Built on mountainous terrain along Turkey's Black Sea coast, this calm city has ancient ruins, dense pine forests, and local restaurants serving regional Black Sea dishes.
Giresun sits on Turkey's Black Sea coast, where terraced hazelnut orchards cover the hillsides. Walk up to the Byzantine-era castle for views across the city and sea, take a boat to explore the ancient ruins on Giresun Island, or hike through pine forests to the 40-meter Kuzalan Falls. In spring, join locals at the Aksu Festival to experience Black Sea music and dancing.
Getting to Giresun
Take a bus from major Turkish cities - the journey takes 10 hours from Ankara and 3 hours from Trabzon. Fly into Trabzon Airport, 150 km east, then catch a bus to Giresun. Local minibuses (dolmuş) run regularly to nearby towns, including Ordu, 46 km west.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Summer temperatures reach 25°C (77°F), while winters drop below 5°C (41°F). Rain falls year-round, making the region ideal for agriculture. Visit between June and August for warmer weather, but bring rain gear as sudden showers are common.
The Castle and Old Town
Climb the hill to explore Giresun Castle's Byzantine walls and Ottoman additions. Walk through the Zeytinlik district to see well-preserved 19th-century Ottoman houses with their distinctive wooden balconies and stone foundations. Many families still live in these historic homes.
Giresun Island
Take a 15-minute boat ride to explore the only Turkish island in the eastern Black Sea. Walk among temple ruins dating to ancient times and see remains of a Byzantine monastery. Boats depart from the harbor when seas are calm, with more frequent trips during summer.
Food and Local Specialties
Black Sea fish and black cabbage dominate local menus. Sample karalahana çorbası (cabbage soup) or hamsili pilav (rice cooked with fresh anchovies). Local cooks use hazelnuts in both savory dishes and desserts. Try the regional pide, a boat-shaped flatbread topped with ingredients like cheese, eggs, or ground meat.
Mountain Areas
Follow hiking trails to see Kuzalan Falls plunge 40 meters down forest-covered cliffs. In summer, join locals at highland meadows called yaylas. At Kümbet Plateau, walk paths through pine forests and see summer houses built in the regional Black Sea architectural style, with steep roofs designed for heavy snowfall.
Aksu Festival
Visit in May for the five-day Aksu Festival. Watch folk dance performances, listen to regional music, and see traditional sports like oil wrestling. Sample Black Sea foods from local vendors and watch artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like wood carving and wool weaving.
