Giresun Travel Guide

Giresun is one of the significant coastal cities of Türkiye and connects the Black Sea to Eastern Türkiye region. The city neighbors to Ordu, Sivas, Erzincan, Gümüşhane and Trabzon. Giresun has always been an important port city of various civilizations. Now, the city is a prominent trade and tourism center of modern Türkiye.   

General Information About Giresun

How to Get to Giresun?

Giresun has many natural and historical attractions accompanied by its amazing cuisine. Pegasus Airlines offers direct flights to Giresun from İstanbul. The flight duration to Giresun from İstanbul is 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can buy your direct flight tickets to Giresun from İstanbul from here.

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Transportation from Ordu-Giresun Airport to City Center

Ordu-Giresun Airport is located 32 kilometers away from the city center. You can get to city center with direct bus, taxi and car.

Direct buses are located just outside of the airport and leaves after 25 minutes for every arrival. The trip approximately takes 60 minutes and costs 14 liras.

There are also many taxis available in the airport 24/7 with fixed prices.

You can also enjoy the city with a rental car. Pegasus Airlines car rental service has great offers for you in here.

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Public Transport in Giresun

You can use public buses, small buses and taxis to get around in the city.

Giresun does not have an extensive public bus network and most of the public transportation relies on small buses. You can check public bus timetables and routes from here. The site is only available in Turkish. 

Small buses cover many routes around Giresun and they all have a stop in the city center. They do not have fixed stops on the route, pick-up and drop-off is made on demand and fare is paid in cash. 

Taxis are another way of transportation in Elazig. Taxis cost 4.5 liras per kilometer. 

Best Time to Visit Giresun

Although Giresun is located on the south shores of the Black Sea, its climate has temperate oceanic climate traits with a high chance of rain throughout the year. The temperature almost never reaches extreme levels. The hottest month is August and the coldest month is January. We suggest you to visit Giresun during late spring or summer since the expected rainfall is on the lowest levels. It is also recommended for you to enjoy Giresun at least two to three days.

Festivals in Giresun

• Aksu International Black Sea Festival (May)
• Dereli Kümbet International Culture and Art Festival (July)
• Kuşdili Culture, Tourism and Art Festival (July)
• Festival of Çıkrıkkapı Plateau (July)

Places to Visit in Giresun

Giresun is an important port city of Türkiye with many untouched natural attractions. The city attracts up to 800.000 tourists annually thanks to its great historical landmarks and clean beaches.

Giresun Island

Giresun Island lies 2 kilometers away from Giresun and is located on the Black Sea covering 40.000 square meters. The island is the largest island on the Turkish shore. Visitors can reach the island with a ferry ride departing from the Giresun Port.

Giresun Castle

Giresun Castle was built in the 200 BC. The castle is located in the city center and is a popular and beloved destination among the city’s visitors.

Giresun Museum

Giresun Museum is located on a gorgeous church which was constructed in the 19th century. The museum has valuable artifacts which were extracted from Giresun region. Giresun Museum is open from 09.00 to 19 during summer and from 08.00 to 17.00 during winter. The museum is walking distance away from Giresun Castle. 

Kapu Mosque

Kapu Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the city. The mosque was built in 1461 and is very well preserved. Kapu Mosque is walking distance away from the city center.

Kümbet Plateau 

Kümbet Plateau is one of the most popular tourism plateaus of the Black Sea region in Türkiye. The plateau is located 52 kilometers away from the city center. In Kümbet Plateau, visitors can purchase various authentic Giresun delicates. 

Where to Stay in Giresun?

Giresun does not offer a variety of accommodation options to its visitors such as backpacker hostels or boutique hotels but the city has many great 4-star hotels. Most of these hotels are located around the north end of Gazi Street and they are walking distance away from popular attractions in the city.

If you are looking for a relaxing vacation in Giresun, you can check Amazon Aretias Hotel in Karabedik district. The hotel is located 25 kilometers away from the city center and has a great view of the Black Sea.

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What to Eat in Giresun?

Giresun is known for its fresh fish and vegetable dishes. The city is also a significant culinary destination in its region with many unique recipes.  

• Pita: Ayvasıl Ayhan Usta Restaurant, Ağa Pide Salonu
• Fish: Şoray Balık Lokantası
• Tel Kadayıf: Mustafa Patar
• Traditional Bean & Rice: Cinaga’nın Yeri

Shopping in Giresun: Best Souvenirs to Buy

Giresun is famous for its hazelnuts. ”Fiskobirlik” on Fatih Street is the go-to place to buy hazelnuts for your loved ones. In Giresun, you can buy dried fruit pulps, authentic handicrafts and jewelry. You can also buy “Tamzara Dokuması” which is the amazing traditional weaving art of the city from Şebinkarahisar village. The village is 2 hour drive away from the city center. 

In addition to that, you can shop from international brands in “G-City AVM” which is located on the Orhan Yılmaz Street.

Nightlife in Giresun

Giresun does not have a diverse nightlife scene and is limited to few bars in the city center. Most of the bars are located around Cemal Gürsel and Arifbey Streets. 

Things to Know Before Visiting Giresun

• It is recommended for you to bring a raincoat regardless of the season because of the city’s rainy climate. 
• Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted.
• There are many currency exchange vendors and banks around the city.

Essential Numbers

City Code: 0 454

Ordu-Giresun Airport: (0452) 226 28 52

Airport to City Center Transfer Bus: 0850 222 0 487