Stretching between the Dardanelles Strait and the Aegean Sea, the Gallipoli Peninsula lies in the far west of Turkey. It is synonymous with the 1915 ANZAC landings and the doomed campaign against the Ottoman troops, with World War I battlefields, memorials and cemeteries dotting the peninsula.
Things to do in Gallipoli Peninsula
With its poignant World War I history, the Gallipoli Peninsula has become a pilgrimage destination for people of all nationalities.
Explore the Epic Promotion Centre. Offering an introduction to the Gallipoli campaign, this high-tech museum lies just east of the village of Kabatepe. With the help of an audio guide and 3D simulations, you can embark on an immersive journey exploring the naval and land campaigns that took place on the peninsula. Military uniforms, weaponry and letters from soldiers are also on display.
Tour the World War I battlefields and memorials. In April 1915, thousands of Allied forces landed on a pebbly beach of the Gallipoli Peninsula, starting what would be a brutal nine-month campaign. Today, you can stand on the shore of Anzac Cove and gaze up at the soaring cliffs where the Ottoman troops lay in wait. On a guided tour of the nearby memorials and cemeteries, pay your respects to the 130,000 soldiers who lost their lives and the half a million who were wounded here during World War I.
Visit Kilitbahir Castle. Overlooking the narrowest point of the Dardanelles Strait, Kilitbahir Castle lies opposite the city of Çanakkale. It was constructed in the 15th century by Fatih Sultan and is open to the public as a museum, with its exhibits detailing castle life throughout the centuries. Learn about the architectural elements of Ottoman castle design and see the world-famous map of Piri Reis, as well as naval equipment dating from the 16th century.
Getting around Gallipoli Peninsula
Çanakkale Airport is the closest aviation gateway to the Gallipoli Peninsula and has regular flights to Istanbul and Ankara. By road, Istanbul Airport is around 3.5 hours away. Buses connect to towns and villages around the Gallipoli Peninsula, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.