begüm The half-term Semester holiday has arrived, and everyone is asking, “Where to go during the half-term holiday?” But when is half-term exactly? Usually starting in the middle of January, the holiday offers students and families a chance to relax and have fun. In this guide, we have compiled destinations, activities, and holiday tips in Turkey and abroad that you can enjoy during the half-term holiday.
When is the 2026 Half-Term Holiday?
The 2026 half-term holiday will start on Monday, 21 January 2026, and end on Friday, 1 February 2026. During this period, there will be a two-week opportunity for children and families to rest and travel!
List of Places to Go During the Half-Term Holiday
- 1Uludağ, Bursa
- 2Kartepe, Kocaeli
- 3Erciyes, Kayseri
- 4Palandöken, Erzurum
- 5Sazova Science, Culture and Art Park, Eskişehir
- 6Cappadocia, Nevşehir
- 7Sapanca, Sakarya
- 8Thermal, Yalova
- 9Kartalkaya, Bolu
Map of Places to Visit During the Semester Break
Where to go during semester break?
Uludağ, Bursa
Uludağ, one of the must-visit winter holiday destinations, is the jewel of Bursa. As one of Turkey’s most popular ski resorts, this amazing place offers a unique experience for both professional skiers and those who just want to enjoy the snow. From ski slopes to sledding, and from winter walks to snowball fights, every moment here is full of fun! Of course, eating sucuk sandwiches and drinking hot salep while enjoying the snowy view are also essential Uludağ experiences. If you are looking for peace beyond skiing, you can stay in the nearby bungalows, relax while watching the falling snowflakes, and refresh your mind. And don’t forget to try the famous İskender kebab while in Bursa; an Uludağ holiday promises an unforgettable experience full of fun and taste. Click here for the Bursa Travel Guide!
Kartepe, Kocaeli
Kartepe is one of the first places that come to mind for a winter holiday and truly a gem of Kocaeli. It’s not easy to find a place so close to Istanbul that takes you into a completely different world. If you love skiing, the slopes here are perfect for you, but it’s also ideal for those who want to sled on the snow and drink a warm salep afterwards! Sucuk sandwiches are a must; eating them with the fresh scent of snow is a special pleasure. The hotels are excellent, whether you come to have fun with friends or relax with your family, the atmosphere of Kartepe will surely lift your spirits. Click here for the Kocaeli Travel Guide!
Erciyes, Kayseri
Erciyes is a must-visit destination for those who want to make the most of their winter holiday! When Kayseri’s magnificent mountain is covered in pure white snow, it turns into a fairy-tale land. If you love skiing, you will adore the long and wide slopes, but even if you just want to enjoy the snow, there are plenty of ways to do so in Erciyes. The views from the peak are truly breathtaking. And of course, don’t leave without trying sucuk pide and manti while in Kayseri. Click here for the Kayseri Travel Guide!
Palandöken, Erzurum
Palandöken transforms Erzurum’s cold winters into a warm holiday experience! If you love skiing, the slopes here are exactly what you need — long and challenging, perfect for ski enthusiasts. But if you don’t want to limit yourself to skiing, you can take a walk on the mountain with a snowy view or enjoy a sled ride for fun moments. Don’t worry about Erzurum’s cold weather; warming up with hot chocolate and döner is part of the experience. And while in Erzurum, you should definitely try the famous Cağ Kebab.
Sazova Science, Culture, and Art Park, Eskişehir
Sazova Science, Culture, and Art Park is one of the most fun and educational places in Eskişehir! There is so much to explore here for both children and adults. The castle, which creates a fairy-tale atmosphere, is one of the park’s most eye-catching structures. The interactive exhibitions about science and technology provide a great learning opportunity for children. You can also walk around the pond, visit the zoo, or enjoy a fun train ride. While relaxing and spending the day here, you can feel like you are in a science fiction world. Sazova is a must-visit place in Eskişehir for anyone who wants to have a relaxing and discovery-filled day! Click here for the Eskişehir Travel Guide!
Kapadokya, Nevşehir
Cappadocia, located in the heart of Nevşehir, is a magical place that feels like a fairy tale in every corner. If you haven’t visited before, the region’s unique fairy chimneys and underground cities will amaze you. Rising into the sky in a hot air balloon and watching the sunrise over Cappadocia’s extraordinary landscape is an experience that words can hardly describe. You can explore the rock-carved churches at the Göreme Open-Air Museum and follow the traces of ancient times. Walking among the valleys and rock formations, you can discover the natural beauty and enjoy a peaceful escape. Moreover, staying in authentic stone hotels in Cappadocia is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the region. In short, Cappadocia is not just a holiday; it’s a journey into a fairy-tale world! Click here for the Cappadocia Travel Guide!
Sapanca, Sakarya
Sapanca is a perfect escape for those who want to relax and spend time in nature. This quiet village in Sakarya is famous for its lake and truly offers peace and tranquillity. In summer, you can walk around the lake, cycle, or take a calm boat ride on the water. In winter, the snow-covered landscape looks like a fairy tale. Moreover, having a coffee at the lakeside cafés is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Sapanca. The forests and green areas around the village are also perfect for nature walks. Sapanca is close to the city yet a great place to disconnect and relax in nature! Click here for the Sapanca Travel Guide!
Termal, Yalova
Termal is a place in Yalova where you can truly find peace. Especially famous for its hot springs, relaxing in the healing waters relieves all your stress. While resting in the warm water, the tranquillity of the surrounding nature is also good for your soul. There are plenty of green areas for walking in Termal, making it a perfect opportunity for those who love to be close to nature. Since it is very close to Yalova city centre, it is ideal for those who want to escape the city noise and enjoy a short getaway.
Kartalkaya, Bolu
Kartalkaya is one of the most popular winter holiday destinations in Bolu and truly a paradise for skiing enthusiasts! The ski slopes are wide and suitable for all levels, making it a great place for both beginners and experienced skiers. It is a perfect route to enjoy the snow. Besides skiing, you can also sled on the snow or take winter walks, which are fun activities here. Kartalkaya also offers a fantastic mountain view, and drinking a hot beverage while enjoying this view is a unique pleasure. Accommodation options are very good, and most hotels are close to the ski slopes, so you can rest comfortably after a fun day. Click here for the Bolu Travel Guide!
We have now reached the end of this Semester article. See you in the next posts!
After reading this, a guide on Turkey’s Best Ski Resorts would be a great follow-up!
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