Giresun between Island, Heritage and Nature

Giresun combines urban history with experiences in nature. An island, historic routes and protected neighborhoods shape the city center, while nature parks, a lake and highlands offer other perspectives on the destination. When planning your hotel stay, it helps to make a simple initial choice: would you like to focus your stay on culture and sights in the center, or are natural areas and activities your main priority?

Island and Cultural Heritage in the City Center

Giresun Island lies 1.6 km off the Gedikkaya area in central Giresun. The island covers 40,000 m² and rises 30 m above sea level. It is an archaeological and natural protected area under the second degree of protection. The island is also known by its earlier names, Aretias and Khalkeritis. Here, striking geographical dimensions meet a long history of names.

Another glimpse into the city’s history can be found on Fiyale Street. This registered historic route runs downhill from Eşref Dizdar Street in the Kale neighborhood to Atatürk Boulevard on the coast. Its two endpoints connect a route through the urban area with the coastal setting. Zeytinlik, an urban protected area under the third degree of protection, is also located in the center.

The Giresun Museum displays archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from the Early Bronze Age, as well as from the Hittite, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. It is located at the eastern foot of the castle. The collection offers a broad view of the region’s history, from early finds to objects from the Ottoman era. Together with the city’s historic areas, it makes Giresun a clear choice for travelers interested in cultural heritage.

Natural Areas and Activities

Kuzalan Nature Park is a protected recreational area in the village area of Alancık, in the Dereli district of Giresun Province. Activities in the park include nature walks, photo safaris, cycling safaris, ATV rides, climbing, fishing and birdwatching. The options range from observing nature and photography to exercise and various outdoor activities. When choosing your excursion, consider which of these experiences you would like to shape your trip.

At Mavi Göl, the water turns turquoise, particularly in summer, due to the influence of limestone and the soda-rich Göksu stream. The color may vary depending on weather and water conditions. The lake is also a destination for travelers who want to experience the landscape not only through its form, but also through its changing colors.

Yedideğirmenler Nature Park welcomes day visitors from surrounding villages and districts. The park’s cave contains stalactites, stalagmites and similar formations. Because of the narrow entrance and water flow, the cave can only be visited after August, and then only by professionals. This restriction is important when planning: cave visits are not generally available to all travelers and are subject to the stated seasonal and personnel requirements.

Kümbet: Highlands and a Local Specialty

The Kümbet Tourism Center is about 60 km from Giresun. It includes, above all, the Kümbet Highland, other nearby highlands and the Aymaç area. The highland is connected to Giresun by a paved road. As road conditions may change following maintenance or weather events, it is advisable to check the latest conditions before setting out.

Local cuisine can also be part of your travel plans: a description dated January 31, 2020, mentions Kümbet pide, baked in stone ovens over a wood fire and served to visitors. If you would like to try this specialty, check locally for current availability. These destinations represent different sides of the region and can help shape your travel plans accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Çalış, Piraziz, Çengelköy, Giresun, Kaledibi, Yavuzkemal, Bulancak, Pınarçukuru, Görele, Tirebolu, Şebinkarahisar, Keşap, Eynesil, Sultanköy Köyü, Sarıyakup Köyü.

For the regional travel overview: Turkey’s Black Sea Coast.