Small and Boutique Hotels in Giresun
Giresun, one of the hidden paradises of the Black Sea, offers a perfect combination of nature, history and culture. You can watch the city from Giresun Castle, take nature walks in the green plateaus and get lost in the peaceful view of Giresun Island. While discovering the unique flavors of Black Sea cuisine, you can taste fresh hazelnuts in hazelnut gardens. You can also follow the traces of the past by strolling through its historical buildings and traditional streets. Giresun is a treasure worth discovering with its natural beauties and cultural richness in every season.
When and Why Should You Visit Giresun?
Giresun offers unique beauty throughout the year. In the summer months, it's an ideal escape for those looking to avoid the hot and humid Mediterranean climate, with its cool highlands being perfect for a refreshing getaway. Spring brings vibrant colors to the nature, making it an excellent time for hiking and photography. In autumn, the hazelnut harvest and the colorful landscapes create a peaceful environment, making it perfect for those seeking a tranquil vacation. In winter, Giresun's mountains and plateaus are covered in snow, providing a serene and romantic atmosphere. Whether you want to immerse yourself in nature or explore history and culture, Giresun is an attractive destination all year round.
Giresun's Weather by Season
Spring (March-May): The weather is mild and rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 10-15°C. The fresh air of spring makes it an ideal time for nature walks.
Summer (June-August): The weather is hot and humid, with average temperatures between 20-25°C. The cool air from the Black Sea makes it a preferred season, especially in the plateaus.
Autumn (September-November): The weather fluctuates between 15-20°C. The autumn colors and hazelnut harvest season make Giresun an attractive destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Winter (December-February): The weather is cold and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 0-5°C. Snow-covered mountains offer the perfect environment for winter sports and hiking.
Giresun's Tourism Season and Crowds
Summer (June-August): Giresun's busiest period, especially in the plateaus and coastal areas, which may get crowded. Tourists flock here to escape the summer heat.
Autumn (September-November): Medium crowd density. The region sees an increase in visitors due to the hazelnut harvest, but it is still quieter than the summer months.
Spring (March-May): The crowd is lower, making it an ideal time for nature lovers and photographers to visit in a peaceful setting.
Winter (December-February): Giresun is quieter in winter, offering a peaceful holiday atmosphere. While winter sports and nature walks are ideal, tourist activities are more limited.
Things to Do in Giresun
Nature Walks and Trekking: Giresun’s plateaus are perfect for trekking. You can walk through areas like Zeytinlik and Ağaçbaşı Plateau and discover the natural beauty of the Black Sea.
Hazelnut Harvest: Giresun is one of the top producers of high-quality hazelnuts in Turkey. Visiting the hazelnut orchards during harvest season in late summer and autumn offers a unique experience.
Giresun Island Tour: Located near the city center, Giresun Island is known for its historical and natural beauty. You can take a boat tour around the island to enjoy both the sea and historical remnants.
Historical and Cultural Tours: You can visit the Giresun Castle, museums, and Ottoman-era structures. The area also offers workshops on traditional crafts.
Beach and Water Activities: Giresun’s coastal towns provide opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beaches are peaceful and perfect for those seeking a tranquil holiday.
Local Delicacies: To explore the Black Sea cuisine, try local dishes like kuymak, karalahana soup, and hamsi tava in regional restaurants. Also, fresh hazelnuts and hazelnut products are must-buy souvenirs.
Giresun Hotel Accommodation and Restaurant Prices
Accommodation options in Giresun typically range from boutique hotels and guesthouses to plateau houses, offering a variety of price points. Hotels in the city center and plateau houses in the mountains offer a serene environment for those seeking peace and nature. Restaurants in the area often provide traditional Black Sea cuisine in a cozy, casual atmosphere, with prices varying based on demand and location. Dining in Giresun is generally moderately priced, offering a delicious and authentic experience.
Places to Visit and See in Giresun
Giresun Island: Located near the city, this island is surrounded by history and nature, offering historical ruins and clean beaches. A tour around the island allows you to enjoy both the sea and historical remains.
Giresun Castle: One of the city's iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views. A visit here provides the opportunity to explore the city's history and natural landscapes.
Şebinkarahisar Castle: Located in the Giresun province, this ancient castle attracts visitors with its historical architecture.
Giresun Museum: A visit to the Giresun Museum allows you to explore the region’s culture and history. The museum houses archaeological and ethnographic collections.
Kuşköy (Kuşköy Cave): A peaceful village with caves and natural beauty, offering an interesting stop for those looking for tranquility.
Botanical Garden: One of Giresun’s green spaces, the botanical garden allows you to explore the region’s plant life.
Ağaçbaşı Plateau: Known for its natural beauty, this plateau is perfect for hiking and exploring the nature of the Black Sea region.
Shopping Recommendations in Giresun: What to Buy and Where
Hazelnut Products: Giresun is one of Turkey's most famous hazelnut production centers. Here, you can purchase fresh hazelnuts, hazelnut butter, hazelnut sweets, and various other hazelnut-based products.
Giresun Ceramic Works: Traditional ceramics, which reflect the region's culture, make excellent souvenirs.
Black Sea Handicrafts: Wooden carvings and woven goods are popular traditional souvenirs from Giresun. Handcrafted textiles and decorative items are also popular choices.
Local Delicacies: You can buy regional foods, teas, and spices at local markets, which offer authentic Black Sea flavors.
Regional Fabrics: Textiles such as traditional Black Sea patterned cloths, shawls, and hand-knitted sweaters are among the top products to shop for in Giresun.
Entertainment Venues, Cafes, and Bars in Giresun
Cafes and Seaside Venues: Giresun offers many cafes along the coastline where you can enjoy a freshly brewed tea while taking in the sea view. Particularly, cafes in the city's historic center provide a serene atmosphere, reflecting the local vibe.
Highland Cafes: Small cafes located in the highlands, such as Ağaçbaşı Yaylası, offer a peaceful environment surrounded by nature, making them ideal for relaxation or sampling local flavors.
Bars and Nightlife: Although Giresun has a more relaxed nightlife, local bars provide opportunities for a fun night out, often featuring traditional Black Sea music. These venues offer an immersive cultural experience.
Restaurant Recommendations in Giresun: What to Eat Where
Restaurants in Giresun City Center: Restaurants in the city center serve the most delicious examples of Black Sea cuisine. Must-try dishes include mıhlama, fried anchovies, cabbage soup, kuymak, and hazelnut-based desserts.
Hazelnut and Olive Restaurants: Given the prominence of hazelnut farming in Giresun, you can try hazelnut-based dishes at restaurants near hazelnut orchards or olive villages. Hazelnut meatballs and hazelnut desserts are popular in these areas.
Ağaçbaşı Yaylası Restaurants: Small eateries in the highlands offer regional Black Sea dishes, including cabbage rolls, Laz böreği (a local pastry), and kuymak.
Homestyle Restaurants: In various towns in Giresun, homestyle eateries offer fresh and authentic local dishes. Cabbage rolls, trout, and fried anchovies are commonly served.
History of Giresun
Giresun's history dates back to the earliest settlements along the Black Sea, estimated to begin as early as 3000 BC. In ancient times, it was an important city in the Kingdom of Pontus. The region developed under Roman and Byzantine rule and later became part of the Seljuk and Ottoman empires. During the Ottoman era, agriculture, particularly hazelnut production, became a key aspect of the economy. Today, the city's historical structures and cultural heritage reflect this long history, with ancient ruins and buildings offering a glimpse into the past.
What is Giresun Famous For?
Hazelnut Production: Giresun is one of the world’s leading producers of hazelnuts, particularly renowned for its high-quality hazelnuts, which are an essential part of the local economy.
Giresun Island: Located about 1 kilometer from the city, Giresun Island is famous for its historical ruins and natural beauty. It offers a chance to explore the sea and historical landmarks.
Giresun Castle: An iconic landmark of the city, Giresun Castle offers panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea, providing both a historical and natural experience.
Black Sea Cuisine: Giresun is renowned for its classic Black Sea dishes, including anchovies, kuymak, cabbage rolls, mıhlama, and Laz böreği.
Botanical Richness: With its rich flora and green spaces, Giresun is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The city's highlands and natural parks offer peaceful retreats and areas to explore.
Beaches in Giresun: Where to Swim
Giresun Beach: Located near the city center, this beach is particularly popular in the summer months. It offers clean waters and a relaxing atmosphere, attracting both local and international tourists.
Fındıklı Beach: Located to the west of Giresun, this beach is known for its tranquility and natural surroundings. It offers an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful beach experience.
Keşap Beach: Located in the Keşap district of Giresun, this beach features clear waters and clean sand, making it a great destination for a relaxed beach holiday.
Espiye Beach: Espiye Beach offers a quieter atmosphere and a long coastline, perfect for those looking for a serene spot by the sea.
Gülyalı Beach: Situated close to the city center, this beach caters to all ages and is a great family-friendly location.
Top Things to Do in Giresun
Visit Giresun Castle: One of the city's symbols, Giresun Castle offers historical insights and scenic views of the city and the Black Sea from its high vantage point.
Take a Boat Tour to Giresun Island: Accessible by boat from the city center, Giresun Island is rich in historical ruins and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for a leisurely walk or a photo opportunity.
Tour Hazelnut Orchards: As the hazelnut capital of Turkey, Giresun’s orchards offer a unique experience. You can explore the orchards and learn more about this vital local crop.
Highland Tour: Explore Giresun's highlands, such as Ağaçbaşı and Şebinkarahisar, where you can enjoy nature walks, breathe in fresh air, and admire breathtaking landscapes.
Discover Black Sea Cuisine: Don’t leave Giresun without trying the region’s most famous dishes, including mıhlama, fried anchovies, cabbage rolls, and Laz böreği.
Visit the Giresun Museum: Explore the region’s cultural heritage through archaeological and ethnographic exhibits at the Giresun Museum.
Take a Walk in the Botanical Gardens: The city's botanical parks offer a peaceful experience where you can discover the region’s diverse plant life and enjoy a tranquil walk.