Canakkale (Troy, Turkey)

Port Kepez (locode TRCKZ) is the cruise port of Canakkale - port city in Turkey, located on the southern (Asian) coast of the Dardanelles Strait. Sea transportation is vital since the city spreads on both continents (Europe and Asia) - like Istanbul.

The city's population is around 190,000. As of 1920, Canakkale was estimated to have a population of around 22,000. An active port, it was a stopping point for ships traveling through the strait, just like in the ancient past. However, Canakkale was often described as lacking quality resources and accommodations by the British who visited the area. Exported goods from the city included hides, grain, wine, pottery, ceramic tiles.

The city of Canakkale owes its importance to a strategic position at the narrows of Dardanelles. "Canakkale" means "Pottery Castle". The town was named after the ceramics industry, formerly flourishing here. 

Most of the buildings in Canakkale have been re-built since the 1912 earthquake, and the few places of interest are situated within easy reach of the dock. It's about a 10-minute walk into the city but you'll need a taxi to reach the Canakkale Archaelogical Museum. After crossing the strait by ferry to Gallipoli Peninsula, tourists may spend a full or half day exploring the memorials, cemetries and beaches that remind of the horrors of ill-fated World War I campaign that started in 1915.

From port Canakkale are offered optional cruise excursions to the nearby Troy - with the legendary Wooden Horse replica, ancient ruins and stories about the epic battles that took place there.

The cruise port serves passenger ships (ferries, high-speed crafts, cruise vessels), cargo vessels (general and buk carriers, container ships), tankers (crude oil, chemical, LNG and LPG carriers), Ro-Ro Vessels (vehicle carriers).

Canakkale cruise terminal

Canakkale tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

• Troy - Hisarlık is a small village at a hill near the Troia (ancient ruins) archaeological site. The site is located approx 30 km (19 ml) southwest from port Canakkale. In 1998, Troy was dec;ared an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Gallipoli Peninsula
• Anzac Cove