There are countless reasons to visit Çanakkale in summer. Crystal-clear coves invite travelers into the cool waters of the Aegean, while the Gallipoli Peninsula offers a journey through one of Türkiye's most solemn chapters of history. From the Çanakkale Epic Promotion Center and the restored Hilal-i Ahmer Hospital to the Kilitbahir Castle Museum, every stop leaves visitors with a profound sense of gratitude.
After exploring the peninsula's scenic beaches – Güneyli, Suvla, Mavi Hamam, Fatma Kadın and Morto Cove – a craving for something sweet led me to the streets of Gelibolu's old bazaar.
Traditional Turkish cheese halva, known as peynir helvası, is served with clotted cream. (Shutterstock Photo)
A modest pastry shop, its vintage storefront more inviting than the line outside, seemed like the perfect place to stop. I ordered the town's famous cheese halva, only to be met with an unexpected question: "Regular or baked?"
Seeing my hesitation, the young server smiled and brought half a portion of each.
