A common question from summer visitors to Giresun: can you swim in the sea? The answer is yes, but swimming in the Black Sea is not like the Mediterranean or the Aegean. Let me set out the differences and the safety question plainly.
What is the sea like?
- Water temperature: Usually around 22-25 degrees in July-August. Noticeably colder than the Mediterranean.
- Waves: The Black Sea gets choppy quickly. A calm morning sea can swell in the afternoon.
- Sea bed: Pebbles and large stones in most places. Water shoes are useful.
- Clarity: After rain the streams can carry cloudiness.
Where to swim?
There are both developed and undeveloped spots along the Giresun coastline.
The centre and around
The city shore has walking paths and seating areas laid out. There are places to enter the water, but stay away from the sections near the harbour traffic.
Bulancak
A long, developed shore. 15 minutes from the centre; practical for a day at the sea.
Espiye and Tirebolu
Quieter coastlines. The coves around Tirebolu's castle are scenic.
Eynesil
At the eastern tip, less crowded. The shore facilities are limited.
Safety: the most important part
There are drownings in the Black Sea every summer. The cause is usually the same: rip currents. Narrow channels form where the water from the incoming waves is pulled back out; this current carries you quickly out to sea. Trying to fight it by swimming against it is exhausting and dangerous.
If you are caught in a rip current:
- Do not panic, do not swim against the current.
- Swim parallel to the shore; the current is a narrow channel, and you can get out sideways.
- When you feel you are out of the current, head towards the shore.
- If you are tired, float on your back and rest, wave for help.
General rules:
- Do not swim where there is no lifeguard, especially with children.
- If there is a red flag, do not go in.
- Do not swim alone.
- Do not swim after drinking.
- Do not go in when it is choppy; if the wave height exceeds a metre, give up.
- Stay away from stream mouths; the current can be stronger there.
Which months?
| Month | Situation |
|---|---|
| June | The water is still cool, few swimmers |
| July | The best period begins |
| August | The water at its warmest |
| September | The water still mild, crowds thinned |
| October – May | Not suitable for swimming |
September is the least known but perhaps the best month to swim in the Black Sea: the water has warmed all summer, the crowds have gone, and the weather is still good.
On the map
On the map the coastal stops sit along the shore; pick a swimming spot near your route.
Open the guide