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28 · City guide

Giresun

Capital of hazelnuts, home of the only inhabitable island in the Eastern Black Sea

Giresun is built on a coastal peninsula, with its castle on the hilltop and, offshore, the only habitable island in the Eastern Black Sea. The Roman general Lucullus is said to have taken cherries from here to Europe; today the province is known for its tombul (plump) hazelnuts. The Giresun Museum in the Gogora Church and the castle park tell the city's history, while the Aksu Festival, celebrated every 20 May, keeps old island-related traditions alive. The Kuzalan, Aymaç, Koçkayası and Ağaçbaşı nature parks in Dereli and the Kümbet, Bektaş and Kulakkaya yaylas are the route for those seeking cool summer air. To the south, you can visit the castle of Şebinkarahisar and the rock-cut Meryem Ana Monastery, and on the coast the castles of Tirebolu, Andoz and Eynesil. Görele ice cream, çavuşlu bread and hazelnut kadayıf are standout flavors of the local cuisine.

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Note
Roads to the high yaylas close in winter; plan for the summer season.
Climate
Mild and rainy on the coast, continental in Şebinkarahisar and Alucra to the south.
Best time
Late May–September; the Aksu Festival on 20 May; cherry and yayla festivals in July; autumn colors in the nature parks.
Getting there
Ordu-Giresun Airport (on the Piraziz boundary, built on reclaimed land in the sea); the Black Sea Coastal Highway.
Getting around
The castle, museum and seafront are walkable; the island is reached on seasonal boat tours.