Port Guide | Turkey | Dive Deep
Canakkale
Isabella Moreno | Editor
Published on 2025-05-01
Congratulations-you've successfully docked somewhere way cooler than your friends' latest cruise-stop selfies. Welcome to Çanakkale, a scrappy Turkish port city that cheerfully refuses to be pigeonholed as just another sleepy seaside town. Sure, it's your gateway to Troy-the legendary battlefield where Greeks brought an oversized wooden horse as a gift (seriously, ancient customs officials were asleep on the job)-and Gallipoli, site of WWI heroism and heartbreak aplenty. But Çanakkale has sass, charm, and surprisingly good cafes tucked between cobblestone alleys, too. Step ashore with comfortable shoes and healthy skepticism-Troy's ruins may not resemble Brad Pitt's big-budget Hollywood set, but their quiet dignity speaks louder than CGI. Grab a strong Turkish coffee, wander seaside boulevards, strike up conversations with locals proud of their crossroads history, and discover this offbeat corner of Southeast Europe on your own terms.
Turkey has 11 Travel Advisories
Stay up to day with regional travel advisories.
Notes from the Editor
Canakkale is the gateway to the ancient ruins of Troy and the Gallipoli Peninsula, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts.
Where do cruise ships dock in Canakkale?
Port Name Canakkale
Country Turkey
Region Southeast Europe
Ship Terminal Canakkale Cruise Port
Port Type Dedicated port
Accessibility Approximately 1 km from city center; easily accessible by foot or taxi.
What's the weather like in Canakkale?
Best Season to Visit Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October)
Climate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Weather Notes Cruise ships are less likely to visit during winter months due to cold weather and possible precipitation.
Temperature Range 60F to 75F (15C to 24C) during the peak cruise months.
High Temp 86F
Low Temp 32F
Average Temp 61F
What do I need to know about Canakkale?
Language Turkish
Currency Turkish Lira (TRY)
Card Widely Accepted 1
Population Approx. 112,000
Timezone Turkey Time (TRT) UTC+3
How do I get around Canakkale?
Taxis, local buses, and bike rentals are available for transit to the city and nearby attractions.
What are The Best Things to do in Canakkale?
Discover what you should do while you're in Canakkale.
Historical and cultural landmarks
Visit Troy Ancient City
Tevfikiye, 17100, Çanakkale
Explore the legendary ruins of Troy, immortalized in Homer's Iliad.
Distance from Terminal: 18.6 miles
Gallipoli Battlefield Tour
Gallipoli Peninsula, Eceabat, Çanakkale
A historical tour of World War I memorial sites on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Distance from Terminal: 3.7 miles
Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial
17900 Seddulbahir/Eceabat
A monument commemorating the fallen soldiers of the Gallipoli campaign.
Distance from Terminal: 12.4 miles
Guided Tour of Kilitbahir Castle
17900 Kilitbahir/Eceabat
Tour the historic fortress overlooking the strategic Dardanelles Strait.
Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles
Visit the Naval Museum
Fevzipaşa, Çimenlik Sk. No:1, 17000 Çanakkale
Explore the maritime history of Çanakkale and the Gallipoli battles.
Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles
Tour Ancient Alexandria Troas Ruins
Dalyan Village, Çanakkale
Explore the ancient ruins of Alexandria Troas, founded by Alexander the Great.
Distance from Terminal: 30.6 miles
Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere
Assos Ancient Harbor Relaxation
Assos Harbor, Ayvacik
Relax by the picturesque ancient harbor of Assos.
Distance from Terminal: 53.4 miles
Bozcaada Vineyard Exploration
Bozcaada Island
Visit local vineyards and taste unique island wines.
Distance from Terminal: 29.2 miles
Watch a Traditional Turkish Oil Wrestling Event
Various locations, N/A
Experience the excitement of a traditional Turkish oil wrestling match.
Distance from Terminal: 0 miles
Cultural Visit to Aynali Bazaar
Kemalpaşa, 17000 Merkez/Çanakkale
Historical market with local products and crafts in Çanakkale.
Distance from Terminal: 0.1 miles
A Little Extra
Taste Local Seafood at Ayvalik Fish Market
Ayvalik Center
Enjoy fresh seasonal seafood at the vibrant Ayvalik Fish Market.
Distance from Terminal: 74.6 miles
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Sunset Horseback Riding at Kaz Mountains
Kaz Mountains, Ayvacik
Enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the natural landscape of Kaz Mountains.
Distance from Terminal: 60.9 miles
Paragliding over Babakale Cape
Babakale Village, Ayvacik
Adventure activity offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Distance from Terminal: 57.8 miles
Bird Watching in Saros Bay
Saros Bay, Gallipoli
Observe unique migratory birds in their natural habitat.
Distance from Terminal: 34.8 miles
Trekking the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical Trails
Gallipoli Peninsula
Hike through trails steeped in World War I history.
Distance from Terminal: 4.3 miles
Scuba Diving for Underwater Ruins near Gokceada
Gokceada Island
Dive into history by exploring underwater ruins near Gokceada.
Distance from Terminal: 28.7 miles
Overnight Trips
Camping at Mount Ida
Kaz Mountains National Park
Camp overnight amidst pristine nature at Mount Ida.
Distance from Terminal: 64.6 miles
Yoga Retreat at Bozcaada Island
Various locations, Bozcaada
Participate in rejuvenating yoga sessions in the calm environment of the island.
Distance from Terminal: 29.2 miles
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.