General Information about Giresun
Giresun, located in the Eastern Black Sea Region, has a population of about 460,000 (2024 data). The city is especially famous as the homeland of hazelnuts, which are cultivated extensively here and exported worldwide.
Historically, the city was known as Kerasus during the Ancient Greek period, a name believed to be the origin of the word “cherry.” Over time, it was ruled by the Milesians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Today, Giresun combines its rich history with the natural beauty of the Black Sea.
The economy of Giresun is mainly based on hazelnut production, alongside fishing, livestock breeding, and tourism. With the presence of Giresun University, the city also has a lively student population.
Places to Visit in Giresun
- Giresun Island: The only inhabited island in the Turkish Black Sea, surrounded by myths and legends.
- Giresun Castle: A fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.
- Zeytinlik District: Historic stone houses from the Ottoman and early Republican periods.
- Kümbet Plateau: Famous for its festivals and natural beauty.
- Bektaş Plateau: Popular for summer festivals and fresh mountain air.
- Paşakonağı Nature Park: Ideal for trekking and camping.
- Giresun Museum: Exhibiting artifacts from Byzantine to Ottoman eras.
- Tirebolu Castle: A coastal castle with strategic importance in history.
- Aksu Stream & Festival: A traditional spring festival.
- Gölyanı Plateau: A pristine natural site representing authentic Black Sea highland culture.
Giresun Bus Terminal
The Giresun Intercity Bus Terminal is a key transportation hub for the Eastern Black Sea region.
- Ticket offices of both national and regional bus companies
- Comfortable waiting lounges
- Restaurants, cafés, and shops
- Regular minibuses to districts
Travel times: Istanbul–Giresun (~13–14 hours), Ankara–Giresun (~9–10 hours), Samsun–Giresun (~3.5 hours), Trabzon–Giresun (~2 hours).
What to Eat in Giresun?
Giresun cuisine reflects the blend of the sea and highlands.
- Hazelnut Desserts: Baklava, helva, and paste made with hazelnuts.
- Fried Anchovies (Hamsi Tava): A Black Sea staple.
- Nettle Soup: A traditional soup made from nettle leaves.
- Stuffed Black Cabbage Leaves: One of the most famous Black Sea dishes.
- Chicken with Rice: A classic dish for weddings.
- Pide Varieties: Especially cheese and minced meat pides.
- Cornbread: A regional staple.
- Kuymak (Mıhlama): A breakfast dish made with cheese, cornmeal, and butter.
How to Get to Giresun?
- By Bus: Frequent direct services from major cities.
- By Air:Ordu-Giresun Airport (30 km) provides flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya.
- By Train: No railway connection. The nearest station is in Samsun.
- By Car: Istanbul–Giresun 930 km (~13–14 hours), Ankara–Giresun 630 km (~9–10 hours), Trabzon–Giresun 130 km (~2 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Giresun
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Ali Osman Ulusoy
- Ulusoy Seyahat
- Lüks Karadeniz
