Do I need a visa for Turkey in 2026? +
No. Since March 2020, French and EU citizens no longer need a visa for Turkey. Free stay up to 90 days per 180-day period. A valid national ID card or passport is sufficient (Turkish authorities recommend at least 150 days validity after entry).
How many days do you need in Turkey? +
Minimum 1 week for Istanbul + Cappadocia (the iconic combo). 10 days to add the Turquoise Coast (Antalya, Pamukkale). 2 weeks is ideal for the grand tour (Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Fethiye, Antalya). 3 weeks lets you add the Black Sea (Trabzon) or eastern Anatolia (Nemrut, Mardin).
When to go to Cappadocia for the balloons? +
April to June and September to October offer the best conditions: rarely cancelled flights (stable wind), mild temperatures (15-25 °C). July-August work but with heat (35 °C in the afternoon). December-March: 30 to 50% of flights cancelled due to wind or snow, but magnificent snowy landscapes. Book 2-3 months ahead for Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct.
Is Turkey safe in 2026? +
The touristic west (Istanbul, Cappadocia, Aegean and Mediterranean coast) is generally safe. France Diplomatie advises against border areas with Syria and Iraq (Hakkari, Sirnak, Sanliurfa in the south-east). Standard vigilance for pickpockets in the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet in Istanbul. Earthquakes: active seismic zone, take note of safety instructions.
Does Turkish inflation make the country expensive in 2026? +
Annual inflation remains around 30% in 2026 (32% in April), but it is offset for foreign tourists by the continued depreciation of the Turkish lira against the euro (€1 ≈ 52 TRY mid-2026). Result: the country remains 20 to 30% cheaper than Greece or Croatia at equivalent comfort. Tip: pay in Turkish lira (Revolut or Wise card for the right rate), refuse euro conversions that add 5-10% margin.
What Turkish food is a must-try? +
Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) with menemen, cheeses, olives, simit. Mezze: haydari, ezme, hummus, dolmas. Mains: Adana kebab, manti (yoghurt-sauce ravioli), pide, lahmacun, köfte. Desserts: Gaziantep baklava (UNESCO), künefe, lokum. Drinks: çay (black tea), ayran (salty yoghurt), rakı (anise spirit).
How to get around Turkey? +
Domestic flights: Turkish Airlines and Pegasus connect all cities at €30-80. Long-distance buses: Kamil Koç and Metro Turizm offer excellent value (Istanbul-Cappadocia 12h, €25). Trains: avoid except the YHT high-speed Istanbul-Ankara-Konya. Car rental: recommended for Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast. Istanbul metro/tram: very efficient, Istanbulkart pass mandatory.
Should I try a Turkish hammam? +
Yes, it's a major cultural experience. In Istanbul, the oldest and most authentic: Cağaloğlu Hamamı (1741, heritage-listed), Çemberlitaş (1584, designed by Sinan), Kılıç Ali Paşa. Plan €50-90 for scrub + soap massage + tea. Allow 2h. Separate men/women sections or alternating hours depending on the establishment.
