Things To Do
in Şiran

Şiran is a scenic district in Giresun Province, tucked between lush Black Sea mountains and terraced farmland. The town blends traditional stone houses and a tea culture with easy access to forest trails and valley views. It serves as a gateway to the Lesser Pontic Mountains, inviting day trips to nearby villages and panoramic overlooks.

Visitors can savor Black Sea flavors, explore historic sites, and enjoy a slower-paced rural rhythm.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Şiran
morning
:

Arrive in Şiran and check into your cozy accommodation. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with local cheeses, olives, and freshly baked bread. Take some time to rest and acclimate to the serene surroundings.

afternoon
:

Explore the quaint streets of Şiran, where you can admire the stunning architecture of Ottoman-era houses. Visit the local market, where you can purchase unique handicrafts and sample local delicacies. Engage with the friendly locals and learn about their way of life.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a nice spot by the river to enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Savor a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties like keşkek and gözleme. End your day with a leisurely stroll through the village under the stars.

day 2
Discovering Historical Sites
morning
:

After breakfast, head out to explore the historical sites around Şiran. Visit the nearby Çimşirli Mosque, a beautiful example of local architecture. Take your time to appreciate the intricate design and the surrounding gardens.

afternoon
:

Continue your cultural journey by visiting the ruins of the ancient fortifications that overlook the town. Learn about the history of the area and the civilizations that once thrived here. Capture panoramic views of the picturesque landscape from the fort.

evening
:

Gather for an evening of storytelling with local residents who share legends and folklore of Şiran. Enjoy an outdoor barbecue and taste local wines while soaking in the beautiful night sky. Wind down with a chat around a fire before retiring for the night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee or tea$1-3
🚌Local transportation (short ride)$0.5-1.5
🏨Budget hotel room (per night)$25-50
🎟️Museum/attraction entrance$3-7

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful mountain scenery and traditional architecture
  • Friendly locals and affordable prices
  • Great base for nature trips and village visits
  • Delicious Black Sea cuisine
  • Easy to explore on foot
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options
  • Rural transportation can be infrequent
  • Smaller town services compared to bigger cities
  • Mountain roads can be winding and slow
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Affedersiniz" - Excuse me
  • "Neredesiniz?" - Where is it?
  • "Bu ne kadar?" - How much is this?

Places to Visit in Şiran

Visit one of these nice places.

Historic Stone Town Center

Narrow streets framed by whitewashed stone houses and the old mosque, especially striking at dawn or dusk.

Riverside Tea Gardens

Colorful tea gardens along the river with boats and reflective water for portraits.

Hilltop Viewpoint Over Şiran

Panoramic overlooks offering sweeping views of the valley and surrounding forests.

Forest Edge and Waterfall Trails

Forest trails with mossy streams and seasonal waterfalls ideal for nature shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Şiran

Şiran sits within the Black Sea culinary belt where fresh fish, dairy, cornmeal dishes, and hazelnuts define the flavors.

Şiran Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Muhlama (Mıhlama)

A rich cheese and butter cornmeal dish, served hot with local bread.

Must-Try!

Hamsi (Anchovy) Dishes

Freshly caught anchovies prepared fried or grilled, a Black Sea staple.

Hamsili Pilav

Rice cooked with anchovies, dill, and saffron for a savory coastal dish.

Lahana Çorbası

Savory cabbage soup often enriched with cornmeal and pepper.

Cornbread (Mısır Ekmeği)

Stone-ground corn bread that accompanies fish or muhlama.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Şiran Market

Weekly market to buy seasonal produce, hazelnuts, honey, and dairy; great for street snacks.

Street Snacks

Seasonal treats like grilled corn on the cob, fried snacks, and simple pastries you can enjoy on the go.

Climate Guide

Weather

Şiran experiences a Black Sea climate: mild, wet winters and cool summers with higher rainfall in mountains. The nearby elevations can be significantly cooler than the town center, and weather can change quickly in the hills.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Conversation

A handshake is common; greet with 'Merhaba' and maintain polite conversation; avoid discussing sensitive topics in initial meetings.

Dress and Religious Sites

Dress modestly; remove shoes when entering mosques where appropriate and observe local rules.

Meal Etiquette

Eat with the right hand, wait for elders to begin, and keep voices at a respectful volume in public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

General travel safety is good; watch for pickpockets in crowded markets and be cautious on mountain roads in bad weather. Use licensed taxis or shared minibuses, carry enough water, and inform someone of long hikes. Emergency numbers are the same as the rest of Turkey, and healthcare is accessible in Giresun city for major concerns.

Tipping in Şiran

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips of around 5-10% are appreciated if a service charge is not included; small tips for guides and hotel staff are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm, humid days with occasional showers; carry sun protection and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage; great for hiking and photography, plus harvest season produce.

Winter

Cool to cold with potential snowfall in higher elevations; pack warm layers and waterproofs.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flora; comfortable for outdoor exploration.

Nightlife Guide

Şiran at Night

In Şiran, nightlife is quiet and low-key, centered around tea houses and small cafes. You’ll find locals enjoying çay (tea), conversations, and occasional live music or cultural events during festival seasons. Most evenings are relaxed rather than nightlife-focused, perfect for a peaceful end to a day of exploration.

Hiking in Şiran

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lesser Pontic Mountains Ridge Trail

A scenic ridge route with forested sections and distant sea views.

Hazelnut Plateau Walk

Gentle to moderate hikes among hazelnut groves and small villages.

Yayla Lookout Circuit

Ridge-to-valley loop offering expansive panoramas of the region.

Airports

How to reach Şiran by plane.

Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU)

Serves the region with domestic and some international flights; about 60-90 minutes by road to Şiran.

Trabzon Airport (TZX)

Larger international hub with connections across Turkey and beyond; roughly 2-3 hours by road to Şiran depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Şiran is fairly walkable in the town center with compact streets and short distances between sights; however, most hikes and village trips require a car or local bus/minibus, and hills can be steep.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Turkish

The majority population; Turkish language dominates daily life.

Laz and Pontic heritage

Historic influences in rural areas; some local dialects and traditions persist in villages.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport, with local clubs and youth leagues.

Hiking and trail running

Accessible on the surrounding mountains and forest trails.

Fishing

Occasional fishing in rivers and streams near the town.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light in the town center, with main challenges on mountain roads and during holiday seasons; public transport is served by dolmuş minibuses that connect Şiran to Giresun and nearby towns. Driving is feasible, but some routes are steep and winding. In town, walking is easy, especially in the compact historic core.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Şiran.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can enjoy vegetable stews, lentil soup, salads, and corn bread; ask for meat-free versions and avoid stock-based dishes.

Halal

Many options are halal; confirm preparation to ensure no pork or alcohol in dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Şiran has a district health center with basic services; for more advanced care, residents travel to Giresun city or larger nearby towns where hospitals offer specialized services and emergency care.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide