A small university city perched on the Dardanelles Strait—a strategically important part of the passage between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean—Çanakkale offers museums, a castle, great seafood, and a giant model of the Trojan Horse used in the film Troy. But almost all travelers are here for the two main things to do in Çanakkale: the UNESCO World Heritage–listed site of the original Troy and the battlefields of the Gallipoli Peninsula across the strait. This First World War campaign carries deep significance for Australians, New Zealanders, and Turks alike.
The balmy, breezy months between May and September are perfect for both alfresco dining and battlefield-hopping—although visiting during the cool and drizzly winters will yield empathy for life in the trenches of Gallipoli. Thousands gather at the Anzac Commemorative Site for the dawn service on April 25 (Anzac Day), the date when Australian and New Zealand (Anzac) forces first landed on the peninsula in 1915.
Çanakkale is a compact city, and most travelers find they can walk between the ferry port, their accommodation, and where they want to eat. Metered taxis are available, although rideshares are not. It’s possible to reach Troy by dolmuş minibus, although as they don’t follow fixed schedules, this often entails a lot of waiting. The Gallipoli battlefields cover a large area: Joining a tour with a guide who knows the different sites is much easier than visiting on your own.
Stuffed mussels (midye dolma) are a Turkish street food signature. The juicy mollusks are packed full of aromatic spiced rice, and Çanakkale’s large, succulent mussels are some of the best in the country. Grab a bagful from a street vendor and eat them on the waterfront, or head to unfussy seafood eatery Sardalye and chase them with a round of fresh sardines.
