10 Best Things to Do in Canakkale

Nestled on the Asian shore of the famed Dardanelles Strait, Canakkale is a vibrant Turkish city that serves as a gateway between Europe and Asia. This region, steeped in thousands of years of history, has been the stage for legendary conflicts like the Trojan War and pivotal modern battles such as the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I. With a captivating blend of ancient ruins, sobering war memorials, stunning natural beauty, and a lively city culture, Canakkale offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a mythology buff, or simply seeking a unique Turkish getaway, this guide will walk you through the top 10 things to do in and around Canakkale.

Discover the Legendary Ancient City of Troy

Perhaps the most famous attraction in the region, the Archaeological Site of Troy is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and mythology. Located about 30 kilometers south of Canakkale, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is widely believed to be the setting of Homer’s epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Archaeologists have uncovered not just one, but nine distinct cities built on top of one another, with a history stretching back over 4,000 years to 3000 BC. While you won’t find towering monuments, the site consists mainly of excavated foundations and city walls that offer a tangible connection to the past. A well-designed wooden path guides visitors through the various layers of civilization, with signs explaining the historical finds. The site is remarkably preserved, with 95% of the ruins left in-situ—exactly as they were unearthed.

Delve into Millennia of History at the Troy Museum

To truly appreciate the complex history of the ancient city, a visit to the nearby Troy Museum is essential. Opened in 2018 and located just a short walk from the archaeological site, this modern museum does an excellent job of contextualizing the ruins and bringing the story of Troy to life.

The museum showcases over 2,000 artifacts unearthed from the site, including sculptures, pottery, weapons, coins, and stunning gold jewelry. The exhibits are thoughtfully organized, guiding visitors through the different historical periods of Troy, from the Bronze Age to the Roman era. It also delves into the mythology of the Trojan War and the fascinating history of the site’s excavation, including the controversial treasure hunter Heinrich Schliemann. Visiting the museum before the ruins will greatly enhance your understanding of the 5,000 years of history represented there.

Pay Homage at the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical Site

The Gallipoli Peninsula holds profound significance in modern history as the location of one of World War I’s most brutal campaigns. For many visitors, a trip here is a somber pilgrimage to remember the immense human cost of war. The nine-month-long Battle of Gallipoli, which began in April 1915, was a failed Allied attempt to capture the Dardanelles Strait from the Ottoman Empire. The conflict resulted in over half a million casualties, with more than 130,000 soldiers losing their lives.

Today, the pine-covered hills of the peninsula are a national park dotted with dozens of cemeteries and moving memorials dedicated to the soldiers from both sides. Key sites to visit include:

• Çanakkale Martyrs’ Monument (Şehitler Abidesi): A massive memorial at Morto Bay honoring all the fallen Turkish soldiers.
• Anzac Cove: The historic landing site for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC).
• Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial: A tribute to the Australian soldiers who fought and died here, many of whom have no known grave.
• Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial: Located on a summit, this memorial honors the New Zealander and British forces who battled here.

Due to the vast and spread-out nature of the battlefields, the easiest way to explore the area is with a guided tour.

Snap a Photo with the Trojan Horse from the Movie Troy

One of Canakkale’s most iconic and accessible landmarks isn’t an ancient artifact but a modern movie prop. Located prominently on the city’s waterfront promenade, you’ll find the wooden Trojan Horse used in the 2004 film Troy, starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom. After filming concluded, the horse was donated to the city and has since become a major tourist attraction.

This impressive statue is a fantastic spot for photos and offers a tangible connection to the epic legend that has captured imaginations for centuries. Many visitors find this horse more impressive and authentic-looking than the replica located at the actual Troy archaeological site. At the horse’s base, you can also find an informative model of the ancient city, which helps in planning a trip to the ruins.

Explore Çimenlik Castle & the Naval Museum

Dominating the Canakkale waterfront, Çimenlik Castle (Çimenlik Kalesi) stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s strategic importance. Built in 1462 by Sultan Fatih Mehmet II (Mehmet the Conqueror) to defend the Dardanelles, the fortress is located at the narrowest point of the strait. Its formidable walls, some up to 8 meters wide, still bear the scars of battle, including artillery shells from the 1915 Gallipoli Campaign lodged in the stonework.

The castle grounds are home to the Canakkale Naval Museum, an extensive museum complex with indoor and outdoor exhibits. A highlight is the full-scale replica of the Nusret Mine Layer, an Ottoman ship that played a pivotal role in the Allied naval defeat by sinking three battleships in a single day.

Cross the Dardanelles to Kilitbahir Fortress

Directly opposite Çimenlik Castle, on the European side of the strait, sits its formidable counterpart, Kilitbahir Fortress (Kilitbahir Kalesi). Also built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452, its name translates to “Lock of the Sea,” reflecting its purpose of controlling passage through the Dardanelles.

A short and scenic 10-minute ferry ride from Canakkale will take you to the charming village of Kilitbahir, where the fortress is the main attraction. The fortress is remarkably well-preserved, and visitors can climb its ramparts for spectacular panoramic views of the strait and the city of Canakkale across the water.

Step Back in Time at the Ancient City of Assos

Further south along the Aegean coast lies the enchanting Ancient City of Assos, one of the most important historical sites in the region. Founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BC, the city is perched on a rocky hill overlooking the sea and was once home to Aristotle’s School of Philosophy around 345 BC.

The city’s magnificent ruins are spread across an acropolis and a terraced hillside leading down to a picturesque ancient harbor. The crowning jewel of the site is the Temple of Athena, whose iconic Doric columns stand silhouetted against the sky, offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Don’t miss the impressive Assos Ancient Theater, a 5,000-seat venue built by the Greeks that offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient culture and performing arts.

Relax Along the Canakkale Kordon (Waterfront Promenade)

The social heart of Canakkale is its beautiful waterfront promenade, known locally as the Kordon. This lively public space is where locals and tourists alike gather to relax, socialize, and enjoy the city’s coastal atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, especially in the evening to catch stunning sunset views over the Gallipoli Peninsula.

The Kordon is lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, and food stalls selling everything from roasted corn on the cob to Turkish ice cream (dondurma). You can pull up a seat at a cafe to play a game of “okey” (a Turkish domino game) or simply enjoy a delicious seafood meal with a view. The famous Trojan Horse movie prop is also a centerpiece of this vibrant area.

Get Lost in Canakkale’s Charming Old Town

Just behind the Kordon lies the city’s historic center, a maze of narrow, winding streets that preserve the character of old Canakkale. This area is the beating heart of the city, filled with trendy bars, pretty cafes with outdoor seating, and shops selling souvenirs and traditional handicrafts like pottery and textiles.

A key landmark here is the Canakkale Clock Tower, an elegant structure built in 1897 that serves as a useful signpost for exploring the old town. While you wander, be sure to visit the Aynalı Çarşı (Mirrored Bazaar), a historic market that was restored after being damaged during the Gallipoli Campaign. For art lovers, the Rhapsodos Mozaik is a hidden gem featuring a stunning mosaic exhibition that tells the story of Troy.

Escape to the Aegean Islands: Bozcaada & Gökçeada

For a relaxing break from historical sightseeing, take a day trip or spend a few nights on one of the two beautiful Turkish-owned islands in the Aegean Sea: Bozcaada or Gökçeada.

Bozcaada, known as Tenedos in Homer’s Iliad, exudes a Greek island charm with its brightly colored buildings, cobblestone streets, and canopies of grapevines. The island is famous for its excellent seafood, local wines, and relaxing beaches.

Gökçeada, Turkey’s westernmost point, is a haven of natural beauty and tranquility. As a member of the “Cittaslow” movement, life here is purposefully unhurried. The island boasts a lush, windswept landscape, remote beaches, untouched architecture, and a commitment to organic food.

Both islands offer a peaceful retreat and a chance to experience a different side of the Canakkale region.

FAQs

1. Why should I visit Çanakkale?

Çanakkale is a vibrant city on the Dardanelles Strait teeming with history, culture, and natural beauty. The region has been home to numerous civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. It is an excellent base for visiting the legendary Ancient City of Troy and the historic World War I battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Beyond its famous historical sites, the province offers unique seafood, local wines, relaxing beaches, and a charming old town, making it a dream destination for history buffs and other travelers alike.

2. Where is the Trojan Horse from the movie Troy located?

The large wooden Trojan Horse used as a prop in the 2004 film Troy is not located at the ancient archaeological site. Instead, it can be found on the waterfront plaza in the city of Çanakkale. After the film increased interest in the region, the prop was donated to the city and has become one of its main attractions. The actual archaeological site of Troy, which has a different replica horse, is located about 20 miles (30-35 km) south of the city.

3. What are the most important historical sites in the Çanakkale region?

The Ancient City of Troy: This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, known as the setting for the Trojan War described in Homer’s Iliad. Excavations have revealed not one, but nine cities built on top of each other, dating back to 3000 BC.

The Gallipoli Peninsula: This area was the site of the Gallipoli Campaign, a brutal and significant WWI battle. Today, it is a national park scattered with memorials and cemeteries dedicated to the over 500,000 casualties from both the Ottoman and Allied forces.

Museum of Troy: Located near the archaeological site, this museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts unearthed from Troy and other ancient cities in the region. It is highly recommended to visit the museum before the ruins to better understand the site’s vast history.

Çimenlik Castle and Kilitbahir Castle: These two fortresses were built in the 15th century by Mehmet the Conqueror to defend the narrowest point of the Dardanelles Strait. Çimenlik Castle is in Çanakkale city and is part of the Naval Museum, while Kilitbahir Castle is directly across the strait on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

4. Besides historical sites, what else is there to do in Çanakkale?

The region offers a variety of attractions beyond its ancient ruins and battlefields. You can:

Relax on the “Kordon”: The waterfront promenade is a popular spot for locals and tourists to stroll, enjoy street food like roasted corn and ice cream, and watch the sunset over the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Explore the Old Town: The city center features narrow, winding streets filled with souvenir shops, cafes, trendy bars, and traditional craft stores. Don’t miss the historic Clock Tower and the Aynalı Çarşı (Mirrored Bazaar) for shopping.

Visit Bozcaada Island: This Turkish-owned island in the Aegean Sea has a distinct Greek island feel. It is famous for its beaches, seafood, picturesque cobblestone streets, and local wineries.

Enjoy local food and wine: Çanakkale is known for its fresh seafood, olive oil, cheeses, and Turkish pastries. You can also sample delicious local wines at various wineries, such as Suvla Winery on the Gallipoli Peninsula or Corvus Vineyards on Bozcaada.

5. How can I get to the Gallipoli Peninsula from Çanakkale city?

There are two primary ways to cross the Dardanelles Strait to the Gallipoli Peninsula:

By Ferry: The most common method is taking a car and passenger ferry. Gestaş operates hourly ferries from Çanakkale’s pier to Kilitbahir (a 15-minute journey) and Eceabat (a 25-minute journey) on the peninsula.

By Bridge: Opened in 2022, the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge is the world’s longest suspension bridge and provides a faster, though more expensive, way to drive between the Asian and European sides of the province. Many visitors also choose to join an organized tour from Çanakkale, which typically includes transportation and an English-speaking guide to navigate the widespread battlefields and memorials.