A nature outing in Giresun in practice means a Dereli outing. The waterfall, travertine and lake line up in the same valley; the road up to the highland passes through here too. So a well-planned Dereli day can, on its own, be the fullest day of a holiday.
Göksu Travertines
Near Yavuzkemal, a formation where mineral water paints the rocks white and forms turquoise pools. Likened to Pamukkale; the difference is that it sits amid lush green mountains and you can go into the water.
You can take off your shoes and walk over the pools. Bring a towel. It takes 1-2 hours to visit.
Kuzalan Waterfall
Inside a nature park, laid out with viewing terraces and stepped paths. The waterfall is at its fullest in spring with the snowmelt. There are gazebos and food and drink facilities on site.
Mavigöl
In the same valley, an area laid out with wooden platforms and walking paths. The colour of the water turns from turquoise to dark green depending on the light. Easy to reach, suitable for families.
Entry fees
All three of these are paid, and the ticketing can be confusing:
| Place | Full | Student |
|---|---|---|
| Kuzalan Nature Park + Mavigöl (joint ticket) | 65 ₺ | 35 ₺ |
| Göksu Travertines (separate ticket) | 100 ₺ | 70 ₺ |
| All three, per person | 165 ₺ | 105 ₺ |
The Mavigöl ticket is also valid at the Kuzalan Waterfall, as the two are in the same nature park. But the travertines require a separate ticket. The Museum Card is not valid at any of them; carry cash. The fees are updated each season.
A one-day route
- Early morning: Set out from the centre, towards Dereli
- Before noon: Göksu Travertines (before the crowds build)
- Midday: Trout at one of the facilities in the valley
- Afternoon: The Kuzalan Waterfall and Mavigöl
- Late afternoon: The way back
About 1 hour 15 minutes from the centre to the valley.
The highland road
Dereli is also on the road up to Kümbet Highland. But do not try to combine the waterfall day and the highland day; both take more than half a day and the road is tiring.
Practical notes
- The road is a mountain road; the average speed is 35-40 km/h.
- The ground in the travertine area is wet and slippery, so walk carefully.
- Weekdays and an early hour are the best way to escape the crowds.
- Fuel stations are sparse up top; fill the tank down below.
On the map
On the map Dereli holds three water stops in one valley; string them into a single day.
Open the guide