Discover Giresun and Ordu: A Gateway to the Black Sea

Agreeably walkable downtowns and plentiful sea-view cafes make the small eastern Black Sea cities of Giresun and Ordu – each with a population of fewer than 250,000 people – pleasant stops on a coastal adventure in Türkiye.

Founded as Greek colonies as far back as the 7th century BCE, Giresun and Ordu feature a smattering of historic buildings that mostly date to the last two centuries. The cities serve as a perfect base for exploring the Black Sea region’s striking blue-meets-green geography: vibrant blue waves crash on rocky shores while lush green hillsides rise steeply from the coast. Visit the forested interior, dotted with remote mountain villages, yaylalar (mountain pastures), canyons, waterfalls, and other natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

When to Visit Giresun and Ordu

Summer is the peak season for visitors, particularly those from other parts of Türkiye and Middle Eastern countries seeking respite from the heat at the Black Sea’s scenic beaches. While temperatures can range from the mid-20s to low-30s Celsius (around 77–95°F), it is advisable to explore the region’s cooler yaylalar and mountainous areas during July and August. Additionally, this period celebrates local village festivals marking the hazelnut harvest, which typically begins in August.

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploration, though snow may limit access to yaylalar in winter. Generally, winter travel should be avoided; the weather tends to be rainy and cold, dipping into low single digits along the coast and below-zero temperatures in the uplands, with some mountain areas often snowed in.

Recommended Duration of Stay

Two to three days is sufficient to explore the main attractions in both city centers, which are approximately 50km (31 miles) apart. For a more in-depth experience that includes the mountains, a timeframe of four to five days is recommended due to limited minibus services between villages and the necessity to traverse narrow, winding roads.

Getting to and Around Giresun and Ordu

Ordu–Giresun Airport is conveniently located roughly midway between the two cities, serviced by daily flights from Istanbul’s airports. The Havaş airport shuttle bus takes about 30 to 45 minutes to reach either city, with specific stops near the city centers. Traveling between Giresun and Ordu by minibus typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Both Ordu and Giresun provide walkable city centers and regular minibus connections to smaller coastal towns. However, for optimal exploration of the yaylalar, waterfalls, and other inland natural attractions, having a personal vehicle is recommended since some villages might only see one daily minibus service or none at all.

Top Attractions in Giresun and Ordu

Explore Historical Castles

The remains of a 2nd-century BCE hilltop castle overlooking Giresun’s old town stand as one of the city’s pleasant hotspots. This site boasts tree-shaded paths, picnic areas, and splendid views of the coastline and the sea. Traveling 45km (28 miles) east along the coast, the picturesque Tirebolu Castle offers a charming vista from its small peninsula, with a simple fish restaurant nearby that serves local seafood delicacies.

Experience Ordu from Above

Ordu’s top attraction, the 2372m-long (7782-ft) cable car, glides from the coast to the summit of Boztepe, standing 500m (1640ft) above sea level, in just about 10 minutes. The hilltop presents a range of terrace cafes and souvenir shops, with breathtaking views that are particularly magical at sunset.

Enjoy the Fresh Mountain Pasture Air

Locals traditionally migrate with livestock each summer to the yaylalar where the animals can graze on tender grasses and wildflowers, enhancing dairy products like butter, yogurt, milk, and cheese. Popular yaylalar for day trips include Perşembe Yaylası and the yaylalar around Mesudiye village in Ordu province, as well as Kulakkaya Yaylası in Giresun province. These spots are perfect for enjoying the mountain landscape, whether for a day visit or an overnight stay in mountain lodges and cabins.

Delight in Regional Cuisine

While Turkish Black Sea cuisine may not be as globally recognized as kebabs, it is certainly distinctive and delicious, characterized by hearty dishes featuring seasonal herbs and freshly caught fish. Enjoy lightly battered fried anchovies (hamsi) in season or a spicy scorpion fish (iskorpit) stew at local eateries. For local specialties, head to small restaurants in Giresun for soups and savory dishes made with regional ingredients. Try Giresun’s famous hazelnuts in a delightful dessert, a hazelnut-paste treat typically available in local shops.

Visit Local Museums

The charming museums in Giresun and Ordu, though not vast, boast notable architecture alongside intriguing collections. Explore the Giresun Museum or the Taşbaşı Art Gallery for a glimpse into the region’s heritage, both situated in historically significant buildings. Others like the Paşaoğlu Mansion & Ethnography Museum reflect the local history and culture, providing enriching insights into the area’s past.

Cost Overview for Giresun and Ordu

Despite fluctuating economic conditions in Türkiye, travel expenses in Giresun and Ordu remain favorable, especially in comparison to tourist hotspots like Istanbul, Bodrum, and Cappadocia. Prices outside the summer peak can be notably lower.

• Simple hotel room for two: ₺2000–3000 ($60–90)
• Local one-way minibus fare: ₺14–20 ($0.40–0.60)
• Short-distance taxi ride: ₺150 TL ($4.50)
• Cup of çay (tea) and a local sweet: ₺80–100 ($2.50–3)
• Two-scoop ice-cream cone: ₺40 ($1.25)
• Round-trip cable car ride in Ordu: ₺200 ($6)
• Simple lunch for two: ₺400-600 ($12–18)
• Fish dinner for two (non-alcoholic): ₺1000–1500 ($30–45)
• Car rental per day: ₺1500–2000 ($45–60)