The Çanakkale region sits at one of history’s great crossroads. The Dardanelles strait — less than 2 km wide at its narrowest — has been fought over since antiquity: Xerxes crossed it with his Persian army, Alexander the Great crossed it in the other direction, and in 1915 it was the scene of one of World War I’s most devastating campaigns.
The city of Çanakkale itself is a pleasant university town with a relaxed waterfront. Troy is 30 km south; the Gallipoli peninsula is a 40-minute ferry ride across the strait.
- Region
- Northwest Turkey
- Strait width
- 1.2–6 km
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Known for
- Troy, Gallipoli, ferries
Troy — the legendary city
The archaeological site of Troy(Truva) preserves nine layers of civilisation spanning 4,000 years — the historical basis for Homer’s Iliad. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was reopened with a major new museum in 2018. The famous wooden horse replica at the entrance is a tourist staple; the ruins themselves — walls, gateways and the deep stratigraphic trench — are genuinely moving.
Gallipoli — the WWI battlefields
The Gallipoli Peninsula (Gelibolu Yarımadası) was the scene of one of the most catastrophic battles of World War I — the 1915 Allied campaign that cost over 100,000 lives. The peninsula is now a national park with preserved trenches, memorials and cemeteries at Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair.
For Australians and New Zealanders, Gallipoli is a site of profound national significance — the birthplace of the ANZAC legend. Çanakkale is the nearest city.
Bozcaada island and Assos
Bozcaada (Tenedos) is a small Aegean island reachable by ferry from Geyikli — famous for its Greek-quarter architecture, vineyards and exceptional wine. The island has preserved its Ottoman-Greek character better than almost anywhere in Turkey.
Assos (Behramkale) to the south is an ancient Greek city perched on a volcanic cone above the sea — where Aristotle taught philosophy. The ruins of its Temple of Athena (7th century BC) and the old harbour below are among the most picturesque in Turkey.
Çanakkale in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Çanakkale
3Troy is 30 km south of Çanakkale city, about a 30–40 minute drive. Taxis, buses and organised tours run from the city.
April 25 (Anzac Day) sees large dawn services and commemorations. For a quieter visit with good weather, May and September are ideal. The battlefields can be visited year-round.
Yes — it is one of Turkey's most charming islands. The preserved Greek quarter, vineyards and relaxed atmosphere are exceptional. Best in May–June or September.