Places to Visit in Çanakkale: A Guide to the Ancient City of Troy and the Martyrs' Memorials

Set on the shores of the narrow strait that links the Aegean with the Sea of Marmara, Çanakkale is one of the few cities where two of history's great narratives meet on the same soil. On one side lies the ancient city where the Trojan War, told in Homer's Iliad, took place. On the other stand the hills and memorials that bear the marks of the 1915 Battle of Çanakkale. This two-layered history makes Çanakkale a must-visit route for mythology lovers and for anyone who wishes to pay their respects to more recent history. And the city offers more than history alone. Its olive groves, views of the Strait and unpretentious seaside towns also make it a great choice for a relaxing holiday. So where should you go in Çanakkale, when is the best time to visit and how do you get there? You'll find everything you need to know in this article.

The Ancient City of Troy: In the Footsteps of the Legendary Wooden Horse

Without a doubt, Çanakkale's best-known stop is the Ancient City of Troy. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient city has a history of around 4,500 years, and archaeologists have identified nine distinct settlement layers stacked one on top of the other. Troy was brought to light through excavations begun by Heinrich Schliemann in the 19th century. It is regarded as the real-life setting of the Trojan War described in Homer's epic, the Iliad. Schliemann's excavation methods were fairly crude even by the standards of his day and were later criticized by archaeologists, but he still played a key role in uncovering the city. The giant wooden horse statue at the entrance to the site is the most photographed spot among visitors. You can climb inside it and take in the city from above. The modern Troy Museum, opened in 2018 right next to the ancient city, is a must-see for understanding the artifacts uncovered during the excavations and the region's layered history. With its rusted steel façade and interactive exhibits, the museum is an enjoyable experience even for those with little interest in archaeology. Information panels placed along the walking route highlight the city's different layers and make it easy to tell which pile of stones belongs to which era. Touring the ancient city takes about one and a half to two hours on average. Add the museum, and you can easily devote half a day to the area.

The Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorials: A Moment of Respect for History

The memorials and monuments within the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park should be on the list of everyone who visits Çanakkale. The Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial is the region's most iconic structure. Completed in 1960, it was built in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Nearby, the Kabatepe Martyrs' Cemetery and Museum brings the atmosphere of the era to life with personal belongings, letters and photographs left behind from the front. Conkbayırı, one of the hills that saw the fiercest fighting of the war, is home to memorials for both Turkish and ANZAC soldiers and offers breathtaking views of the Strait. The Corporal Seyit Monument is another important stop that keeps alive the story of the soldier who single-handedly carried an artillery shell. Arıburnu beach and its small cove were among the landing points during the war. Today they combine a peaceful setting with the weight of history. When touring these sites, a quiet and respectful attitude suits the spirit of the visit. Keep in mind that the sites get especially crowded on commemoration days such as March 18.

The Gallipoli Peninsula and Other Stops Along the Strait

Beyond its memorials and monuments, the Gallipoli Peninsula stands out for its natural beauty. Kilitbahir Castle was built during the reign of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror to defend the Strait. Its triangular layout and inner courtyard are fascinating for history buffs. The lively town of Eceabat, on the opposite shore of the Strait, is a good choice both for accommodation and for its fish restaurants. If you have time, you can add a day trip to Gökçeada on the ferry from Kabatepe and enjoy the island's quiet coves and olive groves. A short ferry ride between the two shores of the Strait lets you enjoy both the views and the sea breeze. In summer, watching the sunset over the Strait could become one of the most memorable moments of your trip. If you'd like to explore the region with us, take a look at our Çanakkale Tour and experience the route from Troy to the martyrs' memorials with a guide.

How to Get to Çanakkale: A Ready-Made Package Tour

Planning a Çanakkale itinerary on your own can take days. Sümela Tur's package tour comes with transportation, route and guiding planned from start to finish.

• A tour with transportation, route and itinerary all planned
• Sightseeing with a guide who knows the region
• The assurance of a TÜRSAB-certified agency
• Choice of a group tour or a private vehicle tour for your family

You can view dates, prices and the itinerary on the Çanakkale Tour page and book online. If you'd like a plan tailored to you or your group, message us on WhatsApp and we'll design the route together.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Çanakkale is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. April–May and September–October are especially well suited to long walks around both the ancient city and the open-air memorial sites. On March 18, the anniversary of the Çanakkale Victory, the city sees heavy visitor traffic because of the commemoration ceremonies. If you plan to go on this date, be sure to book your accommodation early. Summer brings higher temperatures and bigger crowds. In winter, the Strait's cold winds can make sightseeing difficult, especially at open-air sites. School trip groups often choose April and May, thanks to the weather and the chance of catching commemoration events.

Local Flavors

Çanakkale's cuisine bears the influences of both the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara. The region's best-known product is undoubtedly Ezine cheese, a white cheese sought after across Türkiye for its authentic flavor and texture. Midye dolma (stuffed mussels) is a classic snack you'll find on almost every street corner along the coast. Thanks to the region's abundant olive groves, olive oil dishes play an important role on the table. Stuffed artichokes and vegetable dishes made with fresh olive oil are not to be missed. Fried calamari and a variety of fish are also served fresh, especially at the restaurants in Eceabat and along the Strait. For dessert, the region's own pumpkin dessert and fig dessert are well worth trying. It's also worth noting that sage tea is often preferred over regular tea here. It is served freshly brewed, especially in the small coffeehouses of the countryside.

Practical Tips

When touring Troy and the memorial sites, bring a hat for sun protection, water and comfortable walking shoes, as most of the sites are outdoors and involve walking. Müzekart holders can enter the Ancient City of Troy and its museum at a discount or for free. Visiting the memorial sites with a guide helps you better understand the historical background and the stories behind them. If you go on your own, remember to allow for travel time between sites that are far apart. For accommodation, both central Çanakkale and Eceabat are good options. The city center puts you closer to urban life, while Eceabat puts you closer to views of the Strait. If you'd like to extend your Çanakkale visit toward the North Aegean, you can broaden your route with our North Aegean Tour, which also covers Assos and Ayvalık.

Conclusion

Çanakkale is one of those rare cities where even a single-day outing lets you touch both mythology and more recent history. From the legendary atmosphere of Troy to the silent dignity of the memorials, and from the views of the Strait to the local flavors, a different story awaits you at every turn. With the right timing and a little planning, you can enjoy an unforgettable trip to Çanakkale.