The Taurus Mountains rise steeply from the coastal plain almost immediately behind Antalya, reaching over 3,000 metres within 50 km of the sea. In summer, when the coast is stifling, the mountains offer a sharp contrast — pine forests, cool air, and temperatures 10–15°C lower than the beach. The Güllükdağı-Termessos National Park, which protects the mountains above the city, is accessible by car and has good hiking trails.
For a full mountain experience, the road up to Termessos (the ancient city) continues into a landscape of cedar forests and rocky ridges with panoramic views of the sea below. Birdwatchers find raptors and alpine species at altitude that are not visible on the coast.