If you are thinking of going to Giresun in winter, you need to set your expectations right. The province's most talked-about places (the highlands) are unreachable in winter. But the city is still open to visitors, and there is one seasonal advantage: anchovy.
What's closed
The highland roads are mostly closed from November to April because of snow. Kümbet, Bektaş, Sis Dağı, Gölyanı and Kulakkaya are unreachable or very risky in this period. If you plan to go up to a highland in winter, always ask about the road conditions in advance, carry chains and do not set out with a single vehicle.
- The highlands: Mostly unreachable
- Karagöl: Definitely not suitable
- The island boat: Usually no trips in winter
- High-altitude rural stops: Points like Kırkharman are risky
- Nature parks: Partly open but with a risk of snow and ice
What's open
The city centre
The castle, the Zeytinlik neighbourhood, the museum, the Children's Library, the mosques and the shore can be visited all year. In winter the shore is empty and quiet.
Museums and indoor places
The Giresun Museum, the Children's Library, the Can Akengin Art Gallery. They comfortably fill a rainy or cold day.
The coastal districts
The Tirebolu, Espiye and Bulancak coastline can be visited. The castles are open; just mind the wet and slippery ground.
Winter's advantage: anchovy
The anchovy season is November to January. Fried anchovy, anchovy rice and "anchovy bird" are the most common forms. Outside the season you will not find fresh anchovy; this is the most concrete gain of going in winter.
The logic of going to Giresun in winter is this: no crowds, cheap accommodation, fresh anchovy. In return, you give up the highlands.
What's the weather like?
The coast is mild but very rainy. Snow is rare on the coast, heavy in the interior. In high districts like Şebinkarahisar the winter is hard.
| Region | Winter situation |
|---|---|
| Coast (centre, districts) | Mild, rainy · visitable |
| Middle band (Dereli valley) | Cold, rainy · go carefully |
| Highlands (1,400 m+) | Snow · mostly closed |
| Interior (Şebinkarahisar) | Hard winter, snow |
Before you set out
- Carry chains; essential if you are heading into the interior
- Waterproof shoes and an outer layer
- Confirm the road conditions before you go
- Short days: darkness starts around 17:00, so plan accordingly
- Some rural facilities may be closed in winter; call in advance
A 2-day winter plan
Day 1: The castle, Zeytinlik, the museum, pancar soup in the bazaar, anchovy in the evening.
Day 2: Tirebolu — the castle, the harbour, the shore; Espiye on the way back.
On the map
On the map the winter-open stops are the coast and city; the highlands are mostly cut off.
Open the guide