Things To Do
in Giresun
Giresun is a city located on the Black Sea coast in northeastern Turkey. It is known for its lush green landscapes and stunning sea views. The city is famous for its high-quality hazelnuts, which are a major agricultural product in the region.
Giresun is also home to historical sites such as the Giresun Castle and the Church of Saint Mary.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $25 - $60
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Giresun Castle, which offers stunning views of the city and the Black Sea. Explore the ancient ruins and take some memorable photos.
Head to Giresun Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Don't forget to sample some local delicacies at nearby restaurants.
Enjoy a relaxing walk by the coastal promenade. End your day with a delicious dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring fresh fish dishes.
Begin your day with a hike in the Giresun Highlands, surrounded by lush forests and vibrant scenery. The fresh mountain air will rejuvenate you.
Visit the scenic Gulaga Plateau and have a picnic overlooking the beautiful landscapes. Take time to appreciate the tranquility and unique flora.
Return to Giresun and enjoy a traditional Turkish meal in one of the local eateries. Reflect on your day's adventures amidst a friendly atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including lush green hills and coastline along the Black Sea.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and local traditions.
- Delicious local cuisine, particularly seafood and hazelnuts.
- Mild climate, making it a pleasant destination for outdoor activities.
- Friendly and welcoming local residents.
- Limited infrastructure in some areas, which may affect travel convenience.
- Less international exposure compared to other Turkish cities, which may limit diversity.
- Public transportation options may not be as extensive or reliable.
- Economic opportunities might be limited outside of tourism and agriculture.
- Seasonal tourism can lead to overcrowding during peak times.
Best Activities in Giresun
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful mountainous terrain and lush forests of Giresun by embarking on a hiking adventure in Giresun Yaylalar.
Take a boat trip to Giresun Island and enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the island's natural beauty.
Enjoy a relaxing and rewarding fishing experience in the coastal areas of Giresun, known for its abundant marine life and scenic surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Giresun with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Giresun
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic castle offering panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea.
An island known for its stunning natural beauty and picturesque views of the sea and surrounding landscapes.
A popular spot for its breathtaking views of the mountains and forests, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Food in Giresun
Giresun Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential dish of Giresun, Hamsi Pilavı is a flavorful pilaf made with anchovies, rice, and a blend of local spices. It's best enjoyed at seaside restaurants like Liman Lokantası and Giresun İskele.
Must-Try!
Giresun's pide, a boat-shaped flatbread topped with various ingredients such as cheese, ground meat, and vegetables, is a must-try. You can savor authentic pide at Ayvalı Pide Salonu and Hacıbaba Pide.
Mıhlama is a delectable fondue-like dish made from local cheeses, cornmeal, and butter. It's a comforting and rich delight available at cafes and restaurants throughout the city.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Giresun better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Giresun Market is a bustling hub where you can find an array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, olives, and an assortment of local specialties. It's an excellent place to experience the vibrant food culture of Giresun.
Venture to the idyllic village of Hamsiköy, renowned for its delectable Hamsi bread, a crispy, fish-shaped bread filled with anchovies. Stroll through the streets and indulge in an array of street food offerings showcasing the region's flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Giresun, it is respectful to greet others with a handshake and maintain direct eye contact. Addressing people with titles like 'Effendi' (Mr.) and 'Hanim' (Mrs.) is also considered polite.
Respecting elders is an important cultural norm in Giresun. It is customary to show deference to older individuals by standing up when they enter a room and offering them your seat if none is available.
Hospitality is highly valued in Giresun. When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as pastries or flowers, as a gesture of appreciation for the host's hospitality.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Giresun with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Giresun
Ensure a smooth experience
In Giresun, Turkey, tipping is generally not expected or required, but it is appreciated for excellent service. In restaurants, leaving a small amount of change or rounding up the bill is a common practice. Tipping for other services like taxi rides and hotel staff may not be expected, but again, small gestures of appreciation are welcome.
Cash is widely used for day-to-day transactions in Giresun, Turkey. However, credit and debit cards are also accepted in many establishments, especially in tourist areas. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and businesses that may not accept cards. ATMs are readily available for withdrawing Turkish lira.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Giresun.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Giresun due to mild temperatures and blooming nature. Expect beautiful cherry blossoms and pleasant weather.
Ideal for beach activities and water sports. Expect warm temperatures and lively atmosphere in the coastal areas.
Great for outdoor activities and enjoying the autumn foliage. Expect cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
Best time for those interested in winter sports. Expect snow-capped mountains and chilly weather.
Giresun at Night
Hiking in Giresun
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area featuring various trails and views of local wildlife, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.
While primarily known for its impressive cave formations, the surrounding area offers hiking trails with beautiful natural scenery.
A tranquil plateau with a range of hiking paths, surrounded by lush green forests and stunning mountain views.
Famous for its natural beauty, this area is ideal for hiking and enjoying the diverse flora and fauna.
Accessible by boat, the island offers various walking paths and beautiful coastal views, perfect for a day hike.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Giresun through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Giresun by plane.
Located approximately 100 kilometers east of Giresun, Trabzon Airport serves both domestic and international flights and is the nearest major airport.
This airport is located about 30 kilometers west of Giresun and is the first airport in Turkey built on the sea.
Situated approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Giresun, Samsun-Carsamba Airport handles domestic and limited international flights.
Located about 800 kilometers west of Giresun, Istanbul Airport is one of the largest international airports in the world with connections to numerous destinations.
Approximately 600 kilometers west of Giresun, this international airport serves the capital city of Turkey, Ankara, and offers various international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Giresun, comprising various ethnic backgrounds but primarily ethnic Turks.
A significant minority group in the region, with cultural ties to the broader Kurdish population in Turkey.
An ethnic group native to the region, particularly around the Black Sea, with their own language and culture.
Includes smaller communities such as Circassians and others who have settled in the region.
The Soul of Giresun
Discover the essence of Giresun through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Giresun, with a strong local following and several amateur clubs.
Basketball has gained popularity in Giresun, especially among the youth, with local teams participating in regional leagues.
Volleyball is widely played in schools and clubs throughout Giresun, contributing to the region's sports culture.
Athletics, including running and track events, is popular in local sports clubs and schools, fostering competitive talent.
Traditional wrestling has historical significance in Giresun, with local events and competitions reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Giresun.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Giresun's cuisine prominently features seafood and meat, many restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as fresh salads, meze, and vegetable-based stews. Engage with the friendly staff to explore these options.
For those with gluten restrictions, several establishments in Giresun provide gluten-free versions of traditional dishes, and are accommodating towards dietary needs. It's advisable to communicate your requirements to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Giresun with these cultural adventures.