Introduction to Canakkale

15km (9 1/3 miles) north of Troy; 325km (202 miles) southwest of Istanbul; 331km (206 miles) north of Izmir; 303km (188 miles) west of Bursa

This charming port in the Dardanelles is also the gateway to the battlefields of Gallipoli and the ill-fated city of Troy. When not touring, there's much to enjoy in this corner of the northern Aegean, with easy access to a handful of resort islands.

A visit to the area begins in and around the small fishing port and holiday resort of Çanakkale. There are a handful of satisfactory bed-and-breakfast-style hotels in the city center, conveniently located near transport and tour companies offering guided tours to Troy and Gallipoli.

There's not much else to do in town except visit the Naval Museum and stroll up and down the promenade. Extremely minor highlights are of the Clock Tower; a gift from the Italian Consulate as a gift to the town; the model of the Trojan Horse used in the film Troy, starring Brad Pitt; and the adjacent small model of the archeological site of Troy. In the summer months, visitors can take advantage of the surrounding beaches.