2027 public holidays in Türkiye and suggested travel routes

Index:
2027 public holidays calendar
When is Eid al-Fitr in 2027?
When is Eid al-Adha in 2027?
How many days of public holidays are there in total in 2027?
2027 school holidays: When are the mid-term and summer breaks?
Where to go for the 2027 public holidays?

2027 public holidays calendar

The table below has been prepared based on the holidays listed in Law No. 2429 and the 2027 calendar of the Presidency of Religious Affairs. Under the law, the eves of religious holidays and October 28 are holidays starting from 1 p.m.

1 January 2027 New Year’s, Friday

The year 2027 kicks off with a three-day holiday, from Friday, January 1 to Sunday, January 3. It is the perfect amount of time to plan a trip to a ski destination or a close European city. To get some inspiration, check our article on where to go for New Year’s.

April 23, National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, Friday

National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, celebrated on April 23 as a special gift from Atatürk to children around the world, falls on a Friday in 2027. With the weekend, it becomes a three-day holiday. And if you take Monday, April 26 off as well, you’ll have a four-day escape. With spring bringing pleasant weather and vibrant scenery, it is an ideal time to discover different parts of Türkiye. You can consider combining cultural and outdoor experiences in Çanakkale, visiting the museums and attractions of Eskişehir, or wandering through the historic stone streets of Mardin.

For those craving a seaside getaway, destinations such as Kaş and Datça offer a chance to enjoy the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts before the busy summer season begins. Those considering a trip outside Türkiye can visit Seville, Spain, where historic architecture, charming courtyards, and green parks create an inviting spring atmosphere. As a visa-free destination, Tbilisi is an option, offering opportunities to discover its atmospheric old quarters and enjoy views along the Kura River.

For more opportunities to plan your next getaway, explore our Flight Deals page.

July 15, Democracy and National Unity Day, Thursday

July 15 falls on a Thursday in 2027, and if you take Friday, July 16 off, there will be an opportunity for a four-day break from Thursday through Sunday. You could make the most of this period by enjoying the beaches of Ayvalık, wandering around Cunda’s streets, and discovering its regional cuisine. If you wish to escape the heat, the lakes, forests, and scenic hiking routes of Bolu are a good alternative. For an adventure outside Türkiye, consider a trip to Greece that begins with Thessaloniki’s historic neighborhoods and coasts before continuing to the beautiful beaches of Halkidiki.

August 30, Victory Day, Monday

In 2027, Victory Day falls on Monday, creating a three-day weekend from August 28 through August 30. As this is one of the last long weekends of the summer and popular coastal destinations may be particularly busy, it’s recommended that you arrange flights, transportation, and accommodation beforehand. For a relaxing island escape, Bozcaada offers calm bays as well as evening walks around its town center. History enthusiasts could instead explore the Ancient City of Troy and the Troy Museum in Çanakkale. If you are traveling outside Türkiye, Rhodes offers an opportunity to combine sightseeing and beach time by exploring its historic old town and swimming at the island’s beaches—all you can fit into your three-day break.

October 29, Republic Day of Türkiye, Friday

Republic Day falls on a Friday in 2027. The holiday officially starts at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 28, creating a 3.5-day break when combined with the weekend. Taking the morning off on Thursday can turn this into a complete four-day holiday. Those who want to experience the Republic Day celebrations in Ankara can visit Anıtkabir and add the Museum of the War of Independence and Republic Museum to their plans. To enjoy autumn views, explore Safranbolu’s historic architecture and continue your journey toward the peaceful landscapes of the Yenice Forests. If you prefer to travel outside Türkiye, Bologna is a wonderful autumn option, with its distinctive porticoes, lively squares, historic streets, and celebrated local cuisine.

When is Eid al-Fitr in 2027?

In 2027, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated from March 9 to 11. Falling at the beginning of spring, the holiday is a good opportunity not only to spend time with family and loved ones but also to visit new places. You could walk through the historic streets of Antalya’s Kaleiçi district or enjoy a city break in Seville, exploring its beautiful courtyards and squares. Since the weather in March can be unpredictable, you can also add indoor activities to your plans, such as visiting museums in Antalya.

This year, the calendar is also convenient for families traveling with children. The Ministry of National Education’s mid-term break in the second semester will fall during the same week as the holiday, from March 8 to 12. This gives families the chance to combine visits with relatives and a trip with their children. While preparing for your journey, you can also check family travel tips, from packing your luggage to deciding what to keep with you during the flight.

When does Ramadan begin in 2027?

Ramadan begins on 8 February 2027, Monday. The first tarawih prayer will take place on the evening of Sunday, February 7, and the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) will be Friday, March 5. As Ramadan falls during the winter season, you could arrange iftar (fast-breaking meal) gatherings with your loved ones who live in different cities. If you want to include local food experiences and Ramadan preparations in your trip, Türkiye’s Ramadan culture and traditions can provide inspiration.

On which day does Eid al-Fitr fall in 2027?

The eve of the holiday is Monday, March 8, followed by the first day on Tuesday, March 9, the second day on Wednesday, March 10, and the third day on Thursday, March 11. When arranging your travel dates, remember that Friday, March 12, is a regular working day.

How many days is the Eid al-Fitr holiday in 2027?

The official Eid al-Fitr holiday lasts three and a half days, starting at 1:00 p.m. on the eve and ending on Thursday evening in 2027.

For those who have weekends off, it is possible to plan a nine-day break from March 6 through March 14 by taking a half day off on Monday morning and one full day off on Friday. With only one and a half days of annual leave, you can have enough time to rest after visiting family or plan a longer trip covering several cities. Any possible administrative leave for state sector employees will depend on future official announcements.

When is Eid al-Adha in 2027?

Eid al-Adha in 2027 will be celebrated from May 16 to 19. Falling toward the end of spring, the holiday is a great chance to combine family visits with a few days outdoors. Before the peak summer season begins, you could visit coastal towns, go hiking, or finally take the trip you have been postponing.

In Türkiye, you could plan a route covering the bays and historical attractions of Fethiye. For a trip outside Türkiye, you might wander through Santorini’s whitewashed streets and enjoy views of the Aegean Sea, or experience the medieval atmosphere of Prague.

Which day does Eid al-Adha fall on in 2027?

The eve of the holiday is Saturday, May 15, followed by the first day on Sunday, May 16, the second day on Monday, May 17, the third day on Tuesday, May 18, and the fourth day on Wednesday, May 19. Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21, are regular working days after the holiday. When planning your return, it is a good idea to check beforehand whether you can take these two days off.

Does the fourth day of Eid al-Adha fall on May 19 (Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day)?

Yes. Wednesday, May 19, 2027 is both the fourth day of Eid al-Adha and the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day. For this reason, May 19 should not be counted as an additional holiday after Eid al-Adha when planning your trip.

How many days is the 2027 Eid al-Adha holiday?

The official Eid al-Adha holiday lasts 4.5 days and begins at 1:00 p.m. on the eve of the festival. In 2027, it starts on the afternoon of Saturday, May 15, and finishes on the evening of Wednesday, May 19.

If you do not work on the weekends, you can turn this into a nine-day vacation from May 15 to May 23 by taking just two days of leave (Thursday, May 20 and Friday, May 21).

How many days of public holidays are there in total in 2027?

Under Law No. 2429, Türkiye has a total of 15.5 official public holiday days each year: 3.5 days for Eid al-Fitr, 4.5 days for Eid al-Adha, and 7.5 days covering national and general public holidays, including New Year’s Day, April 23, May 1, May 19, July 15, August 30, and the afternoon of October 28 together with October 29. In 2027, since the fourth day of Eid al-Adha falls on May 19, the calendar effectively contains 14.5 separate holiday days.

Looking only at holidays that do not fall on weekdays, the breakdown is as follows: 2.5 days fall on the weekend—May 1 (Saturday, one full day), the eve of Eid al-Adha on May 15 (Saturday, half a day), and the first day of Eid al-Adha on May 16 (Sunday, one full day). As a result, 12 holiday days fall on weekdays: January 1, the afternoon of March 8, March 9–11, April 23, May 17–19, July 15, August 30, the afternoon of October 28, and October 29.

2027 school holidays: When are the mid-term and summer breaks?

According to the 2026–2027 academic calendar announced by the Ministry of National Education, schools started on Monday, September 14, 2026. The first term will finish on Friday, January 22, 2027. Students will then have a two-week semester break from January 25 through February 5, 2027, with the second term starting on Monday, February 8, 2027.

The dates for the mid-term breaks have also been announced. The first-term break will take place from November 16 to 20, 2026, while the second-term break is scheduled for March 8 to 12, 2027. Because the March break overlaps with Eid al-Fitr, students will effectively have a nine-day holiday from March 6 through March 14. The school year will end on Friday, June 25, 2027, followed by the summer vacation.

Where to go for the 2027 public holidays?

If you are planning a trip outside Türkiye, it is a good idea to allow enough time for visa preparations. You can apply for a Schengen visa up to six months before your planned trip, but appointment availability and processing periods may differ depending on the country you are visiting and the time of year.

Destinations outside Türkiye for Eid al-Fitr

You could use the March holiday period for a trip combining city sightseeing with local food experiences. One option is to plan an itinerary through Seville, Granada, and Córdoba in Andalusia, while other alternatives include exploring the historic squares of Rome or walking through the picturesque streets of Lisbon. For a warmer getaway, Dubai could be a good fit, while Marrakech offers a cultural experience with lively bazaars and a wide range of attractions. Turkish citizens traveling with a standard (maroon) passport need a valid Schengen visa to visit Spain, Italy, and Portugal, as well as a visa for the United Arab Emirates. Morocco allows visa-free entry for short-term tourist visits.

Destinations outside Türkiye for Eid al-Adha

The Eid al-Adha break in mid-May is a good opportunity to combine European city trips with outdoor activities. You could explore the towns along the Amalfi Coast or add seaside walks to a sightseeing itinerary in Barcelona. In Amsterdam, a route focused on canals, museums, and parks can make for an enjoyable trip. The Greek islands of Rhodes, Santorini, and Crete, along with Balkan destinations such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and North Macedonia, offer a variety of travel options. If Montenegro is on your wish list, make sure to check the visa and entry requirements for your planned travel dates before finalizing your plans.

Cities with short flight options for 3-day weekend getaways

For a three-day weekend, destinations that can be reached from Istanbul with a one-to-three-hour flight are among the most convenient options. In Europe, you can consider Athens, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Bucharest, Belgrade, Sarajevo, and Skopje. To the east, Tbilisi, Baku, and Northern Cyprus are also options that Turkish citizens can visit without a visa. For a complete list, you can check our article about visa-free countries for Turkish citizens.

Family travel during school holidays

During the semester break from January 25 to February 5, you can enjoy skiing in Uludağ or Palandöken, or plan a trip outside Türkiye to visit Disneyland Paris or the museums of London. Depending on your child’s age and interests, you can also explore our guides to child-friendly destinations in Europe and European cities to visit with children during the mid-term break. During Eid al-Fitr, which overlaps with the March mid-term break, you could visit Barcelona’s parks and museums and enjoy a walk by the sea. In summer, a beach holiday in Antalya or a cultural trip to Cappadocia, with sightseeing during the cooler morning hours, can be considered. For trips outside Türkiye, remember to plan for your children’s passport and visa procedures, and note that the entry rules for the UK and Schengen Area are different.

Frequently asked questions

How many public holiday days are there in total in 2027?

According to the law, there are 15.5 public holiday days each year. In 2027, since the fourth day of Eid al-Adha falls on May 19, which is also Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, there are 14.5 separate holiday days on the calendar. Of these, 12 days are on weekdays and 2.5 days fall on weekends.

Is there a compensatory holiday when May 1 falls on a Saturday?

No. In Türkiye, public holidays that fall on weekends are not moved to another weekday.

Is the eve of a holiday considered a holiday?

Partly. Under Law No. 2429, the eves of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, along with the period after 1 p.m. on October 28, are official holidays. In 2027, the eve of Eid al-Fitr is Monday, March 8, while the eve of Eid al-Adha is Saturday, May 15.

Will there be nine-day holiday breaks in 2027?

A nine-day break is not automatically created in the official holiday calendar. People who don’t work on weekends can take a nine-day break from March 6 to March 14 during Eid al-Fitr by taking the morning of Monday, March 8 and Friday, March 12 off. During Eid al-Adha, if you take May 20 and 21 off, you’ll have a nine-day break from May 15 through May 23. Any administrative leave for public employees will depend on separate official announcements.

Will there be an additional holiday because May 19 overlaps with Eid al-Adha?

No. There is no provision in the law for an additional day when two public holidays fall on the same date. Therefore, May 19, 2027 is counted as one holiday on the calendar.

When will schools close in 2027?

According to the Ministry of National Education (MEB) calendar, the first term ends on January 22, 2027, followed by the semester break from January 25 to February 5. The school year ends on Friday, June 25, 2027 when the summer vacation begins.