Port Guide | Turkey | Dive Deep

Anzac Cove

Author Image for David Nakamura

David Nakamura | Editor

Published on 2025-07-06

Welcome to Anzac Cove, intrepid cruisers: you've traded umbrella drinks and shuffleboard for something a smidge more profound-and kudos to you for it. This serene stretch of Turkey's Mediterranean coast comes with a quiet solemnity, a place where history is whispered rather than shouted, and selfie sticks are better tucked away in reverence. It's here in 1915 that thousands of young soldiers bravely and rather disastrously landed, kicking off the infamous Gallipoli Campaign-an event commemorated each April with a dawn service that's equal parts moving and bone-chillingly early. Practical note: amenities here might feel more "rustic charm" than "boutique chic," so anticipate limited cafe latte options and more contemplation opportunities than cocktail bars. To make the most of your stay, trek the gently sloping hillsides dotted with memorials, or better yet, chat up a local guide whose storytelling prowess turns history into heartfelt poetry. And once you've tipped your hat respectfully to history, sneak away to nearby Eceabat or Çanakkale for seafood fresh enough to remind you why humanity settled beside the Med in the first place.

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Notes from the Editor

Anzac Cove is an important historical site, commemorating the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I. Visitors should be respectful, especially during memorial events. Amenities are limited due to its historical nature.


Where do cruise ships dock in Anzac Cove?

Port Name Anzac Cove

Country Turkey

Region Mediterranean

Ship Terminal Anzac Cove Tender Area

Port Type Tender port

Accessibility Anzac Cove is primarily a tender port; vessels dock offshore, and shuttle boats take passengers to the beach. It is a short walk from the beach to the primary memorials (approximately 500 meters).

What's the weather like in Anzac Cove?

Best Season to Visit Spring (April-May) and early Autumn (September-October)

Climate Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Weather Notes April and May have pleasant weather, but rain is possible. It can get quite crowded during the commemoration events in late April.

Temperature Range 55-75F (13-24C)

High Temp 90F

Low Temp 40F

Average Temp 64F

What do I need to know about Anzac Cove?

Language Turkish

Currency Turkish Lira (TRY)

Card Widely Accepted 0

Population Approximately 1,500 (permanent residents; seasonal tourist population varies)

Timezone Turkey Time (TRT) UTC+3

How do I get around Anzac Cove?

Limited options; primarily walking due to the proximity of sites, with limited taxi availability for longer distances.


What are The Best Things to do in Anzac Cove?

Discover what you should do while you're in Anzac Cove.


Historical and cultural landmarks

Gallipoli Battlefields Tour

N/A

Explore the historic Gallipoli battlefields and learn about the significant WWI history.

Distance from Terminal: 2 miles

Tour Bucket-List Walking-Distance Photo Op

Gallipoli War Museum

Gallipoli Peninsula Historical Park

Exhibiting war artifacts and stories interpreting the Gallipoli Campaign.

Distance from Terminal: 3.2 miles

Indoors Tickets Required Museum Walking-Distance Touristy

Visit to Lone Pine Cemetery

Gallipoli Peninsula

Reflective visit to a key memorial honoring soldiers who fought in Gallipoli.

Distance from Terminal: 1.9 miles

Accessible Relaxing Nature Photo Op

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Snorkeling in Anzac Cove

N/A

Snorkel along the coast, exploring clear Mediterranean waters and marine life typical of Anzac Cove.

Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Water Bucket-List Photo Op

Hiking the Gallipoli Trails

N/A

Explore scenic trails offering historical views of Anzac Cove and the Gallipoli terrain.

Distance from Terminal: 3 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Rural Bucket-List Walking-Distance Photo Op

Birdwatching at Saros Bay

N/A

Spot diverse bird species migrating through the unique geographic corridor of the bay.

Distance from Terminal: 20 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Rural Wildlife Photo Op

Horseback Riding on Gallipoli Shores

N/A

Ride horses along the pristine beaches and historic trails of Gallipoli.

Distance from Terminal: 4 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Rural Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

Fishing in the Mediterranean

N/A

Try fishing for local fish species in the Mediterranean waters.

Distance from Terminal: 2.6 miles

Active Tour Outdoors Nature Water Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

Swimming at Kabatepe Beach

N/A

Relax on a serene Mediterranean beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Distance from Terminal: 2.8 miles

Accessible Relaxing Outdoors Nature Water Photo Op

Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere

Traditional Turkish Breakfast Experience

N/A

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast by the beach, an authentic regional culinary experience.

Distance from Terminal: 1 miles

Relaxing Outdoors Water Budget Food Tour Walking-Distance

Anzac Cove Sunset Viewing

N/A

Experience a serene Mediterranean sunset from the historic Anzac Cove shores.

Distance from Terminal: 0.1 miles

Relaxing Outdoors Nature Iconic Walking-Distance Photo Op

Local Olive Oil Making Workshop

N/A

Participate in making authentic olive oil using local Mediterranean olives.

Distance from Terminal: 12 miles

Active Workshop Nature Rural Budget Car Needed

Poignant Dawn Service (April 25th only)

Anzac Cove

Attend the moving commemorative dawn service on Anzac Day.

Distance from Terminal: 0 miles

Accessible Performance Outdoors Urban Spiritual Walking-Distance Touristy

Overnight Trips

Camping Under the Stars at Gallipoli

N/A

Spend an unforgettable overnight under the clear Mediterranean skies.

Distance from Terminal: 5 miles

Relaxing Outdoors Nature Rural Remote Bucket-List

Weekend Trip to Troy Ancient City

Çanakkale

Explore the ancient and mythical city of Troy, a historically significant archeological site.

Distance from Terminal: 22 miles

Tour Outdoors Nature Rural UNESCO Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path

Visit Kum Hotel Historical Site

Eceabat, Çanakkale

Historical hotel known for its role during the Gallipoli conflict.

Distance from Terminal: 5.5 miles

Tour Architecture Walking-Distance Photo Op

Visit to Kilitbahir Castle

Kilitbahir village, Çanakkale

Historical castle from Ottoman times offering panoramic views of the Dardanelles.

Distance from Terminal: 5 miles

Tour Outdoors Architecture Bucket-List Walking-Distance Photo Op

A Little Extra

Turkish Coffee Tasting Tour

N/A

Dive into Turkish coffee culture through a guided tasting session.

Distance from Terminal: 6 miles

Tour Urban Reservations Needed Food Tour Walking-Distance

Gallipoli Peninsula Wine Tasting

N/A

Savor the flavors of local Mediterranean wines typical of the region.

Distance from Terminal: 9 miles

Relaxing Tour Rural Budget Food Tour Walking-Distance

Ceramic Workshop in Çanakkale

Çanakkale

Experience traditional pottery-making practices distinct to the region.

Distance from Terminal: 10 miles

Workshop Indoors Rural Art Car Needed

Turkey Regional Tip

Selective enforcement of alcohol regulations. Local police might overlook alcohol consumption in tourist-heavy areas but strictly enforce restrictions elsewhere, especially during Ramadan.

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