Vacation Packages to Gallipoli

Gallipoli Information

Gallipoli is a peninsula located in northwestern Turkey, which lies in the Dardanelles Strait. The peninsula is famous for its historical importance, as it was the site of an important World War I battle.

After World War I, the Gallipoli peninsula became a place of pilgrimage for Australians and New Zealanders who had fought in the Gallipoli campaign.

Today, Gallipoli is a popular tourist destination due to its historical importance and beautiful beaches.

History of Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a peninsula located in northwestern Turkey, in the Dardanelles region. Its historical importance lies mainly in the Battle of Gallipoli, which took place during the First World War.

In 1914, the Ottoman Empire joined the war as an ally of the Central Powers, and the Allies sought a way to open a new front in the war to put pressure on the Ottoman Empire.

The campaign began on February 19, 1915, when the Allies began bombing Ottoman defenses in the Dardanelles. After a month, on March 18, Allied forces attempted a landing on the Gallipoli peninsula.

However, the Ottoman forces, led by General Mustafa Kemal repulsed the attack. After this first failure, the Allied forces tried again when they landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in several places.

The Ottoman forces fought fiercely, and the campaign turned into trench warfare. Finally, the Allies withdrew from Gallipoli in January 1916.

The Battle of Gallipoli is considered one of the greatest Allied defeats during World War I and is remembered for the bravery and resilience of the Ottoman forces. The campaign also had a great impact on the history of Turkey.

Sites of Interest in Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a city with a rich history and a wide variety of sites of interest to visit. Here are some of the most outstanding sites to visit:

Gallipoli Castle is located in the center of the city; it is a fortress dating back to the 14th century and is one of the main tourist attractions of the city. It offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

The Museum of Gallipoli is housed in a former Ottoman Mosque and offers a complete overview of the history of Gallipoli. From ancient Greece and Rome to the Ottoman era and the First World War.

The Meryem Ana Mosque also known as the Church of St. Mary is a Byzantine church converted into a mosque. The original structure dates to the 6th century.

Iskele Street is a pedestrian street located in the center of the city, near the harbor. It is a lively and popular place to stroll, shop and enjoy the local cuisine in one of its many restaurants.

A few nautical miles from Gallipoli, the island of Bozcaada is a small island in the Aegean Sea that boasts crystal-clear beaches, vineyards, and local wineries producing excellent wines.

Saros beach is a beautiful fine sandy beach with panoramic views of the mountains, is located about 20 kilometers from the city, and is a popular place to practice water sports and enjoy the sun and sea.

Culture of Gallipoli

What to Eat in Gallipoli

The gastronomy of Gallipoli, as in many other regions of Turkey, is characterized by a wide variety of dishes that combine flavors and culinary techniques of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. We recommend some of its dishes:

Gallipoli is a peninsula surrounded by the sea, so it is not surprising that fish is a staple of its cuisine. The most common fish include sea bream, sea bream, octopus, and squid. Grilled or baked fish, often served with a variety of sauces, is a local specialty.

Meze is small portions of dishes served as appetizers or as an accompaniment to alcoholic beverages. Dolmas are small portions of vegetables, such as peppers or tomatoes, stuffed with a mixture of rice, minced meat, and spices. In Gallipoli, dolma is often served as part of a meze.

Lahmacun is a pizza-like dish made with a thin layer of dough topped with minced lamb or beef, onion, tomato, and spices.

As for the sweet, you have the baklava, a traditional dessert of Turkish cuisine consisting of layers of filo dough stuffed with walnuts and covered with honey syrup.

To drink you will find the ayran which is a refreshing drink made with yogurt, water, and salt.

Festivals in Gallipoli

Throughout the year, several festivals are held in the city and nearby to celebrate its history, culture, and gastronomy.

The Sea and Sand Festival is held in July on the beach of Saros. It is a festival of music and water sports that includes a long-distance swimming competition, windsurfing, canoe racing, and kitesurfing.

The Çanakkale International Jazz Festival is held in July in the city of Çanakkale, near Gallipoli. This festival brings together jazz musicians from all over the world and takes place in various historical sites in the city.

The International Dardanelles Festival is held in March in the city of Çanakkale. The festival commemorates the Battle of the Dardanelles during World War I with activities such as theatrical performances and concerts.

The Gallipoli Cooking Festival takes place in August and is a gastronomic festival featuring local and regional cuisine. It includes tastings, cooking classes, and other activities related to gastronomy.

What to Do on Gallipoli Night

Gallipoli is known for its lively nightlife, especially in summer. There are many bars, clubs, and discos offering live music and DJ sets, as well as a wide selection of drinks. Most of the bars and clubs are located in the old town of Gallipoli, near Piazza Aldo Moro and Piazza della Repubblica.

We recommend some popular places to go out at night in Gallipoli:

1. Rio Bo: a beach club with a relaxed atmosphere during the day and a vibrant party scene at night.
2. Samsara Beach: a popular disco and beach club that attracts a young and lively crowd.
3. Cave: a subway disco located in the old town of Gallipoli, with electronic music and a large dance floor.
4. Picador: a cocktail bar with an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.

How to Get to Gallipoli

There are several ways to get to Gallipoli, depending on your point of departure and transportation preference.

You can arrive by plane, the closest airport to Gallipoli is Çanakkale airport, which is about 25 kilometers from the city.

There are also several bus companies operating services to Gallipoli from Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities in Turkey. The bus trip from Istanbul to Gallipoli can take about 5-6 hours.

Gallipoli is located about 320 kilometers southwest of Istanbul and about 260 kilometers northwest of Izmir. There is a highway connecting these two cities and Gallipoli can be reached from there.

In addition, there is a ferry connecting the town of Gelibolu, located on the Gallipoli peninsula, with the town of Lapseki, on the opposite shore of the Dardanelles Strait. Ferries operate regularly throughout the day and the trip takes about 30 minutes.

What to See and Do in Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty making it an attractive destination for those looking for a seaside getaway and to enjoy a vibrant city life.

Thanks to its proximity to places like Istanbul and Canakkale, you will find these sites in many of our Gallipoli package deals.

Want to visit a historical site that will never cease to amaze you? Want to enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife? Are you ready to indulge in its delicious traditional food?

If your answer is "yes", at Greca we offer you different proposals of tour packages to Gallipoli, which you can tailor to your needs.

What are you waiting for to marvel at the streets of the city?