Çanakkale Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, local culture, and customs and how to get around in Çanakkale, Turkey.


Çanakkale Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide

Çanakkale is a city on the Dardanelles Strait in Turkey, a place of significant historical importance. It has a rich cultural heritage, and its stunning natural landscapes make it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This guide provides all the information you need to plan a fantastic trip to Çanakkale.

List of Places to Visit in Çanakkale

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Çanakkale Naval Museum

The Çanakkale Naval Museum, located on the waterfront, has a vast collection of artifacts from the Gallipoli campaign and naval battles of World War I, including interactive exhibits.

Troy Ancient City

Troy Ancient City is a UNESCO World Heritage site located around 30 kilometers from Çanakkale. It is one of the most important archaeological sites globally and has ruins dating back to the Bronze Age.

Gelibolu Peninsula Historical National Park

The Gelibolu Peninsula Historical National Park is a vast area of protected land that includes some of the significant battlefields of the Gallipoli campaign. It is a moving and important site that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Natural Attractions of Çanakkale: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Kazdağı National Park

Kazdağı National Park, also known as Mount Ida, is located around 50 kilometers from Çanakkale. It is a stunning natural landscape with picturesque villages, waterfalls, and walking trails.

Assos Behramkale

Assos Behramkale is a scenic seaside village located 80 kilometers from Çanakkale. It has ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Bozcaada Island

Bozcaada Island is part of the Troad Archipelago and is known for its vineyards and beaches. The island has charming little towns and is a perfect place to unwind.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Çanakkale

The Biga Peninsula Trail

This multi-day trail spans 226 kilometers and winds through forests, farmland, and hills, and offers gorgeous scenery.

The Ida Mountains Trail

This 80-kilometer trail winds through the scenic Ida Mountains, stopping at picturesque villages along the way. It is an excellent option for trekking enthusiasts.

Best Things to Do in Çanakkale: Activities and Tours

Gallipoli Battlefield Tour

Visit the historic Gallipoli Peninsula and learn about the intense battles that took place there. Several tour operators offer day trips from Çanakkale.

Boat Trip in the Dardanelles Strait

Take a boat trip along the Dardanelles Strait and see the famous Trojan Horse, fishing villages, and enjoy stunning views of the coastline.

Week-Long Itinerary for Çanakkale

Day 1: Explore Çanakkale City Centre Day 2: Visit the Çanakkale Naval Museum and take a boat trip along the Dardanelles. Day 3: Take a day trip to Troy Ancient City. Day 4: Head to the Gelibolu Peninsula National Park and pay your respects at the Anzac Cove. Day 5: Visit Kazdağı National Park and Assos Behramkale. Day 6: Go on a hiking or biking trail in the Ida Mountains. Day 7: Spend a day relaxing on Bozcaada Island.

Food and Drink Scene of Çanakkale

Must-Try Dishes

Çanakkale Meatballs (Çanakkale Köftesi)

Made with ground beef and lamb, flavored with cumin and sumac, and served with potatoes, these meatballs are one of the city’s most famous dishes.

Mantı

Similar to ravioli, this dish consists of small dumplings filled with spiced ground beef and served with garlic yogurt.

Local Beverages

Çanakkale Wine

Turkey is home to excellent wine regions, and Çanakkale has some of the country’s best vineyards. Try red wines like Karasakız and Bogazkere and white wines like Narince.

Çanakkale Coffee

This robust Turkish coffee is made with finely ground coffee beans brewed in a traditional copper pot.

Where to Stay in Çanakkale: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kolin Hotel

The Kolin Hotel is a luxury hotel in the city center, with stunning views of the Dardanelles and modern amenities.

Assos Alarga

This charming guesthouse in Assos Behramkale offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and excellent service.

Çanak Hotel

Located in the heart of the city, the Çanak Hotel offers comfortable rooms and friendly service at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Çanakkale: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Çanakkale Ceramics

The city is famous for its ceramics, including vases, bowls, and plates, decorated with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Olive Oil and Olives

Çanakkale is home to excellent olive oil and olives, which make perfect souvenirs for food lovers.

Local Culture and Customs of Çanakkale

Çanakkale is a predominantly Muslim city, and visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites or attending mosques. Alcohol is readily available but might be more challenging to find in rural parts of the city.

Best Time to Visit Çanakkale

The best time to visit Çanakkale is from March to October, with pleasant weather and long daylight hours that allow for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Çanakkale

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try local cuisine and wines.
  • Bargain while shopping in street markets or bazaars.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect religious sites, traditions, or practices.
  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting mosques or other places of worship.
  • Drink tap water. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.

Safety and Health

Safety in Çanakkale

Çanakkale is primarily safe for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. It is always best to take the necessary safety precautions.

Health in Çanakkale

Tap water is not safe to drink. Visitors should use bottled water or boil tap water before drinking it.

Getting to Çanakkale: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Çanakkale

The closest airports to Çanakkale are Canakkale Airport (Çanakkale Havalimani - CKZ), Edremit Airport (Edremit Körfez - EDO), and Istanbul Airport (IST).

Bus Stations Near Çanakkale

Several bus companies provide daily services to Çanakkale from Istanbul, Ankara, and other major Turkish cities.

Other Options

You can also travel to Çanakkale by car, and there are several rental companies available. Ferries run between Çanakkale and Istanbul regularly.

How to Get Around in Çanakkale

The best way to get around in Çanakkale is by taxi or bus. Buses are frequent and cheap, and most tourists use them for getting to and from sightseeing destinations. Taxis are more expensive but offer more comfort and flexibility.

Where to Go Next from Çanakkale: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Assos Behramkale

This charming seaside village is only a short drive from Çanakkale and offers breathtaking views and historic ruins.

Bozcaada Island

Bozcaada Island is a perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy trip to Çanakkale.

Conclusion

With its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant culture, Çanakkale is a fascinating destination for travelers. This guide provides all the information you need to plan your trip, from where to stay and what to eat to how to get around and the best things to see and do. Come and explore this beautiful city on the Dardanelles Strait!

Downtown Çanakkale Downtown Çanakkale Trojan Horse Trojan Horse The castle is now the Naval Museum The castle is now the Naval Museum Coin from Dardanos, 500 BC Coin from Dardanos, 500 BC Replica of the minelayer Replica of the minelayer "Nusret"