Travel to Turkey — everything you need to know
When to go to Turkey?
- April – June — Spring : Ideal for Istanbul and Cappadocia. Mild temperatures (15–25 °C), few crowds, blooming landscapes.
- July – August — Turquoise coast : Perfect for the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts (Antalya, Bodrum). Warm sea, guaranteed sunshine.
- September – October — Late season : Best overall period: fewer tourists, ideal temperatures everywhere, sea still warm.
Weather in Turkey
Check the weather city by city, starting with Ankara.
- Istanbul: daytime highs from 10 to 31 °C depending on the season, 72 mm of rain per month on average.
- Antalya: daytime highs from 15 to 35 °C depending on the season, 88 mm of rain per month on average.
- Cappadoce: daytime highs from 4 to 29 °C depending on the season, 35 mm of rain per month on average.
- Izmir: daytime highs from 14 to 38 °C depending on the season, 61 mm of rain per month on average.
- Pamukkale: daytime highs from 13 to 39 °C depending on the season, 48 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Turkey?
Turkey is a bridge between East and West, between antiquity and modernity. Istanbul with its mosques and bazaars, Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys, the turquoise coasts of the Mediterranean and the Greek ruins of Ephesus — a country of endless riches.
Istanbul
The only city in the world straddling two continents. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus make it one of the most fascinating cities on earth.
Highlights : Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet), Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace.
Cappadocia
A moon-like landscape of fairy chimneys carved by erosion, with underground cities inhabited since antiquity. The sunrise hot-air balloons are one of the most beautiful travel experiences.
Highlights : Sunrise hot-air balloon flight, Göreme Valley, Derinkuyu underground city, Rock-cut monasteries of Göreme.
Ephesus & the Aegean Coast
The best-preserved ruins of Greco-Roman antiquity, with the Library of Celsus, alongside the beaches of Bodrum and Kuşadası.
Highlights : Library of Celsus — Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, Bodrum beaches, Pamukkale — travertine terraces.
Antalya & the Turquoise Coast
The Turkish Riviera with its pebble beaches, crystal-clear waters, the ruins of Perga and Side, and the Ottoman architecture of Antalya's old town.
Highlights : Old town (Kaleiçi), Ruins of Side, Kaputaş Beach, Saklikent Canyon and gorges.
Travel budget for Turkey
Due to inflation and the weak Turkish lira, Turkey has become very affordable for European travellers. Excellent value for money.
- Backpacker : 30–50 €/j — Guesthouse + street food + local transport
- Comfort : 75–130 €/j — Comfortable hotel + restaurants + activities
- Luxury : 250 €+/j — 5-star resort + fine dining + private tours
Practical tips for travelling to Turkey
- Flight from Paris : ~3h30 direct (Turkish Airlines, Air France)
- Visa : Online e-Visa (~20 $, a few minutes)
- Currency : Turkish Lira (₺) — very favourable rate, ATM withdrawal recommended
- Language : Turkish — English common in tourist areas
- Electricity : Type C/F — 220V (same as France)
- Mobile network : Affordable local SIM or European roaming available
- Tap water : Not drinkable — bottled water recommended
- Health : No mandatory vaccines, quality care in big cities
Compare Turkey with other destinations