Nestled between the lush mountains of the Eastern Black Sea Region and the sparkling waters of the Black Sea, Giresun is one of Turkey’s most beautiful and authentic coastal destinations. Known for its spectacular natural scenery, rich historical heritage, fertile hazelnut orchards, traditional highland plateaus, and charming seaside towns, Giresun offers visitors an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.

Located approximately midway between Samsun and Trabzon, Giresun has long been an important trading center and agricultural region. Today, it welcomes travelers seeking pristine beaches, ancient castles, picturesque islands, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Black Sea.

Whether you are exploring historic monuments, hiking through alpine meadows, attending colorful local festivals, or relaxing beside the sea, Giresun promises an enriching travel experience throughout the year.

A City with Thousands of Years of History

The history of Giresun dates back more than 2,500 years. The ancient city was founded by Greek colonists from Miletus during the 7th century BC under the name Kerasous, believed to be the origin of the word “cherry.” The region later became part of the Kingdom of Pontus before coming under Roman and Byzantine rule.

During the Middle Ages, Giresun flourished as an important Black Sea port protected by strong fortifications. Following its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, the city became a prosperous commercial center known for agriculture, maritime trade, and hazelnut production.

Today, Giresun successfully combines its rich historical heritage with modern tourism while preserving its unique Black Sea character.

Giresun City Center

The city center stretches along the beautiful Black Sea coastline, offering attractive parks, lively shopping streets, cafés, restaurants, and a scenic waterfront promenade.

Traditional neighborhoods blend harmoniously with modern buildings, while bustling local markets showcase the agricultural products for which the province is famous.

Visitors can enjoy relaxing seaside walks, discover historical landmarks, and sample fresh Black Sea cuisine while admiring magnificent coastal views.

Giresun Castle

Dominating the city from a hill overlooking the Black Sea, Giresun Castle is one of the province’s most important historical landmarks.

Originally constructed during the Hellenistic period and expanded by the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, the fortress offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains.

Visitors can explore ancient defensive walls, towers, and archaeological remains while enjoying beautifully landscaped gardens and peaceful picnic areas within the castle grounds.

The castle is especially popular at sunset, when the panoramic views become truly unforgettable.

Giresun Island

Just offshore lies Giresun Island, the only inhabited island in Turkey’s Black Sea waters and one of the region’s most fascinating historical sites.

According to ancient Greek mythology, the island was associated with the legendary Amazons, the famous tribe of warrior women. Archaeological remains discovered on the island include the foundations of an ancient temple believed by some historians to have been dedicated to the war god Ares or linked to Amazon legends.

Today, visitors can take short boat trips to the island to explore its ruins, observe native birdlife, and enjoy stunning views of the Black Sea coastline.

Giresun Museum

Housed in a beautifully restored historic church, the Giresun Museum presents an impressive collection illustrating the region’s long history.

Exhibits include:

• Ancient ceramics
• Roman sculptures
• Byzantine artifacts
• Ottoman ethnographic collections
• Coins
• Jewelry
• Traditional clothing
• Agricultural tools

The museum provides an excellent introduction to the cultural heritage of Giresun and its surrounding districts.

Coastal Towns of Giresun

Several charming coastal towns between Giresun and Trabzon have become increasingly popular tourist destinations.

Keşap

Keşap is known for its peaceful beaches, fertile countryside, and traditional Black Sea villages. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood, coastal walks, and scenic mountain views.

Tirebolu

Tirebolu is a picturesque harbor town famous for its historic castle, beautiful coastline, and high-quality tea production. The waterfront offers pleasant cafés, fishing boats, and panoramic sea views.

Görele

Görele is celebrated as the birthplace of the kemençe, the traditional Black Sea string instrument. The town is rich in folklore, music, and lively cultural traditions.

Vakfıkebir

Located east of Giresun, Vakfıkebir is renowned throughout Turkey for its delicious stone-baked bread and beautiful coastal scenery.

Akçaabat

Although officially part of Trabzon Province, nearby Akçaabat is famous for its traditional meatballs (Akçaabat Köftesi), lively waterfront, and easy access from Giresun.

Together, these towns create one of Turkey’s most scenic coastal driving routes.

Bektaş Plateau

One of Giresun’s most beautiful highland destinations is Bektaş Plateau, located approximately 1,600 meters above sea level.

Surrounded by dense forests, alpine meadows, and magnificent mountain scenery, the plateau offers cool temperatures throughout summer.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Hiking
• Camping
• Nature photography
• Traditional highland villages
• Horseback riding
• Wildflower viewing
• Scenic drives

The fresh mountain air and peaceful atmosphere make Bektaş one of the region’s most popular summer retreats.

Kümbet Plateau

Another spectacular destination is Kümbet Plateau, famous for its vast green meadows, wooden mountain houses, and traditional Black Sea culture.

Each summer the plateau hosts lively festivals featuring folk music, traditional dancing, local cuisine, and regional handicrafts.

Visitors can experience authentic highland life while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Kümbet and Bektaş Highland Culture

The traditional yayla (highland) culture remains an essential part of life in Giresun.

Every summer, families move to mountain plateaus where livestock graze on lush alpine meadows. Visitors can experience:

• Traditional wooden houses
• Highland festivals
• Homemade dairy products
• Organic honey
• Local music
• Authentic village hospitality

These cultural traditions have been preserved for centuries and remain among Giresun’s greatest attractions.

Aksu Festival

One of Turkey’s oldest traditional celebrations is the Aksu Festival, held annually each May.

The festival celebrates the arrival of spring with colorful ceremonies, folk dancing, music performances, sporting events, and cultural exhibitions.

One of its most famous traditions involves participants throwing seven stones into the Aksu River while making wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity.

Thousands of visitors attend this lively event every year.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Giresun is one of Turkey’s finest destinations for nature enthusiasts.

The province offers:

• Dense forests
• Waterfalls
• Mountain lakes
• Rivers
• Alpine meadows
• Scenic valleys
• Coastal cliffs

Popular outdoor activities include:

• Hiking
• Trekking
• Camping
• Mountain biking
• Birdwatching
• Wildlife photography
• Fishing
• Paragliding
• Jeep safaris
• Nature walks

Hazelnut Capital of Turkey

Giresun is internationally famous for producing some of the world’s highest-quality hazelnuts.

The province’s fertile coastal slopes are covered with endless hazelnut orchards that shape both the landscape and local economy.

Visitors traveling through the countryside during late summer can observe the traditional hazelnut harvest and purchase fresh local products directly from producers.

Local Cuisine

Giresun’s cuisine reflects the rich culinary traditions of the Eastern Black Sea Region.

Popular regional specialties include:

• Black cabbage soup
• Cornbread
• Anchovy dishes
• Fresh trout
• Stuffed kale leaves
• Kuymak (melted cheese and cornmeal)
• Roasted beans
• Hazelnut desserts
• Homemade pastries
• Organic mountain honey

Fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables are central to many traditional recipes.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase a wide variety of authentic regional products including:

• Premium Giresun hazelnuts
• Hazelnut sweets
• Organic honey
• Herbal teas
• Handmade wooden crafts
• Traditional textiles
• Copperware
• Black Sea musical instruments
• Local ceramics

Traditional markets and artisan shops provide excellent opportunities to discover locally produced goods.

Best Time to Visit

Giresun is a year-round destination.

Spring (April–June) brings colorful flowers, pleasant temperatures, and the famous Aksu Festival.

Summer (June–September) is ideal for exploring the coast, beaches, and mountain plateaus.

Autumn (September–November) coincides with the hazelnut harvest and spectacular forest colors.

Winter (December–March) offers peaceful coastal scenery and snow-covered mountain landscapes.

How to Reach Giresun

By Air

The nearest airport is Ordu-Giresun Airport, the world’s first airport built on an artificial island in the sea. It offers regular domestic flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and several other Turkish cities.

By Road

Giresun is connected by the Black Sea Coastal Highway to Samsun, Ordu, Trabzon, Rize, and other major destinations. Modern highways make road travel convenient and scenic.

By Sea

Although commercial passenger services are limited, Giresun’s harbor welcomes fishing vessels, private yachts, and seasonal excursion boats, including trips to Giresun Island.

Why Visit Giresun?

Giresun is one of Turkey’s most rewarding Black Sea destinations, where history, mythology, lush mountains, fertile orchards, and dramatic coastlines come together in perfect harmony. From the ancient castle overlooking the sea and the legendary island of the Amazons to the breathtaking yaylas of Bektaş and Kümbet, every corner of the province offers memorable experiences.

Whether you are exploring ancient history, hiking through alpine landscapes, enjoying traditional festivals, tasting world-famous hazelnuts, or simply relaxing beside the Black Sea, Giresun provides an authentic and unforgettable journey into one of Turkey’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions.