A Peaceful Getaway Steeped in History: Çanakkale Travel Guide

Çanakkale is one of those cities that you visit not just to see, but to feel. Every road you walk on here bears traces of history. From Troy to Gelibolu, every place you set foot in has a story to tell and a memory to touch. These lands, which have witnessed wars, epics, and myths throughout thousands of years of history, captivate not only history buffs but also anyone who loves nature, the sea, peace, or good food. On one side, you can take a walk in the cool shade of the Kaz Mountains, and on the other, you can sip a glass of wine at sunset in the vineyards of Bozcaada. As you stroll through the stone streets of Assos, you can take a brief journey into the past, and in Troy, you can breathe in the dust of legends. Every corner of the city leaves a different impression on the soul. The cuisine of Çanakkale is as rich as its history. Olive oil dishes, seafood, and meals prepared with local herbs are truly delightful. If you’re wondering, “Why should I visit Çanakkale?” the answer is simple: to walk through history, enjoy nature, and taste truly unforgettable flavors. In our Çanakkale travel guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to explore this beautiful city step by step.

Places to Visit in Çanakkale 

There are few settlements on Earth like Çanakkale, with its deep-rooted history and impressive natural beauty. Due to its strategic location, this beautiful city has attracted the attention of various civilizations throughout the ages. There are numerous places to visit in this city that offer opportunities for gastronomy, history, and local culture enthusiasts. However, to understand the city's spirit and its past, it is essential to visit the following places first:

Çanakkale City Center 

The Çanakkale city center offers countless opportunities for travelers interested in gastronomy, history, and local culture. The Çanakkale Naval, Ceramic, and City museums provide information about the city's history and culture. Starting your tour from the waterfront where the Trojan Horse is located and moving towards the inner city, you can see historical structures from the Ottoman era such as Yalı Mosque and the Clock Tower. After shopping at Aynalı Çarşı, you can head back to the waterfront to watch the stunning sunset.

Babakale: After exploring the city center, we recommend redirecting your route to Babakale, located in the Ayvacık district. This charming settlement, situated at the westernmost point of Asia, has a history dating back to ancient times. Within its boundaries lies a castle built by the order of Sultan Ahmed III, mentioned in the Iliad and Geographika. Besides its historical significance, handmade knife workshops and restaurants offering fresh seafood attract visitors to the settlement.

Troy Ancient City: We recommend visiting the Troy Ancient City, located west of Tevfikiye Village, before leaving Çanakkale. The city, which has been destroyed and rebuilt many times due to human and natural factors, is believed to have been resettled several times in different periods of history. The first archaeological excavations of the ancient settlement began under the supervision of the German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in the second half of the 19th century. The artifacts unearthed during the excavation works that resumed in 1988 take visitors on a journey through time.

Troy Museum: If you wish to examine the findings discovered in the ancient city, you can visit the Troy Museum located nearby. After the transportation of the artifacts displayed at the Çanakkale Archaeological Museum was completed, this cultural facility opened its doors to visitors in October 2018. Through this museum, you can acquire information about different periods of Troy that you cannot find anywhere else.

Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park: Established in 1973, the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park is considered by many experienced travelers as the most meaningful place to visit in Çanakkale. The park, which evokes different emotions in its visitors, contains many areas where sacrifice and heroism stories are written. Therefore, we recommend exploring this area, filled with memories of the Çanakkale Wars, with a guide. However, if you wish to explore the park alone within a specific program, you can prioritize visiting places such as Kilitbahir Castle, Seyit Onbaşı Monument, Mecidiye Fortifications, Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial, 57th Regiment Martyrs' Cemetery, Conkbayır, Atatürk Memorial, and trenches.

What to Do in Çanakkale? 

Thanks to its geographical location, Çanakkale offers travelers the opportunity to make their holidays much more enjoyable through various activities. If you want to have a fulfilling vacation period, you can engage in the activities listed below during your days spent in the city. Watching the Scenery on the Waterfront Sitting at one of the venues on the waterfront to watch the scenery is the first activity we recommend during your Çanakkale vacation. Before that, you can take a long walk along the coastline, observe the locals, and capture different angles for photography. Especially if you find yourself in a place that aligns with the "Dur Yolcu!" inscription during sunset, you can capture magnificent views.

Taking Day Trips to the Islands: Apart from exploring both sides of the strait during your stay in the city, you can also make day trips to Bozcaada and Gökçeada. Especially when you visit the islands outside the summer months and official holidays, you can more comfortably enjoy the historical sites and natural beauties. Their rich gastronomic culture increases the value of the islands in the eyes of travelers.

Enjoying the Sea at the Ancient City: Shore of Assos When it comes to a Çanakkale vacation, it is essential not to forget Assos. This peaceful settlement on the coast of the ancient city has rightfully earned its place among the ideal destinations for weekend getaways for a long time. Offering visitors a sea holiday in summer and an opportunity to get away from the city noise in spring, the natural wonder settlement is truly unique.

Exploring Sunken Wrecks: Çanakkale has a special importance for diving enthusiasts. Because travelers who are interested in exploring the underwater world can sail to completely different experiences at two different points when they come here. If you wish, you can discover the beauties hidden in the deep blue of the Aegean at Kömür Harbor in the Saros Gulf or the warships lying at the bottom of the Bosphorus with a guide.

Being Intertwined with Nature and History in Mount Ida: If the places we have recommended so far in the Çanakkale travel guide are not enough for you to be intertwined with nature and history, you can add Kazdağları to your travel program. At the foot of the mountains, where it is believed that the gods watched the Trojan War from the summit, settlements with deep-rooted history await you. Adatepe for its natural beauty and stone architecture and Küçükkuyu for its hot springs attract a lot of attention from travelers.

Where and What to Eat in Çanakkale?

Thanks to its fertile lands spanning two continents and the generosity of the Aegean Sea, Çanakkale harbors a rich culinary culture. The most popular flavors of the local cuisine are undoubtedly seafood. You can taste many of these delicacies at a luxury restaurant or a buffet on the beach. When it comes to seafood, the first thing that comes to mind is sardines between bread. Apart from that, countless flavors such as lakerda, çiroz, stuffed mussels turn tables into a feast in an instant.

Çanakkale cuisine indeed contains healthy recipes. In support of this thesis, the locals give special importance to the consumption of herb and vegetable dishes. If you wish, you can keep up with this habit by consuming ovmaç soup, tumbi, çırpma, melki and cowpea meatballs. At the end of the meal, you can try the local cheese dessert.

The culinary culture in the city has taken on an identity that also guides travelers in terms of shopping. Olive oil, various herbs, wine and cheese varieties are among the products that can be purchased during your Çanakkale vacation.

Kadir Usta for Basma Helva: You can't visit Çanakkale without trying the cheese helva. Don't be surprised if you see a line in front of Kadir Usta's shop; everyone wants to taste the slightly burnt-smelling, melt-in-your-mouth basma helva.

From Sea to Table at Yalova Restaurant: Imagine sitting by the sea and enjoying a meal ranging from mussel soup to herb-stuffed sea bass. Yalova Restaurant makes this a reality. It’s neither fancy nor rustic—it’s just right. They do seafood justice.

Sardunya Home Cooking: If you’re looking for home-cooked food that tastes like home cooking, stop by Sardunya. It's as warm, affordable, and delicious as your mother's cooking. Your stomach will be full, and your soul will be at ease. Whatever you can think of, from casseroles to chickpeas to olive oil dishes, you'll find it here.

Fish Sandwiches at Sardalye: If you don't mind eating standing up, Sardalye is the place for you. Whatever's in season, like mackerel or sardines, you'll find it between two slices of crispy bread. Add a glass of pickle juice on the side, and you're all set. It's practical, tasty, and friendly.

Ezine Cheese from Yükseloğulları: A trip to Çanakkale isn't complete without Ezine cheese. If you ask where to find the best, the answer is clear: Yükseloğulları. Grab your bag, get the cheese, and leave a tasty memory on your way back.

Honest Doner at Şirvan Döner: You're tired, hungry, and thinking, “I need to eat something quickly.” Then stop by Şirvan Döner in the center. The meat tastes great, the service is fast, and you know what you're eating.

Kale Müptela Ocakbaşı Kebap Break: Sometimes you don't want fish, but rather a delicious kebab, and that's when Kale Müptela is the place to go. Kebabs, meatballs, roasted peppers... It makes meat lovers smile. It's the perfect place for a chat around the grill.

Biga Meatballs at Tarzan: When you hear “Biga meatballs,” you'll stop in your tracks. Especially if you've tried them at Tarzan, you won't easily find another meatball you like as much. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside... Real flavor is best enjoyed where it's made here's your chance!

Where to Stay in Çanakkale?

Çanakkale offers travelers a wide range of options for accommodation, as it does in every other aspect. Depending on the dates you have set for your vacation and your expectations, you can choose between coastal settlements or the city center. When choosing your accommodation area, you can check out our Gökçeada Hotels page and include Bozcaada Hotels in your plans.
For accommodation in the city center, you can check out Çanakkale city center hotels. This offers the advantage of easier access to transportation and, consequently, the ability to easily participate in the activities the city has to offer its guests.