Gallipoli Peninsula

A slender peninsula that forms the northwestern side of the Dardanelles, across the water from Canakkale, the Gallipoli Peninsula, or Gelibolu in Turkish, has been the key to Istanbul for more than a millennium. The navy that could force the straits had a good chance of capturing the capital of the Easter European world. Numerous fleets have tried to force the straits and ferocious battles occurred as a result of that.

However, most of them, including the mighty Allied fleet mustered in WWI, have failed. But the battles fought here nearly a century ago are still alive in the memories of many people, both Turkish and foreign. The great battles of Gallipoli are commemorated each year during March (usually from the 12th to 19th) and for this reason it can be a bit difficult getting a hotel during this time. Today the Gallipoli battlefields are peaceful places covered in scrubby brush, pine forests and fields and most of Gallipoli Peninsula is now turned into a national park. With a length of 80 km, the Gallipoli Peninsula is a rather large area to tour, especially without your own transport. The two best bases for a visit are Canakkale on the eastern shore, and Eceabat on the western. Ferries run from Eceabat, 45km south-west of Gelibolu, across the Dardanelles to Canakkale.