Eid al-Fitr is a special occasion for Muslims, a time for celebration with family and loved ones. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fast for Muslims around the world, and the start of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Eid al-Fitr is also a season of travel. In Turkey, the country is in holiday mode from March 30 to April 1.
In the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, two days out of the year are dedicated to a celebration called Eid. Eid ul-Fitr occurs at the end of the month of Ramadan each year, and Eid al-Adha occurs on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic year.
This year Eid al-Fitr takes place today, Sunday 30th March 2025, following the sighting of the moon.
Recent protests in Turkey are not hindering millions of people from hitting the road for the nine-day Eid al-Fitr holiday, which has surged tourism across Türkiye. However, heavy rainstorms threaten to dampen their journeys.
According to tourism industry representatives, with many travelers merging the holiday with school vacations, hotel occupancy rates neared full capacity as numerous guests scrambled to secure last-minute accommodations.
Travel agencies quickly introduced new packages, and tourist destinations like Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, and Didim witnessed high demand. Tours to Southeastern Anatolia, the Black Sea regions, and Cappadocia have also gained popularity.
The tourism officials noted that nearly 2 million travelers will stay in hotels in Turkey, while the rest will visit family or explore different regions. They predict that last-minute bookings will continue, particularly in coastal destinations and thermal resorts.
Three overlapping holidays — Eid al-Fitr, the school break, and Easter — contributed to the spike in demand. Turkish European expatriates are extending their trips by merging their Eid al-Fitr travels with the Easter holidays.
In Turkey, the average stay for Eid Al Fitr increased from two to four or five nights in hotels. Train, bus, and air frequency is increased. Many Turkish Airlines flights are sold out.
