begüm One of the hidden treasures of the Black Sea region, Giresun is a city that captured my heart with its lush nature, rich history, and warm-hearted people. If you’re short on time and want to explore this beautiful city in a single day, I’ve prepared a wonderful itinerary for you to discover Giresun’s most beautiful spots. If you’re ready, let’s set off on a pleasant journey to explore the natural and historical beauty of Giresun!
Places to Visit in Giresun
Where is Giresun?
Giresun is a charming city adorned with the lush nature of the Black Sea region. It’s located on the Black Sea coast, bordered by Ordu to the west and Trabzon to the east. While it’s famous for its hazelnuts, it’s also well worth seeing for its highlands, island, and natural beauty. It’s a perfect route for those who want to be surrounded by both the sea and nature!
How to Get to Giresun
By Air:
The nearest airport to Giresun is Ordu-Giresun Airport, located approximately 30 kilometres from the city centre. There are direct flights here from many cities across Türkiye. From the airport, you can reach Giresun city centre by HAVAŞ shuttles, taxi, or car hire options. For cheap tickets to Ordu-Giresun Airport, CLICK HERE!
By Road:
Since Giresun lies along the Black Sea Coastal Road, it’s easy to reach by bus from nearby provinces and many other cities in Türkiye. If you prefer travelling by coach, the intercity bus terminal is quite close to the city centre. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can CLICK HERE to rent a car at an affordable price!
By Private Vehicle:
If you’d like to travel to Giresun by private car, you can enjoy a scenic drive along the coastal road. Especially for those coming from nearby cities like Trabzon, Ordu, or Samsun, it’s a real pleasure to savour the Black Sea views along the way!
Giresun Accommodation
Where to Stay in Giresun?
Giresun offers a peaceful holiday opportunity in the unique nature of the Black Sea. There are many accommodation options from hotels by the sea to bungalows on the plateaus. There are great alternatives in Giresun for a comfortable holiday with both sea and greenery. For details CLICK.
When to Visit Giresun?
Giresun is one of those places that offers a unique charm in every season. In our opinion, it’s best to visit during the summer months. This is the ideal time for heading up to the highlands, as the roads to the plateaus can be quite difficult in winter. That’s not to say that winter is bad — in fact, Giresun has a different kind of beauty in the colder months too. But if we had to choose, we’d definitely go for summer.
List of Places to Visit in Giresun
- 1Giresun Castle
- 2Tirebolu Castle
- 3Kümbet Plateau
- 4Kuzalan Waterfall
- 5Mavi Lake
- 6Göksu Traventers
- 7Şebinkarahisar
- 8Sis Dağı Plateau
Giresun Places to Visit Map
Click to download the Giresun Places to Visit Map!
Places to Visit in Giresun
Giresun Castle
Giresun Castle is located just above the city centre and is very easy to reach. Once you climb up, you’ll be amazed by the endless views of the Black Sea and the lush greenery of Giresun. This historic castle, which dates back to the time of the Kingdom of Pontus, is a fantastic spot for having a picnic, enjoying the scenery, or simply taking a break. Being here at sunset makes Giresun look even more beautiful. You can reach the castle with a short walk from the city centre.
Tirebolu Castle
Tirebolu Castle is located in the district of Tirebolu in Giresun, sitting on a small peninsula that stretches out into the sea. This historic castle, which you can easily reach on foot from the town centre, offers a stunning view with the Black Sea surrounding it on three sides. It’s a wonderful spot to experience a touch of history while enjoying the beauty of the sea. And while you’re here, don’t forget to sip a cup of Tirebolu’s famous tea!
Kümbet Plateau
Kümbet Plateau is located around 60 kilometres from the Dereli district of Giresun, and it’s a perfect place to fully experience the famous highland atmosphere of the Black Sea region. Surrounded by lush pine forests, cool mountain air and unspoilt nature, it feels like a little piece of paradise.
Here, you can take a walk among the traditional highland houses, breathe in the fresh, clean air and capture plenty of beautiful photos. In particular, the highland festivals held during the summer months add a lively touch to the area. Also, don’t miss the chance to taste local delicacies in the small nearby villages — it’s a real treat!
You can reach Kümbet Plateau either by your own car or easily by taking minibuses from Dereli.
Kuzalan Waterfall
Kuzalan Waterfall is located in the Dereli district of Giresun, about 20 kilometres from the city centre. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. You can easily reach the waterfall by car from Dereli. As you walk around the area, the sound of the cascading water and the calming atmosphere of the forest will transport you to a completely different world. If you’re in or around Giresun, this is a place you absolutely must discover!
Blue Lake
Blue Lake, located in the Dereli district of Giresun, has become one of my favourite places. This natural lake was formed by the effects of underground water and streams. Over time, water flowing down from the surrounding mountains accumulated here, creating the lake. Especially with the opening of underground water channels and the gathering of water in this area, the lake deepened and gained its magnificent blue colour.
The reason why the lake’s colour is such a vivid, deep blue is the reflection of minerals and natural stones within the water. It’s a great spot to take stunning photos and spend a lovely time in nature.
Entrance Fee: In 2026, the entrance fee was 50 TL. There’s a car park available for private vehicles. However, it can get quite crowded on special holidays, so I recommend visiting earlier in the day.
Göksu Travertines
Göksu Travertines are located just a 5-minute drive from Blue Lake. The mountain spring that feeds Blue Lake originates here. Entrance to the travertines is ticketed; the 2024 entry fee was 50 TL. I recommend wearing suitable footwear because you have to leave your shoes at the entrance. As this is one of Giresun’s more hidden beauties, it’s ideal for those looking for a peaceful experience away from crowds.
Şebinkarahisar
Şebinkarahisar is one of Giresun’s most special and tranquil districts. Surrounded by the famous green nature and mountains of the Black Sea, this area draws attention with both its historical and natural attractions. Walking through the district centre, you’ll feel like you’re travelling back in time as you explore traditional Ottoman houses and narrow streets.
One of Şebinkarahisar’s most famous sights is the old settlement areas known for houses carved into the rocks and its natural beauty. Additionally, it’s quite close to natural wonders like Blue Lake and Göksu Travertines.
Sis Mountain Plateau
Sis Mountain Plateau is one of Giresun’s highest and most impressive plateaus. Located in the Şebinkarahisar district, it gets its name from the dense mists that surround it. Especially in summer mornings, as the fog begins to lift, the scenery is breathtaking.
Sis Mountain Plateau is an excellent escape for nature lovers with its altitude and natural surroundings. You can camp there, take walks to breathe fresh air, or simply relax in the peace of nature. The lush meadows, pine forests, and rich plant life around make it almost a paradise.
About 70 kilometres from Giresun city centre, Sis Mountain Plateau is also easily accessible. If you want to get away from the city noise and immerse yourself in nature, Sis Mountain Plateau is just the place for you!
Where to Stay in Giresun?
Giresun is a beautiful holiday destination with the peaceful nature and historical atmosphere of the Black Sea. Accommodation options here are quite varied. Here are some recommended places to stay in Giresun:
- Giresun Center Hotels: There are various hotel options in the city center for those who want to explore the city. The hotels in the center are close to places you can easily visit and restaurants. You can find accommodation in these hotels with both modern and more traditional atmospheres. We stayed at Pentahor Hotel in the center, you can choose.
- Yayla Evleri and Boutique Hotels: If you want to be in touch with nature and relax in a quiet environment, you can stay in yayla houses or boutique hotels located in the plateaus connected to Giresun. Hotels around Sis Dağı Yaylası or Mavi Göl are great options for nature lovers. You can stay in a quieter, more peaceful environment in these hotels and enjoy the magnificent views. We can recommend Birun Kümbet Dağ Evi with its magnificent view.
- Pensions and Stone Houses: In the villages of Giresun, especially the pensions converted from old stone houses are also quite popular. Staying in such places offers both an authentic experience and a closer interaction with the local people.
- Bungalows: Bungalows are also a preferred accommodation type in areas surrounded by natural beauty. Especially around Kuzalan Waterfall or in the plateaus, you can have a peaceful holiday in nature by staying in tree houses.
What to Eat in Giresun?
Pezik: Pezik is a Black Sea speciality made with rice, onion, mint, black pepper, salt, and oil.
Görele Pide: Görele Pide is a delicious type of pide made with thinly rolled dough topped with egg and sautéed meat. You can try Görele Pide at the Görele Sahil Pide restaurant.
Anchovy Börek: Anchovy Börek is a dish shaped like a pastry, made by arranging the Black Sea’s most famous fish, anchovy, in a circular pattern. It’s prepared by mixing anchovies with rice, parsley, and onions. You can taste this delicacy at Şoray Fish Restaurant.
Mendek Soup: Made with hogweed, onion, meat, rice, pepper, and water, Mendek Soup is a vegetable-rich, traditional soup that’s especially warming during the winter months.
Yağlaş: Yağlaş is a type of cornmeal dish unique to Giresun. Made with cornmeal, butter, cheese, and sometimes onion, it’s quite filling and often enjoyed at breakfast.
Nettle Soup: Nettle Soup is a healthy dish commonly prepared in the local highlands. Made with nettle, yoghurt, and various spices, this soup is a great choice in spring to cleanse and refresh the body. You can try it at Şoray Fish Restaurant.
Places to Visit in Giresun | Frequently Asked Questions
What are the natural places to visit in Giresun?
Among the natural beauties in Giresun are Kuzalan Waterfall, Mavigöl, Kümbet Plateau and Bektaş Plateau.
How many days does it take to visit Giresun?
2 to 3 days is the ideal time to explore Giresun comfortably.
Which is the most beautiful district of Giresun?
I think Dereli is one of the most beautiful places and most of the places to visit are there.
What is the most famous dish of Giresun?
The most famous dishes of Giresun are beet soup, pickled beans and roasted beans.
Is the Blue Lake in Giresun artificial?
No, Giresun Blue Lake is rich in minerals and is a natural formation.
How is the Giresun Blue Lake road?
Giresun, Blue Lake road is a very nice asphalt road, just be careful as it has a lot of bends.
This time we have come to the end of our Giresun places to visit article. See you in the next articles.
Click on Trabzon Travel Guide for places to visit near Giresun!
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