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If you have done the things to do in Turkey, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Gelibolu.
Gelibolu, a charming seaside town, is nothing short of a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Nestled on Turkey’s Aegean coast, this town offers a treasure trove of experiences that are just waiting to be discovered.
From soaking up the sun on its sandy beaches, to exploring its rich history and cultural heritage, Gelibolu has something for everyone.
So, pack your bags, put on your explorer’s hat and get ready to embark on a journey filled with adventure and wonder in Gelibolu.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Gelibolu:
1. Gelibolu Peninsula Historical National Park
Gelibolu Peninsula Historical National Park is a protected area located in the historical Gallipoli Peninsula in the European part of Turkey.
What to see or do: The park offers visitors a chance to explore and learn about the rich history of the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I.
You can visit various landmarks and historical sites, such as Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunuk Bair, and Kabatepe War Museum.
You can also participate in guided tours and educational programs.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss visiting the iconic ANZAC Cove, where the brave ANZAC soldiers landed and fought during the Gallipoli Campaign. Also, take your time to visit the memorials and cemeteries dedicated to the brave soldiers who fell during the war.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to plan your visit in advance and check the opening hours of the park. If possible, try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season to avoid overcrowding.
Also, make sure to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water, as you will be doing a lot of walking and exploring under the sun.
Lastly, hiring a knowledgeable tour guide can greatly enhance your experience and understanding of the historical significance of the park.
2. Anzac Cove
Anzac Cove is a small cove located in the Gallipoli peninsula of Turkey where the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops landed during World War I.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk along the beach and explore the cove area. There are also several memorials and monuments to commemorate the ANZAC troops and the Battle of Gallipoli.
The ANZAC Cove Cemetery is located nearby and is a peaceful and reflective spot to pay respects to the fallen soldiers.
Don’t miss: The ANZAC Day Dawn Service is a solemn and moving ceremony that takes place each year on April 25th to remember and honor the soldiers who lost their lives here.
Visitors can also attend the International Service on the same day, which includes wreath-laying ceremonies.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to visit Anzac Cove with a guide who can provide insight into the history and significance of the site.
Be aware that the area can get crowded during peak season and on the anniversary of ANZAC Day. It is important to dress appropriately and respect the solemn atmosphere of the site.
3. Lone Pine Cemetery
Lone Pine Cemetery is a memorial site located in the Gallipoli peninsula of Turkey.
The cemetery was established in 1920 and is the final resting place of many Australian soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the Battle of Lone Pine during World War I.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the cemetery to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers.
The beautifully landscaped cemetery has over 4,900 graves marked with headstones inscribed with the names of soldiers who were killed in action.
Moreover, visitors can witness the commemorative services held by Australians to honor and remember their fallen soldiers.
Don’t miss: The imposing memorial at the cemetery is a must-see.
The memorial overlooking the cemetery is inscribed with the names of over 4,900 missing Australian soldiers who were killed in action during the Gallipoli campaign.
The names serve as a poignant reminder of Australia’s losses during the conflict.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit the cemetery in the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is flattering and the temperature is bearable.
Wear sunscreen and a hat as the area is exposed.
Also, respectful attire, such as covering your shoulders and wearing pants or skirts below the knee, is required when visiting the cemetery.
4. Kabatepe Museum
The Kabatepe Museum is a military museum located in Gelibolu (Gallipoli), Turkey, which tells the story of the Gelibolu Campaign, also known as the Battle of Gallipoli.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a collection of military artifacts, such as weapons, uniforms, photographs, and personal items used by soldiers during the campaign.
The museum also has exhibits that explain the causes and consequences of the battle.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the simulation area where visitors can experience the battle up close, including the sounds of war and the atmosphere of the trenches.
There is also a small cemetery next to the museum to pay a tribute to the fallen soldiers.
Insider travel tips: The museum is located near many other historical sites, such as Anzac Cove and the Lone Pine Cemetery. Consider visiting the museum as a part of a broader history trip in the area.
5. Beach Cemetery
Beach Cemetery is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery located in Gelibolu (Gallipoli), Turkey.
What to see or do: The cemetery is a serene and well-maintained resting place for soldiers who died in the World War I Gallipoli campaign.
Visitors can pay their respects at the graves of the fallen soldiers, many of whom were from Australia and New Zealand.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take in the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea from the top of the hill behind the cemetery.
Insider travel tips: – The cemetery is easily accessible by car or on foot from the nearby town of Eceabat.
6. Hellas Memorial
The Hellas Memorial is a war memorial in Gelibolu (Gallipoli), Turkey, built to commemorate the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who died during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I.
What to see or do: The Hellas Memorial is a beautiful white marble monument that consists of a large pedestal, topped with a statue of a soldier with his arms resting on his rifle, gazing out to the Aegean Sea.
Visitors can pay their respects to the fallen soldiers by laying wreaths or flowers at the memorial.
Don’t miss: The moving commemoration services held annually on Anzac Day, and the beautiful views of the Aegean Sea from the memorial.
Insider travel tips: – Wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for the uphill climb to the memorial.
7. Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is a picturesque strip of coast located in Gelibolu, a town in the Çanakkale Province of Turkey.
What to see or do: The beach offers crystal-clear water and soft, sandy shores, perfect for taking a swim or sunbathing. The scenery is also stunning, with views of green hills and rolling clouds in the distance.
There are also several beach cafes and bars in the area, where visitors can indulge in snacks and refreshing drinks.
Don’t miss: Make sure not to miss the chance to stroll along the boardwalk lined with cute, colorful beach huts. This is also a great spot to watch the sunset and capture amazing photos.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach.
8. 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial
The 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial in Gelibolu (Gallipoli) is a monument that commemorates the soldiers of the 57th Infantry Regiment who lost their lives during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I.
What to see or do: Visitors can see the striking memorial, which stands atop a hill overlooking the Dardanelles. The monument features a bronze statue of a soldier, representing the soldiers who fought and died in the campaign.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning views of the Dardanelles from the memorial. You can also explore the grounds surrounding the monument, which are peaceful and picturesque.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting the memorial early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll need to climb a hill to reach the monument.
Also, be sure to bring sunscreen and water, especially on hot days.
9. Canakkale Martyrs’ Memorial
The Canakkale Martyrs’ Memorial is a striking monument dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum to learn about the events leading up to the Gallipoli Campaign and the lives of the soldiers who fought and died here.
The main attraction is the towering monument, which offers breathtaking views of the peninsula and the Dardanelles Strait.
Don’t miss: The impressive diorama of the battlefield, which provides a realistic and immersive experience of the clashes that took place during the campaign.
There is also a poignant memorial room with photos and personal belongings of the fallen soldiers.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to have enough time to explore the museum thoroughly.
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved around the site. Consider hiring a local guide to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this historic site.
10. Turkish 57
A must-try Turkish restaurant in Gelibolu, Çanakkale.
What to see or do: Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The menu offers a range of traditional Turkish dishes, including mezes, kebabs, and seafood.
Don’t miss: Try the traditional dish “Gelibolu Tava” which consists of shrimp and calamari sautéed with tomatoes, peppers, and mushrooms, a specialty of the restaurant.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time, especially during peak season. Also, don’t forget to try the delicious baklava for dessert.
11. Pink Farm Cemetery
Pink Farm Cemetery is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery located in Gelibolu, Turkey. It is one of several World War I cemeteries on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
What to see or do: Visitors to Pink Farm Cemetery can pay their respects at the graves of 426 Commonwealth servicemen who lost their lives in the Gallipoli Campaign.
The cemetery is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk through well-kept gardens and immaculate lawns.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see some of the well-preserved trenches that still remain from the Gallipoli Campaign. These are close to the cemetery and offer a glimpse into the conditions faced by soldiers during the war.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit to Pink Farm Cemetery as part of a larger tour of the Gallipoli Peninsula to fully appreciate the historical significance of the area.
The cemetery is located near several other war cemeteries, monuments and museums that are worth visiting.
It’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the day, and remember to dress appropriately and behave respectfully when visiting this sombre and poignant site.
12. Suvla Bay
Suvla Bay is a natural harbor located on the Aegean coast of Turkey, near the Gallipoli peninsula. It played a significant role during the Gallipoli campaign of World War I.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the bay or sunbathing on the picturesque beaches that surround it. History buffs can explore the remnants of World War I, such as the war cemeteries and the battlefield.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to witness the beautiful sunrise and sunset over the bay. They are truly breathtaking and make for great photo opportunities.
Insider travel tips: – Visit in the off-season to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices.
13. Nek Cemetery
A World War I cemetery located in Gelibolu, Turkey.
What to see or do: Explore the cemetery grounds and pay respects to the fallen soldiers from various nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey. The cemetery also offers a stunning view of the Aegean Sea.
Don’t miss: The commemorative plaques and inscriptions that tell the story of the battles fought in the Gelibolu peninsula during WWI.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the cemetery is located on a hill with steep paths. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water as it can get hot during the day.
Additionally, be respectful when visiting the cemetery as it is a place of remembrance for many families.
14. Morto Bay Cemetery
Morto Bay Cemetery is a historic burial ground located in Gelibolu, Turkey.
What to see or do: The cemetery is the final resting place of soldiers from various countries who fought in the Gallipoli campaign of World War I.
Visitors can pay their respects and learn about the history of the war.
Don’t miss: The cemetery contains the graves of soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and France. It is a solemn and respectful tribute to those who gave their lives during the conflict.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and respectful attire when visiting the cemetery. A visit during a quiet time of day can provide a more reflective and peaceful experience.