Coast and water / Island
Giresun Island
Merkez, Giresun
The only habitable island in the Eastern Black Sea; an island reached by boat, with Argonaut and Amazon legends, wall and monastery remains, and cormorant colonies.
Safety warning
Its story
The island, about one mile off the coast, covers an area of some 40 decares and is a second-degree natural and archaeological protected site. It is surrounded by walls; besides remains thought to belong to the Pontic period, there are wall fragments from the time of the Emperor Alexios II of Trebizond, a monastery, a temple site and a watchtower. In mythology it appears as the place visited by the Argonauts on the quest for the Golden Fleece and associated with the Amazons. 71 native plant species grow on the island; cormorant and gull colonies live there. With the arrangements made in 2026, walking paths, viewing terraces and a visitor center were added, and boat tours began in the summer season. Every 20 May, at the Aksu Festival, people circle the island in boats and make wishes.
Key facts
- Area
- About 40 decares
- Event
- 20 May Aksu Festival
- Protection
- 2nd-degree natural and archaeological protected site
- Getting there
- Seasonal boat tours (depending on weather and sea conditions)
Trip purpose
- Seasonal
- Photography
- Traveling with kids
Location
40.92933, 38.43671
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
Reviews
No approved reviews yet. Reviews are written in the app after a visit.
Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://giresun.ktb.gov.tr/TR-207104/giresun-adasi.html | https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giresun_Adas%C4%B1 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/362384141 | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1526709