Giresun occupies a compact hillside rising steeply from a natural harbour on the Black Sea coast. The Byzantine castle at the top of the hill, the fishing boats in the harbour below, and the island just offshore create a scene that has barely changed in its essential character for centuries.
The city is a good base for exploring the Eastern Black Sea region: Trabzon is 2 hours east, Ordu’s Boztepe viewpoint is 1.5 hours west, and the mountains behind Giresun reach 3,000 m within 60 km — creating access to extraordinary plateau landscapes.
- Region
- Eastern Black Sea coast
- Known for
- Hazelnut orchards (~25% of Turkey's crop)
- Distance
- Trabzon 120 km, Ordu 80 km
- Island
- Giresun Adası — Jason & the Argonauts landmark
Giresun Castle
Giresun Kalesi, a Byzantine fortress on a rocky promontory above the city, offers the best views in the entire area — 180-degree panoramas across the Black Sea, the harbour, the island offshore and the green hillsides behind. The stone walls and towers are well preserved; the interior has been landscaped with tea gardens and viewpoints. Plan at least 1–1.5 hours; visit in late afternoon for the best light.
Giresun Adası
Giresun Adası is the only island in the Turkish Black Sea with a natural freshwater spring — a geological curiosity that made it sacred to ancient peoples. Greek texts identify it as the Island of Ares and connect it to the voyage of Jason and the Argonauts. Byzantine monastery ruins still stand on the island. Small boats run from the harbour in summer; the crossing takes about 15 minutes. Historically the island was the site of an annual spring festival.
Kuzalan Waterfall
Kuzalan Şelalesi, a series of cascades dropping through a narrow gorge in dense hazelnut and hornbeam forest 45 km south of Giresun, is the best day hike in the region. The trail runs alongside the stream for about 1.5 km through cool, humid old-growth forest — a striking contrast to the hot coastline. The falls themselves drop in several stages; the highest cascade is about 20 m.
Tirebolu and Its Castle
Tirebolu, 60 km west of Giresun, is a small fishing town worth visiting for its dramatically positioned Genoese castle — a medieval fortress on a rocky peninsula jutting into the sea. The three towers, in various states of preservation, sit at the tip of the headland with views along the coast in both directions. The town has good fish restaurants in its small harbour. A half-day trip from Giresun.
Giresun in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Giresun
3Fly to Giresun-Ordu Airport (1.5 hrs, several daily flights). The airport is between Giresun and Ordu, about 25 km from Giresun city. Alternatively, fly to Trabzon (2 hrs) and bus or drive 2 hours west.
Yes, in summer (May–September). Small boats leave from Giresun harbour; the trip takes 10–15 minutes. The island is uninhabited and has Byzantine monastery ruins. Note that the island is officially closed outside the annual May festival to protect migratory birds.
Both are worthwhile and easily combined (2 hours apart). Trabzon has the major sight (Sümela Monastery), more hotels and better transport. Giresun has the better castle view, the mythological island and a more authentic, less-touristy atmosphere. For the full Eastern Black Sea experience, visit both.