük culture remains visible and active in many highland communities.
Accessibility
Most major yaylas can be reached within 1–3 hours from Antalya’s international airport and coastal resorts.
The Antalya Highlands reveal a side of the Turkish Riviera that many visitors never discover. Beyond the famous beaches and ancient ruins lies a world of cool cedar forests, flower-filled meadows, mountain lakes, waterfalls, traditional villages, and centuries-old Yörük traditions.
Whether you choose the panoramic heights of Saklıkent, the forest retreats of Feslikan, the waterfall landscapes of Gömbe, or the cultural mountain villages of Ormana and Akseki, Antalya’s yaylas offer an unforgettable combination of nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation.
For travelers seeking a richer and more authentic Antalya experience, spending at least two or three days exploring the Taurus highlands is one of the best ways to discover the remarkable diversity of southern Türkiye—where Mediterranean beaches and alpine mountain worlds exist side by side within a single province.