Ezine is a small agricultural town 40km south of Çanakkale city, famous throughout Turkey as the source of Ezine beyaz peyniri — a geographically protected white cheese made from the milk of sheep, goats, and cows grazed on the Trojan Plain. The Sunday market and the network of small cheese producers and dairies in and around Ezine make it an authentic culinary day trip that contrasts sharply with the archaeological focus of nearby Troy and Gallipoli. Ezine is also the closest town to several important sites including Alexandria Troas and the Apollon Smintheus Temple, making it a practical hub for exploring the broader Ezine district. The bus from Çanakkale otogar reaches Ezine in 45–60 minutes (TRY 60 one-way; frequent service throughout the day), making it one of the most straightforward day trips in the region. The town is compact and walkable: the main bazaar street runs through the center, lined with cheese shops, olive oil vendors, herb markets, and small tea houses. The Sunday Pazar (weekly market) is the largest and most vibrant, drawing villagers from across the Ezine district with fresh produce, hand-woven textiles, and an extensive dairy section. The Apollon Smintheus Temple, dedicated to Apollo as protector against mice and associated with the Iliad's opening plague scene, lies 12km east of Ezine at Gülpınar village. Reachable by taxi (TRY 100–150 return), the temple foundation, a reconstructed colonnade, and a small onsite museum provide a worthwhile detour for those interested in the Trojan War's mythological landscape. For lunch, the Ezine market area has small lokanta restaurants serving lamb stew (kuzu güveç), gözleme flatbreads, and ayran. Several cheese shops allow tasting and purchase of Ezine beyaz peynir in various salt intensities; local advice consistently favors buying directly from small producers rather than supermarkets.
How to get there
- Bus from Çanakkale otogar to Ezine (45 min; TRY 60 / ~$1.75; frequent service)
- Sunday market: arrive by 09:00 for best selection
Location
Ezine İlçesi, Çanakkale (40km south of Çanakkale city)
39.7889, 26.3372 View on map
Highlights
- Ezine beyaz peyniri: the town's geographically protected white cheese, sold fresh from local dairies and the Sunday weekly market
- Sunday Pazar (weekly market) drawing producers from across the Trojan Plain with fresh dairy, olive oil, herbs, and textiles
- Apollon Smintheus Temple (12km east at Gülpınar): an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo with a reconstructed colonnade linked to the Iliad's opening narrative
- Compact bazaar street with cheese shops, olive oil vendors, herb sellers, and traditional tea houses
- Gateway access to Alexandria Troas (10km southwest) and the broader Ezine archaeological district
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a Sunday for the full Pazar market experience — the dairy section is the most extensive, with the freshest Ezine cheese and yogurt available from early morning
- Buy Ezine beyaz peynir directly from local producers in the market rather than from supermarkets; ask vendors for a taste of different salt grades before purchasing
- The Apollon Smintheus Temple at Gülpınar is best added by taxi from Ezine (TRY 100–150 return including wait time); the site has a small entry fee and takes under an hour
- Buses back to Çanakkale run frequently until early evening; check the last bus time at Ezine otogar on arrival to plan the return
- Bring a cool bag or insulated carrier when purchasing cheese or fresh dairy to keep it in good condition on the return journey to Çanakkale
When to visit
Year-round, though the Sunday market is most vibrant from April to November when local producers bring seasonal produce. Arriving by 09:00 on a Sunday gives access to the freshest dairy selection before the best stock sells out mid-morning.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ezine cheese and where should visitors buy it?
Ezine beyaz peyniri is a geographically protected Turkish white cheese made from mixed sheep, goat, and cow milk grazed on the Trojan Plain. It has a distinctive tangy, slightly salty flavour. The best purchases are directly from local cheese shops or the Sunday market in Ezine center.
Is Sunday the only day worth visiting Ezine?
Sundays offer the full market experience, but the cheese shops and bazaar street are active on most weekdays too. The Apollon Smintheus Temple at Gülpınar is accessible any day of the week.
How do visitors reach the Apollon Smintheus Temple from Ezine?
The temple is 12km east of Ezine at Gülpınar village. A taxi from Ezine center costs TRY 100–150 return including wait time. There is no regular dolmuş service to Gülpınar.
Can Ezine be combined with Troy in a single day trip?
Yes — Troy is approximately 10km north of Ezine on the D-550 highway. Visitors with a rental car can visit Troy in the morning and Ezine for lunch and the afternoon. By public transport the combination is tight but feasible with careful timing.
Are there ATMs and card payment facilities in Ezine?
Several ATMs are available in Ezine center. Market stalls and small cheese shops typically accept cash only; carrying Turkish lira is advisable for purchases at the market.