Tourist question: I’m driving from Çanakkale to Istanbul. Should I take the north or the south coast road along the Sea of Marmara? What should I visit along the way?
I probably only have one full day, but it could be two. I’m interested in history, interesting small towns and villages, traditional culture, beautiful views. I’m not interested in beaches, shopping, partying.
Thanks for your help! I’m so excited to visit your incredible country.
Posted Jul 25, 2019, 7:44 PM UTC
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South is more "Anatolian" than north (Thrace). In north, there is so many beaches and pub which you are not interested. Both has beautiful view but if you are interested in culture, I recommend south. Bursa is biggest city on road, former capital of Ottomans. You can try there.
Thank-you!
The north has Gallipoli though, if you’re a history buff. You can see the memorial from the south but the beaches and the graveyard are on the north side of the Dardanelles.
The south has Troy, but if you’re proceeding down along the coast to Izmir you will pass by Troy regardless of if you go north or south of the Sea of Marmara. Bursa is a traditional Turkish city and has famous food (Iskender top of list), there are also some villages around there famous for food - I think the desert “Kemalpasa” comes from a village around there as well as some ayran drink or something. So the south has more villages to stop for a unique treat I guess.
Edit: well I’m dumb, you will already he at Gallipoli it sounds like? In that case the south is better, there’s basically nothing of note between Gallipoli and Istanbul along the north and the roads are better along the south.
/cries in Tekirdağ
Exactly, nothing.