Overview
The Gallipoli peninsula, on the European side of the Dardanelles, was the scene of an eight-month campaign in 1915 during the First World War. Allied forces, including many Australian, New Zealand, British and French troops, landed to try to open the strait, and Ottoman forces under Mustafa Kemal held the ridges above the beaches. The losses on both sides were very high, and the campaign has a deep meaning in both Turkey and Australia and New Zealand.
Today the area is a national historical park, with cemeteries, trenches, memorials and museums spread across the hills. Key places include Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, the Nek, the Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial and several well-kept cemeteries. A quiet, respectful visit with a guide who knows the history is the best way to understand it, and Anzac Day on 25 April draws large crowds at dawn services.
Highlights
- Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
- The Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial
- The cemeteries and trenches in the pine woods
- Dawn services on Anzac Day
Best time to visit
April to October is the best time, with warm days. Anzac Day on 25 April is very busy and needs advance planning. Summer is hot with little shade, and winter is cool and damp.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Good
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Good
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Good
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Istanbul (IST), then drive about 4 hours or take a bus to Eceabat or Çanakkale. Ferries cross the Dardanelles between Çanakkale and Eceabat. Guided tours operate from Çanakkale, Eceabat and Istanbul, and a car is useful for exploring.
What to expect
The sites are spread over a large area, so a guided tour or a rental car is the best way. Many sites are quiet memorials, so dress modestly and behave respectfully. There is little shade, and facilities are limited at the more remote sites.
Practical tips
- Hire a good guide, or join a small group tour.
- Behave respectfully: these are war graves and memorials.
- Book well ahead for Anzac Day.
- Bring water, sun protection and comfortable shoes.
Frequently asked questions
What happened at Gallipoli?
An eight-month campaign in 1915 in which Allied forces tried to take the Dardanelles, and were held by Ottoman troops.
Can I visit on Anzac Day?
Yes, but access is controlled and crowds are large, so plan in advance.
How long should I allow?
A full day for the main sites, with a guide.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
- Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (Go Türkiye)
- Republic of Türkiye e-Visa
- UK government travel advice: Turkey
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Onder Kokturk (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Jorge Láscar from Australia (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
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