Çanakkale

Çanakkale is the administrative centre of the Dardanelles. The strait is the only link between the Black and Mediterranean Seas – and driving from Istanbul to Izmir means a ferry crossing here. The wind also has to squeeze between these landmasses, which brings the small provincial capital reliable conditions. Hence there's an active surfsport community, although the venue is shared with many swimmers in the summer. Although the city does feel quite modern, there is an old town in the centre and the archaeological site of Troy is just 30km south.