Last-minute holiday plans for Eid al-Fitr

If you still have not decided where to go while many are hitting the road to enjoy the four-day Eid al-Fitr holiday, here are some of the best destinations for last-minute holiday plans



After a month of fasting, which Muslims practice during Ramadan, the four-day Eid al-Fitr holiday arrives in Turkey to celebrate the end of this Islamic tradition. Many locals and expats around the country have already rushed to holiday destinations to benefit from the holiday.Have you still not decided where to go or are you not sure which places would best suit your holiday expectations? Here in Turkey, there are many nice holiday destinations that you can visit either with your family or friends. Just choose one of those havens around Turkey and start your dream holiday before it is too late to decide.For a holiday with the familyIf you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life and prefer a serene, peaceful holiday spot with your family rather than the fast nightlife, Bozburun, a small seaside town located in the Marmaris district of Muğla is the right place for you. Since it is a small, secluded place away from prying eyes, you will quickly fall in love there. The Mediterranean town, known as Tinos in ancient times and surrounded by orange and lemon trees accompanied by a gentle breeze, is famous for the gulet vessels built here and sent across the world. For a closer holiday spot around the Marmara region, you can visit Cunda Island. Even though it is along the Aegean cost of Turkey, Cunda Island is not a far-away destination. Do not be fooled by the name. Despite being an "island," you can reach this fascinating venue by car. Cunda Island, which means "Fragrant Island" in Romaic thanks to the silverberry fragrance surrounding the entire island, is a place that should be on your travel itinerary. Welcoming you with its friendly locals and quiet cafes, the island in autumn offers a nice getaway for those who want to discover the hidden blue dream of the country. If what you are looking for is not the beach and the sun but a serene, pure green place to spend Eid al-Fitr, you can choose a destination close to Istanbul, such as Sapanca Lake. Sapanca has become a popular destination, especially in recent years, with various shades of ever-green, close proximity to Istanbul, clean air and high-quality hotels offering spa and massage facilities for those who want to relieve themselves from the fatigue of the week. Considered a nice weekend getaway, Sapanca's lake is used as a beach during the summer. Sapanca hides many fascinating nature spots, and Maşukiye is one of them. With its salmon restaurants and natural beauty, Maşukiye is a place you can visit throughout the year to spend a day immersed in nature.For a fun-filled holiday with friendsFor those whose holiday description is a vivid nightlife scene in a crowded touristic destination, Turkey offers many options during this Eid al-Fitr. Before listing those places, you need to bear in mind that many hotels in those spots are jam-packed considering that it is travel season and foreign tourists are also visiting for the summer. The most renowned of these places is Turkey's southern city of Antalya. Many thousands of tourists from Turkey, the Netherlands, Russia, Germany and the rest of the world fly to this Mediterranean city every year to experience its marvelous beaches and year-round warm climate. Along with its renowned beaches such as Cleopatra Beach, and Patara Beach, many districts around Antalya offer you a vivid nightlife scene that is full of fun. Kaş, Alanya is one of the most visited places in Antalya, especially by young people. To socialize and spend time in a city that never sleeps during summer, Antalya is the perfect place for you. Since it is located in the southern part of the country, the easiest reach for those who live around northern Turkey is by plane. So, before heading to the city, you must check availability for airways to find an economic flight and also for hotels you want to stay in. Another touristic spot you should not skip is the western province of Muğla. This magical city is filled with many tourist attractions, beautiful beaches, historical site luxury hotels, restaurants and also the intensive nightlife districts such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye in Muğla are just like the Riviera on the Turkish coast. Described as "the land of eternal blue," Muğla attracts a diverse population of holidaymakers who stroll along its long palm-lined waterfront, as elegant yachts crowd the marina. Many nightclubs and fun-filled beaches in Muğla's touristic districts will give you a chance to spend an unforgettable holiday with your friends. Activities such as water skiing and surfing are widely available in Muğla, so it is not only a nice getaway but also a chance to experience some adventurous sports during your stay.For sailing on the Turkish RivieraTo experience a different holiday during Eid al-Fitr, Turkey offers you a "Blue Voyage," sailing along the Turkish Riviera either on a cruise or by gullet, which are typical Turkish wooden sailing vessels. Yacht cruises with friends or family along Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are a wonderful way to enjoy the sea away from prying eyes while going on a memorable journey that only a few have the chance to experience. Even though a four-day holiday may not be enough to see the entire coastal beauties of Turkey, it is still a nice and perfect getaway during eid. There are many routes you can choose if you are intending to sail. The most renowned route among yacht cruises in Turkey is the Göcek-Datça-Bodrum route. You first need to fly to Muğla to arrive in the small town of Göçek. From Göçek, located in the Fethiye district of Muğla province, you can sail on a tour to discover the hidden secrets and fascinating views of Turkish coasts. Göçek, hosting six significant marinas, is a great eye-catching destination to start your cruise. When you start your cruise in Göçek, you will visit the traditional Datça peninsula, traced by small bays and coves. When your tour finishes, your yacht will be anchored in Bodrum. If you would like to experience two countries at the same time, you can choose yacht cruises focusing on Bodrum-Rhodes and Symi. This Blue Voyage is the combination of two different countries with the same vivid blue sea. Starting from Turkey's Bodrum, the cruise heads toward the Greek islands. The first route of the cruise is Rhodes, a Greek island in the eastern Aegean Sea. Rhodes Island is one of the "Seven Wonders of the World" and needless to say, is a World Heritage Site. From Rhodes, the cruise will head toward the Symi island of Greece. Being part of the Rhodes regional unit, Symi has a picturesque view that seems to go beyond true beauty. All blue voyage tours in Turkey have their own schedule including how many days you will be out at sea, so before booking your package you should either be ready to extend your holiday, or arrange a gullet that will only sail for you along the definite routes you arrange. Bear in mind that the gullets that sail only for you will be on a different price scale than other tours.To feel as if you are abroadKnown as Aphrodite's island of love, Cyprus is a popular tourist destination that receives millions of visitors each year who flock to the white sand beaches to soak up the Mediterranean sun. To be away from the country and be surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is a nice option for you. The Mediterranean's third largest island, Cyprus, is a perfect holiday destination for people of all ages to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in its stone houses and sandy beaches, while being kissed by the warm sun in clear skies. In the summer months, the beaches are as hot as Turkey's southern coast and they remain warm throughout the winter months as well. That is why the island can be described as a never-ending holiday paradise. To enjoy the sun and beach, there are many lavish resorts in Cyprus that you can visit with your family. It is also a nice destination to visit with friends with its vivid nightlife and casinos that turn the island into a little Las Vegas in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. For those looking to mix fun-filled nights with relaxing days, Northern Cyprus's most popular hotels organize art events and night activities. Hotel guests can attend some of these events free of charge. For those who want to experience the Mediterranean atmosphere on an island, Cyprus should be on the top of your list.