Canakkale

Çanakkale sits on the Dardanelles, the narrow strait that links the Aegean to the Sea of Marmara, and it is the base for two of the most visited historic landscapes in the country: ancient Troy and the Gallipoli Peninsula. It also gives access to two islands with very different characters, Gökçeada and Bozcaada, and to the ancient coastal town of Assos.

Çanakkale at a glance

What to see

Troy

Troy is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Few buildings stand above the foundations, so the site works best with a guide or a good map. The Troy Museum, next to the entrance, is the place to see the finds, and a replica of the wooden Trojan Horse stands near the site. Allow half a day for both.

Gallipoli Peninsula

The Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park was established to commemorate the soldiers who died in the Çanakkale Campaign of 1915. It has monuments, cemeteries and trenches across the peninsula, including Arıburnu Hills and Tuzla Lake. A tour with a guide is the best way to follow the campaign, and the area is busiest around Anzac Day on 25 April. Beneath the water, the Gallipoli Historic Underwater Park covers 150 square kilometers, with 14 diving points at different depths and many shipwrecks.

Assos

Assos is an ancient coastal town about 87 km south of Çanakkale, in Behramkale village in Ayvacık district, with a temple of Athena on the hill above a small harbor. The setting is the reason to go.

Gökçeada and Bozcaada

Gökçeada has been a Cittaslow island since 2011, the first and only island in the world with the title, and is reached by regular ferry from Kabatepe. Bozcaada, reached by ferry from Geyikli, is known for its wine and holds a Vineyard Festival in the first weeks of September.

Eating in Çanakkale

The waterfront is lined with fish restaurants, and peynir helvası, a local cheese dessert, is the sweet to try. On the islands, look for wine, olive oil and fresh seafood. See our food guide.

Three days in Çanakkale (suggested plan)

• Day 1. Troy and the Troy Museum in the morning, the waterfront in the afternoon.
• Day 2. A full-day Gallipoli tour with a guide, ferry back in the evening.
• Day 3. Assos, or a ferry to Bozcaada or Gökçeada.

When to go

Çanakkale has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. May to June and September to October are the best months. July and August are hot, and December and January are the wettest.

Source: Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM), Çanakkale station, 1929 to 2025.

Getting there and around

Çanakkale is reached by road from Istanbul and İzmir, and by ferry from the Gallipoli side. Troy and Assos are best reached by car or tour. See our getting around guide.

Where to stay

Çanakkale town has the widest choice. Eceabat and Kilitbahir put you closer to Gallipoli, and Assos is a quiet, small-scale option. See our where to stay guide.

Plan the wider trip

Çanakkale links with the Aegean coast, İzmir and Bursa. See our itineraries guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Çanakkale?

Two days cover Troy and Gallipoli. Add a third for Assos or an island.

Is Troy worth visiting?

Yes, especially with the Troy Museum and a guide. The ruins are low, so context makes the difference.

What is the Gallipoli Peninsula?

A historical national park commemorating the Çanakkale Campaign of 1915, with monuments, cemeteries and trenches.

How do I get to Gökçeada and Bozcaada?

By ferry, from Kabatepe to Gökçeada and from Geyikli to Bozcaada. Check current timetables.

Can I dive at Gallipoli?

The Gallipoli Historic Underwater Park has 14 diving points. Use a licensed operator.

When is the best time to visit?

May to June and September to October.

Sources: UNESCO, Go Türkiye, MGM. Updated October 2026.