21 Awesome Things To In Canakkale Turkey
Canakkale Turkey was the first stop on our three month road trip around Turkey in our campervan. We loved it so much that we ended up staying for a few days more than intended.
Despite the historical reminders of war that you’ll see scattered throughout this lesser known tourist city, these days it’s a welcoming, vibrant and really fun place to explore.
So read on as we run you through all the very best things to do in Canakkale Turkey. Including where to stay, where to eat, the best day trips and tours and the best time of year to visit.
Canakkale Turkey
Pronounced “Cha-nuh-ka-lay”, the name quite literally means Pot Fortress (çanak = ‘pot’ and kale = ‘fortress’). The reason being because whilst it was originally a 15th century Ottoman fortress, by the 18th century it had developed a reputation for the quality of its pottery.
Geographically and culturally, Canakkale Turkey is a very interesting place as half of the province lies in Europe and half of it in Asia. And separated by the Dardanelles Strait, the Gallipoli Peninsula and the city of Canakkale are both worthy of a place on your itinerary.
The Gallipoli Peninsula was a hugely important strategic location during WWI. And is sadly most well known for the enormous loss of life that happened there during the Battle of Gallipoli when over 130,000 men died there. Astonishingly 5,000 of which were in a single day.
Up until recently the only way to travel between the two areas was either by ferry or driving all the way around through Istanbul.
But in 2022, the 1915 Canakkale Bridge, and consequently the longest suspension bridge in the world, joined the two landmasses and made travelling between them much quicker and easier.
Located within the Canakkale Province, around 30 km south of the city is also the Ancient City of Troy. Dating back to the Bronze Age, this UNESCO World Heritage site is best known as the setting for the Trojan War and is on many a bucket list.
Canakkale is an excellent place to base yourself if you are looking to visit the Gallipoli Peninsula, explore the Troy archaeological site or indeed visit the gorgeous islands of Gökceada or Bozcaada just off the coast.
But there are also plenty of great things to do in Canakkale city too so let’s get into the details.
Things To Do In Canakkale Turkey
Canakkale Old Town
Characterised by narrow winding streets with seating spilling out from the multitude of pretty cafes and trendy bars, Canakkale old town is the beating heart of the city. Be sure to pull up a stool and enjoy a bubble waffle and a chai while taking in the vibrancy that is Turkish culture.
You’ll know you’re in the right area when you see the Canakkale Clock Tower as a signpost, which was a gift to the city from the Italian Consulate. There’s lots of places to eat around here.
Canakkale Kordon
Another lovely part of Canakkale city is the promenade or ‘Kordon’ in Turkish. This public space is used year round for socialising and relaxing. You can either take in the views over the Dardanelles Strait by wandering along the coastline or pull up a seat any of the cafes.
The ice creams are great and you’ll also find a few street food stalls selling corn if you want more of a savoury snack. The ferries that crossover to the Galipolli Peninsula also leave from here.
The Trojan Horse
Along the kordon, you’ll also find the exact Trojan Horse that was used in the 2004 Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom film Troy. And even if you haven’t watched the film it is still really impressive and should be on anyone's itinerary of things to do in Canakkale, Turkey.
Halk Bahçesi
This pretty green space right in the centre of the city, is perfectly situated for a cut through and break in nature as you’re wandering around. If you are travelling with kids, there’s a large, really well designed play area. But there’s also just loads of benches to sit down and take a moment.
Aynalı Çarşı
Otherwise known as Aynalı Bazar or mirrored bazar, if you’re after some cool souvenirs, these inside shopping lanes have to be on your list of things to do in Canakkale. Most of it was destroyed by bombs in the Gallipoli wars but it was restored in 2004.
There’s everything from handmade bracelets and hand painted pottery to sweet treats and spices.
Canakkale Naval Museum
This extensive war museum contains a few different aspects, including the impressive replica of minelayer Nusret. It played a huge role in the defence of the Gallipoli Peninsula against the Allied fleet and its mines sank three allied ships in a single day of warfare in WW1.
Ultimately this led to the Allied forces discontinuing their maritime campaign, and starting their land based one instead. Throughout the grounds are many other war exhibits including naval mines and the remains of the UB-46 submarine which also sank four Allied ships.
Another fascinating part of the museum is Cimenlik Castle.
Cimenlik Castle
Otherwise known as Kale-i Sultaniye, this fortress was originally built in 1452 and has seen a lot of conflict over the years, not least in WW1. It now houses part of the Military Maritime Museum. But was once equipped with 30 cannons capable of firing across the 1,250m width of the Dardanelles Strait.
The outer walls are 11m high and 8m wide in some places and still contain artillery shells lodged in the walls dropped by the British battleship HMS Queen Elizabeth in 1915.
As of 2024 ticket prices are 400TL per adult, photography/videography permission a further 270TL and an electronic guide 225TL.
Opening times from 1st April to 1st October are 11am-7pm and from 2nd October to 31st March are 9am-5pm. The Canakkale Naval Museum is closed on Mondays, the first day of Ramadan and New Year’s Day (January 1st).
Rhapsodos Mozaik
This Canakkale attraction is a permanent art exhibition created by talented artist and storyteller Emine Özkaya Daloğlu. Inspired by the myths of Troy, over forty mosaic portraits accompanied by text and audio take you through the stories of Trojans such as Paris, Helen and Hector.
Visiting this hidden gem is by reservation only. You will need to book in advance by emailing rhapsodosmozaik@gmail.com or calling 0530 601 0639 .
You should allow an hour or so for your visit which will also include a fascinating lesson on how mosaic art is created.
Sons of Canakkale Museum
If you are interested in the history of the Canakkale province the Sons of Canakkale Museum (Canakkale Evlatlari) takes you through the history of the battles of WWI that were fought here.
The exhibition contains lots of photographs and memorabilia. Fascinatingly there are also original diary entries written by soldiers during the conflict weaving personal stories through the timeline.
It’s completely free to visit and has English translations. It is closed on Mondays but open every other day from 9:30am-12pm and 1pm-6pm.
Canakkale Farmers Market
Each Friday there is a huge undercover farmers market (Dağli Tarim Ürünleri) that takes place near the Canakkale Stream. It’s a very local affair with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood amongst other things. Definitely worthwhile visiting if you’re in Canakkale city for more than a few days.
Gallipoli Canakkale Turkey
Just over the water of the Dardanelles Strait on the European side of Turkey then is the Gallipoli Peninsula. Still within the Canakkale Province which straddles both Europe and Asia, there’s plenty of things you’ll want to include here when you visit Canakkale.
Gallipoli Peninsula WWI Battlefields
Following a failed naval campaign by WWI Allied Forces to take control of the Turkish Straits, in April 1915 a land offensive was mounted on the Gallipoli Peninsula. But by January 1916 the land campaign was also abandoned and troops withdrawn.
The WWI Gallipoli military campaign was so deadly that in just eight months there were more than 250,000 casualties on each side with around 130,000 dead. At least 87,000 were Ottoman soldiers and 44,000 were Allied soldiers, including more than 8,700 Australians.
Hence all around the Gallipoli Peninsula you will find cemeteries and war memorials dedicated to the men who lost their lives there.
On Hisarlık Hill in Morto Bay at the very tip of the Gallipoli Peninsula is the Canakkale Martyrs Monument that was printed on 500,000 lira banknotes. Below it is a war museum displaying original personal and military items, including photographs that were found on the battlefield.
Specifically there are 31 Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries. But there are quite literally hundreds of scattered memorials and grave sites dedicated to both Turkish and Allied forces casualties.
Because there are so many and they are so spread out, the best way to experience the history of the Gallipoli Peninsula WWI Battlefields is to take one of the Canakkale Gallipoli tours.
This half day Canakkale tour to Gallipoli with lunch has great reviews. Alternatively if you are intending on also visiting the ancient city of Troy (more on that in a bit), this full day tour to both is a great shout.
Scuba Dive WWI Wreckages
If you fancy getting up close and personal with the WWI wreckages that still remain underwater in the Dardanelles Strait, one of the more unusual things to do in Canakkale is scuba diving amongst them.
You don’t have to have any experience or have done it before, as you can be taught everything on the day. But if you are really interested in wreck hunting, they also do longer courses and qualifications. You can find out more about Canakkale Scuba Diving here.
Kilitbahir Fortress
Directly opposite Cimenlik Castle, is its impressive counterpart Kilitbahir Fortress. They are literally looking at each other over the narrowest point of the Dardanelles Strait.
Both constructed by the same person, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Kilitbahir Castle or Kilitbahir Kalesi in Turkish, means ‘lock of the sea’ reflecting the purpose to control passage through the straits.
The complex is absolutely and really well preserved so be prepared for some walking and climbing. The view from the top looking back over the water and Canakkale city are magnificent.
There’s English information boards and if you have a Turkey museum card you can use it. They are not however sold here. Otherwise the entrance fee is 80TL per person and there is also an optional audio guide.
It’s just a 10 minute walk from the Kilitbahir ferry port, or if you drive there is lots of parking. Opening times are 9am - 4.15pm and it is closed on Mondays.
Eceabat
A little further up the coast on the Gallipoli Peninsula is the charming small town of Eceabat (pronounced ay-JAY-ah-baht). The waterfront is particularly lovely. And there's a lot of places along there to have lunch with a nice view back over the Dardanelles Strait to Canakkale city.
Sedd el Bahr Fortress
At the southwesternmost tip of the Gallipoli peninsula is Sedd el Bahr Fortress, meaning Wall of the Sea. It was subject to heavy and repeated bombing by the Royal Navy causing significant damage and numerous casualties.
On the 25th April 1915 this rocky headland, called Cape Helles, was also the landing point of British and French troops. At the same time Australian and New Zealand troops landed in Anzac Cove on the west coast of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Together the two areas are remembered for the huge loss of lives that were suffered with many describing them as bloodbaths.
In ruins for over a hundred years, Sedd el Bahr Fortress has recently been restored to its former glory. Yet is still one of the lesser known things to do in Canakkale.
There is parking nearby and entrance is free.
Suvla Winery
Not far from Eceabat is award-winning organic Suvla Winery. This family owned wine producer not only makes excellent wines but there is also a restaurant here where you can enjoy a meal or some snacks alongside tasting the wines.
It’s open everyday from 9am - 10pm and in fact many people come to Eceabat just to visit here.
How To Get To The Gallipoli Peninsula
Canakkale to Gallipoli Ferry
There are two ferry routes across the Dardanelles Strait from Canakkale to the Gallipoli Peninsula. They are both operated by Gestaş and sail from the Canakkale ferry pier.
At just 4.5km apart with a local bus running in between so you can easily go across on one and come back on the other. The ferries operate every hour throughout the day (7am - 11pm).
Canakkale - Eceabat Ferry Pier
Journey Time: 25 minutes
Single Passenger Ticket Price: 20TL
Car with Passengers Ticket Price: 225TL
Canakkale - Kilitbahir Ferry Port
Journey Time: 15 minutes
Single Passenger Ticket Price: 20TL
Car with Passengers Ticket Price: 215TL
You can buy tickets in advance online and find prices for all types of vehicles here. The website has an English version so it’s simple to do. Alternatively you can also just buy them on the day at the respective ferry port office.
Canakkale 1915 Bridge
From 2022, you can also drive from Canakkale onto the Gallipoli Peninsula via the new Canakkale 1915 Bridge. It is open 24 hours and you can pay by cash, card or through the HGS electronic prepaid pass. It is much quicker than taking the ferry but also more expensive.
For class one vehicles (i.e. cars) the cost is 295 TL and for class two vehicles (i.e. vans/minibuses/motorhomes) the cost is 460 TL.
Getting Around The Gallipoli Peninsula
There are buses running along the main road on the east of the Gallipoli Peninsula, and there is a bus connecting the Eceabat Ferry Pier with the Kabatepe ferry pier for ferries to Gökçeada island.
But to visit the battlefields, war graves or memorials on the west coast or southern tip you will need a car. Or to negotiate with a taxi driver to take you around for a few hours.
Alternatively you can join one of the Canakkale Gallipoli tours which will include an English speaking guide too.
Day Trips From Canakkale Turkey
Dardanos Beach
Around 20 minutes drive south of Canakkale City is the gorgeous Dardanos Beach. The water is really clear, calm and shallow. Especially great for kids. There are lots of good seafood restaurants along the beachfront. And you can rent sun loungers for 50 TL per day.
There aren't, however, many parking options here so it may be preferable to take a taxi or one of the local minibuses from Canakkale city.
Ancient City of Troy
Just 30km south from Canakkale city is the Ancient City of Troy. Perhaps best known as the setting of the Trojan War, the Çanakkale Archaeological Site of Troy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Turkey most popular tourist attractions.
Dating back to 3600 BC, Troy was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt over the 4000 years that it was occupied. It is of huge mythical and historical significance. And during the excavations 10 different city layers and more than 50 building phases were found.
The Çanakkale Archaeological Site of Troy is open 7 days per week. Between 1st April - 1st October the opening times are 8.30am-8pm, the rest of the year 8:30am-5:30pm.
Children under 8 are free, tickets for adults are 600 TL.
If you want to discover more about the history, the Çanakkale Museum of Troy in nearby Tevfikiye village will also be a worthwhile addition to your day trip from Canakkale.
How To Get From Canakkale To Troy
If you have a car, the easiest way to get from Canakkale to Troy is to drive. It will take around 35 minutes. You can also take a minibus from Canakkale city centre if you wish to get there independently.
But the half day tours from Canakkale to Troy are also excellent as they include a guide and you will learn a lot more about the mythological and historical importance of the ancient city. This is the one we recommend.
If you are interested in visiting the WWI Battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsula there is also a full day tour option available where you can visit both sites with lunch provided. Check out the details here.
Gökçeada Island
Translated as ‘heavenly island’, Gökçeada Island on the westernmost point of the country is one of stunning natural beauty. Owing to being one of the first members of the Cittaslow movement, life is purposefully slow here. And uniquely foodstuffs prepared on the island are all organic.
The lush windswept landscape has an abundance of remote beaches where nature reigns free. But there’s a commitment for the architecture to remain untouched too.
It really is one of the best places in Turkey to get away from it all.
And it’s easily accessible for foot passengers from Canakkale over the summer months as a water bus runs 3-4 times per day. Outside of that (or with a vehicle) you would need to take the car ferry from the Kabatepe ferry pier on the west coast of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Technically you could go for the day but in the spirit of Gökçeada Island a better idea would be to spend a few days.
Don’t miss the Sunday farmers market, the soothing black sulphur clay that you can bathe in at Tuz Golu salt lake, or the gorgeous Marmaros Great Waterfall.
Where To Eat in Canakkale
Turunç Pide
The bread oven takes centre stage in this favourite Canakkale restaurant, so you can watch your meal being made. The Yumurtalı Peynirli Pide (egg and cheese) is their house specialty.
Çarşı Döner
This popular hole in wall type restaurant is only open at lunch and you’ll need to move quickly as their doner sandwiches sell out real fast. They are said to be the very best in Canakkale city.
Sardalye
There is seating inside upstairs, but taking a stool right on the street to watch the bustle around you as you tuck into one of their mouthwatering fish sandwiches is where it’s at.
Maruf Kahvalti
A little walk out of the main area, this Canakkale restaurant does the best breakfasts in the city. Service is excellent and it’s unlimited too so anything you want more of just ask.
Suvla Wine Factory
Jumping onto Gallipoli Peninsula, many people come to the town of Eceabat just to visit the Suvla winery and restaurant. The menu is varied and the setting is just delightful.
Best Canakkale Hotels
Here’s the top rated hotels in Canakkale City. Please note that you can’t search or book hotels through Booking.com if you are in Turkey without a VPN service to mask your location.
If you’re after alternative top rated types of Canakkale accommodation such as apartments, read our complete accommodation guide for Canakkale Province.
Budget ($) | NR1 Hotel
This basic hotel in Canakkale city is rated exceptional with reviews repeating how welcoming and helpful the hosts are and how clean and comfortable the place is.
It’s centrally located and there’s a variety of rooms for 1-6 people. Each has a private bathroom, TV, air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities and some rooms have a small balcony.
Click here for photos, reviews, prices and availability.
Mid-Range ($$) | Set Özer Hotel
This value for money Canakkale hotel is located in the heart of the old town of the city. There’s free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. But perhaps best of all free bikes available.
Each single/twin/double room has a private bathroom, air conditioning, a desk, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, and a patio with a city or garden view. Reviews say the breakfast is awesome.
Click here for photos, reviews, prices and availability.
Luxury ($$$) | Doubletree By Hilton
This stylish 4 star Canakkale hotel is rated superb and has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a gym, a bar and restaurant on site plus free private parking with valet service.
The rooms have a seating area, daily housekeeping and an option of city or sea views. Some have balconies and there are facilities for disabled guests. Breakfast receives excellent reviews.
Click here for photos, reviews, prices and availability.
How To Get To Canakkale
By Road
The distance Istanbul to Canakkale is 308 km which you can now drive in less than 4 hours thanks to the Canakkale 1915 Bridge. You can also drive clockwise around the Sea of Marmara via Bursa, but this would take closer to 5 hours. Canakkale is just over 4 hours drive from Izmir.
By Bus
There are a number of bus companies running routes to Canakkale; Pamukkale, Metro Turizm, Flixbus and Truva Turizm. If you don’t understand Turkish, Flixbus will be the easiest to use as the website is in English. But you can also just buy tickets at the bus station.
Note: Canakkale bus station is a few kilometres out of the city centre so you will need to get a taxi or a dolmus. They no longer drop at the ferry port as they use the bridge not the ferry now.
By Ferry
Ferries come into Canakkale from Eceabat and Kilitbahir hourly throughout the day. And over summer months there’s a foot passenger only ferry operating from Gökçeada Island too.
By Plane
Çanakkale Airport (CKZ) has flights three days a week from Ankara (ESB) which take just 75 min and are operated by AnadoluJet. And the airport is just 2 km out of the city centre, so if you are travelling from further afield this is a good option.
Best Time To Visit Canakkale
The Canakkale climate is Mediterranean, but due to the nearby Black Sea and Balkans influence it experiences slightly colder and wetter winters. Summers are hot and dry, but the city is notoriously quite windy year round so it rarely feels unbearably hot.
Spring and Autumn are pleasant seasons to visit as it’s too hot but also not too wet or cold.
Canakkale city gets very busy with war pilgrimages around Anzac Day which is on the 25th of April each year. In Australia and New Zealand it is a public holiday.
And although now used to remember Australian and New Zealand lives lost in all combat, it started to specifically commemorate the horrific number of lives lost in the landing at Anzac Cove during WWI.
Canakkale Turkey FAQ's
What happened in Canakkale Turkey?
In 1915 the Ottoman Empire won a significant victory over allied forces who were fighting to take control of Istanbul during WW1. Both naval and land invasions were abandoned. But not without disastrous casualties on both sides. In total 130,000 men in died, a staggering 5,000 of which were in a single day.
Why is Cannakale important?
Two of the most significant historical attractions are situated in Canakkale Province. There's the ruins of the ancient city of Troy just south of the city. And then over on the Gallipoli Peninsula there's the cemeteries and war memorials remembering the catastrophic loss of life that happened there in WWI.
Is Canakkale safe?
Canakkale in Turkey is overwhelming safe, even at night. Residents are friendly and welcoming and women travelling solo here are very unlikely to face any issues. Of course the usual safety precautions apply. Such as avoiding quiet, poorly like areas at night and keeping a check on your valuable belongings.
Is Canakkale worth visiting?
In a word, yes! Even if you aren't that interested in learning about or visiting the WW1 battlefields (which is why many people visit), there is still loads of varied things to do in this underrated city for all interests.
