The Gallipoli Peninsula has a long and memorable history extending back beyond the Peleponesian Wars. Its rugged landscape and historic towns provide the backdrop to the battlefields of 1915, places of heroism and sacrifice which are of immense national significance to Turks, Australians and New Zealanders. Explore the sights of Gallipoli here.

For many years, very few travellers visited Gallipoli. In more recent times, the battles that took place there have become significant to many people interested in their family history and their country's wartime heritage. Along with a general increase in tourism more young backpackers from Australia, New Zealand and Britain have begun to include the Gallipoli Peninsula Peace Park in their itinerary. Find out about the key events held at Gallipoli - including the Anzac Day Services which are held each year and which since 2000 have been conducted at the Anzac Commemorative Site.

The city that hosts most visiters to the gallipoli penninsula is Çanakkale. It lies at the narrow, 1,200 meter entrance to the Çanakkale Strait that connects the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean whose shores touch both Europe and Asia. Passenger and car ferries run daily between Çanakkale on the Asian side; Eceabat and Kilitbahir on the European side. Yachts navigating the straits stop at the well-equipped Çanakkale Marina to allow tourists more time in the area. Hotels, restaurants and cafes along the promenade, offer a place to enjoy the comings and goings of the harbor, and view of the Kilitbahir Fortress and the Çanakkale Archaeological Museum. In 1451, Sultan Mehmet II, later the conqueror of İstanbul, built one fortress on the European side of the Çanakkale Strait at Kilitbahir and one on the opposite shore at Çimenlik to control the passage of ships through the strait. Today the Çimenlik fortress serves as a military museum dedicated to the Çanakkale Battle.

Close by to çanakkale is the most popular ancient city of Troy which is mentioned in Homer's Illiad and was first excaveted by Schliemann. See his trenches, the house of his excations and the Temple of Athena, visited by Alexander the Great before his famous journey to Asia.