This coastal town along the Dardanelles has a 2km waterfront promenade, supervised beaches, and a busy Monday market. It's a gateway to both Troy's ruins and the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Kepez sits 3 kilometers south of Çanakkale along the Dardanelles strait, where you can swim at its supervised beach, browse the busy Monday market, or take art workshops at the Turhan Mildon Centre. The town's 2-kilometer waterfront promenade leads past waterfront cafes serving fresh seafood, and its modern port connects you to both the Gallipoli Peninsula and ancient Troy, just 25 kilometers away.
Getting to Kepez
Buses run every 15 minutes between Kepez and Çanakkale city center from 6:00 AM to midnight. You'll find the town directly on the D.550 highway connecting İzmir to Çanakkale. The central taxi point operates 24/7, and if you arrive by cruise ship, you'll dock at the port's passenger terminal where staff provide tourist information.
Along the Waterfront
Walk the 2-kilometer seaside promenade from the port to the beach area. The supervised beach section includes lifeguards, rental spots for kayaks and paddleboards, and the Kepez Aqua Park with three water slides and a children's pool. Stop at one of the permanent barbecue stations with built-in grills for a picnic, or try the catch of the day - usually sea bass or sea bream - at the waterfront restaurants.
Monday Market and Shopping
Every Monday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, local farmers and vendors fill the covered market with seasonal produce, textiles, and household goods. In the town center, you'll find several supermarkets, family-run bakeries, and small shops serving the 35,000 residents.
Community Centers
Visit the Turhan Mildon Culture and Craft Centre to join workshops in traditional carpet weaving and ceramics, or see local artists' work in the gallery space. Play basketball or volleyball at the indoor sports complex, watch a football match at the stadium, or join a game at the chess club. The central park's two tea houses serve traditional Turkish tea from sunrise to late evening.
Maritime Activities
The port manages daily ferry crossings through the Dardanelles strait between the Aegean and Marmara seas. Between April and October, about 20,000 cruise passengers pass through the terminal, which maintains international security standards.
Day Trips from Kepez
Drive 30 minutes to explore Troy's archaeological ruins, including the reconstructed wooden horse and ancient city walls. Take a ferry across the strait to visit Gallipoli's war cemeteries and memorials. In nearby Çanakkale, examine Troy's Bronze Age artifacts at the Archaeological Museum, including pottery, jewelry, and tools from excavations.
