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7 places to visit in the Lapseki district of Çanakkale: Lampsakos Ancient City Ruins (Lampsakos Antik Kenti Kalıntıları), Lapseki Seafront (Lapseki Sahili) and Lapseki Çarşı Mosque (Lapseki Çarşı Camii). Plan your trip to Lapseki with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

Lapseki is a district on the Anatolian side of Çanakkale Province. The district covers 821 km² and has an average elevation of 13 metres above sea level. Regular ferry services run between Lapseki and Gelibolu. Lapseki is famous for its cherries, and the Lapseki Cherry Festival is held every year.

Origin of the Name

Lapseki has existed for about 2,500 years, but the origin of its name is not known. According to the first legend, before the Hellenic migrations to Anatolia, the place was known as Pityausa. The 16th-century traveller Evliya Çelebi stated that the name Lapseki comes from Löpseki, meaning “fig-filled terrace”.

Lampsakos in Antiquity

Lampsakos, a very old settlement which in antiquity existed under the name Pityausa, later fell into the hands of the Phocaeans and the Milesians. During this period, Lampsakos’s wine in particular was very famous. So much so that the Persian Shahs Darius I and Xerxes I used to have wine brought from here.

Hellenistic and Roman Periods

During Alexander the Great’s Asian campaign, he passed in front of Lampsakos and continued on his way towards Biga.

History and Culture

In antiquity, Lampsakos came directly under the influence of the Greek city-states and, in the classical period, was the scene of the Athenian-Spartan wars. There are two legends about the origin of the name Lapseki; the first relates to Lampseke, the daughter of King Mandrom, who saved the Phocaean migrants. In the Roman period, the people of Lampsakos were the first among Anatolian cities to send delegations to Rome to ask for help. During Alexander the Great’s Asian campaign he visited Lampsakos and continued to remain under his protection.

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Places to Visit in Lapseki

  • 2 Ancient City
  • 1 Religious
  • 1 Nature
  • 1 Beach
  • 1 Cultural
  • 1 Other
Ancient City

Lampsakos Ancient City Ruins (Lampsakos Antik Kenti Kalıntıları)

A trading city famous for its wine, founded in antiquity by settlers from Miletus. It has existed for 2,500 years.

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Lapseki Seafront - Lapseki Photo: Kursad17 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source
Beach

Lapseki Seafront (Lapseki Sahili)

The coastal area on the Anatolian side of the Dardanelles.

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Religious

Lapseki Çarşı Mosque (Lapseki Çarşı Camii)

A mosque built in the Ottoman period, one of the oldest buildings in the district centre. Its stonework and domed structure reflect traditional Ottoman architecture.

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Çardak Beach - Lapseki Photo: Şemsi Saracoğlu (CC BY 3.0) · Source
Nature

Çardak Beach (Çardak Plajı)

Çardak Beach, north of Lapseki, has shallow water and a sandy shore, making it a suitable swimming area for families. It is frequently visited by local people in the summer months.

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Ancient City

Lampsakos Ancient City (Lampsakos Antik Kenti)

In antiquity, Lapseki was called Pityausa, and later became Lampsakos. Founded by Greek colonists from Phocaea and Miletus, it became one of the major trading centres of its era.

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Other

Lampsakos Statue (Lampsakos Heykeli)

A giant statue taking its name from Lapseki's historic name, it is one of the symbols of the district and of Çanakkale.

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Cultural

Hıdırellez Festivities (Hıdırellez Şenlikleri)

Traditional festivities held in Lapseki on the first Sunday after 6 May, an important part of the region's cultural heritage.

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Places to Visit Around Çanakkale Province

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While you are in Lapseki, you can also see the highlights of Çanakkale province. These places are in other districts; Lapseki is about 35 km from the provincial centre.

  • Troy Ancient City — On the mound of Hisarlık, 30 km south of Çanakkale, the city of the Trojan War told in the Iliad; it was discovered in 1871 by Heinrich Schliemann.
  • Troy Museum — A museum opened on 10 October 2018 in the village of Tevfikiye, at the entrance to the archaeological site; it displays more than 6,000 original artefacts from Troy and the Troad and was established with the aim of securing the return of Trojan finds smuggled abroad.
  • Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial — A 41.7-metre-high four-legged monument at the tip of the Gallipoli Peninsula, on Hisarlık Tepe above Morto Bay, built in memory of the martyrs of 1915; it opened in 1960. Beside it are the Turkish Cemetery, the Mehmetçik Monument and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Gallipoli Peninsula Historical Site — A 33,000-hectare area covering almost the whole of Eceabat district; it became a national park in 1973 and the "Gallipoli Historical Site of the Çanakkale Battles" in 2014. With its cemeteries, trenches, the Kabatepe Information Centre and monuments, it is an open-air museum of 1915.
  • 57th Regiment Cemetery — A symbolic cemetery opened in 1992 at Bombasırtı in memory of the 628 soldiers of the 57th Regiment, all of whom fell as martyrs during the Anzac landing and the battles that followed.
  • Anzac Cove — The cove where Australian and New Zealand troops landed on 25 April 1915; a dawn service is held here every year on 25 April.

Practical Information for Visiting Lapseki

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Summer
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Lapseki

Food guide →

  • Balık Tava (fried fish)

    Fresh fish from the Çanakkale Strait, coated in cornmeal and fried. Served fresh in restaurants along Lapseki's seafront.

  • Peynir Helvası (cheese halva)

    Made by mixing fresh cheese with flour and sugar and cooking it in a pan. It is one of the best-known sweets of the Çanakkale region, and can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and family restaurants.

  • Zeytinyağlı Enginar (artichokes in olive oil)

    Made by cooking fresh artichokes with olive oil, carrot and peas. It is one of the classic flavours of Aegean cuisine. Prepared by local people for special occasions, this dish is a symbol of hospitality.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Lapseki

  • Ancient Lampsakos Heritage

    Lapseki carries the heritage of the ancient city of Lampsakos. The city, home of the philosopher Anaxagoras and one of the main centres of the cult of Priapus, god of fertility, has a rich history.

  • Peach Festival

    The Lapseki Peach Festival, held every summer, celebrates the peach harvest. During the festival, local product stalls, concerts and cultural events are organised.

Local Products

  • Lapseki Peach (Lapseki Şeftalisi) — Lapseki Şeftalisi was registered as a protected designation of origin on 10 May 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1101). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruit and vegetables, and mushrooms. Registered by: Lapseki Chamber of Agriculture.
  • Peach (Şeftali) — Lapseki is one of Türkiye's most important peach-producing centres. Lapseki peaches are famous for their juiciness and sweet aroma, and have received geographical indication registration.
  • Cherry (Kiraz) — Cherries grown on Lapseki's fertile soils are known for their early ripening and sweet flavour.

Economy

Lapseki's economy is based on agriculture and fishing. Peach growing is the district's most important agricultural activity; Lapseki peaches are in high demand in the national market. Cherry, olive and vegetable production also take place. Fishing in the Çanakkale Strait is one of the traditional livelihoods.

How to Get to Lapseki

Lapseki is 35 km from Çanakkale city centre. It lies on the Çanakkale-Istanbul road. Ferry services run from Gelibolu to Lapseki. Road connection is also provided by the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge.

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Lapseki: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Lapseki?

The highlights of Lapseki are 7 places: Lampsakos Ancient City Ruins, Lapseki Seafront, Lapseki Çarşı Mosque, Çardak Beach, Lampsakos Ancient City, Lampsakos Statue and Hıdırellez Festivities.

What is there to eat in Lapseki?

Balık Tava, Peynir Helvası and Zeytinyağlı Enginar are the standout dishes on Lapseki's tables.

What is Lapseki famous for?

Lapseki is known for Lapseki Peach and the Ancient Lampsakos Heritage. Registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected designation of origin product.

How do I get to Lapseki?

Lapseki is 35 km from Çanakkale city centre. It lies on the Çanakkale-Istanbul road. Ferry services run from Gelibolu to Lapseki. Road connection is also provided by the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge.

How long should I spend on a trip to Lapseki?

Recommended trip length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer.

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