Çanakkale Travel Guide: Troy, Gallipoli & the Dardanelles
Çanakkale is where Turkey meets its own legend. The province sits on the Dardanelles — the ancient Hellespont — the narrow strait between the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara that divides Europe from Asia. Within an hour or two of the city are two of the most storied places in the world: Troy, the Bronze Age city of the Trojan War, and Gallipoli, the WWI battlefield peninsula.
Most travellers come for one of those two, but the province rewards a longer stay: the pretty Aegean village of Assos (Behramkale), the windswept islands of Bozcaada and Gökçeada, and the strait itself, busy with ferries between Europe and Asia.
| Where | Northwestern Turkey, on the Dardanelles (Hellespont) |
| Known for | Troy, Gallipoli, Assos, the Dardanelles |
| Nearest airport | Çanakkale (CKZ); Istanbul is ~4–5 hours by road |
| Best months | April–June and September–October; 25 April for Anzac Day |
Troy
The ruins of Troy (Truva) lie about 30 km south of Çanakkale city and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nine cities are stacked one on another here, from the Bronze Age to Roman Ilium, with the replica Trojan Horse at the entrance. See our full Troy guide for what to look for.
Gallipoli
The Gallipoli (Gelibolu) peninsula, across the strait, was the site of the 1915 campaign and is now a landscape of cemeteries, memorials and quiet beaches, including Anzac Cove. It is visited as a pilgrimage, especially around Anzac Day. See our Gallipoli guide.
Assos & the Aegean Coast
South along the Aegean coast, the village of Assos (Behramkale) has a hilltop Temple of Athena with one of the best views in western Turkey, above a small harbour. See our Assos guide.
The Dardanelles & Getting There
Çanakkale city sits on the Asian shore of the Dardanelles and is linked to Europe by ferries and the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge. There is a small airport (CKZ); most visitors arrive by road from Istanbul (~4–5 hours) or as a stop between Istanbul and the Aegean coast.
When to Visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the most comfortable. The one date to plan around is 25 April, when Anzac Day draws large crowds to Gallipoli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Çanakkale?
Çanakkale is in northwestern Turkey, on the Dardanelles strait (the ancient Hellespont) between the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara, facing the Gallipoli peninsula across the water.
What is Çanakkale famous for?
Çanakkale is famous for the ruins of Troy and the WWI Gallipoli battlefields, both within an hour or two of the city, as well as the Dardanelles strait and the Aegean village of Assos.
How do I get to Çanakkale?
There are flights to Çanakkale Airport (CKZ), but most visitors come by road — about 4–5 hours from Istanbul — or as a stop on a route between Istanbul and the Aegean coast.
When is the best time to visit Gallipoli?
Spring and autumn are most comfortable. For the Anzac Day commemorations, plan around 25 April and book well ahead.