You do not come across islands on Turkey's Black Sea coast. The only exception is this small piece of land just off Giresun. Seen from the shore it looks like an ordinary hill; once you are on it, you understand how layered a place it is.
Its legend
In ancient sources the island is mentioned together with the Amazons. According to the story, the women warriors built a temple here in the name of the god of war. It also appears in the legend of the Argonauts. How much of these accounts is historical fact and how much is myth is not certain; but that the island was one of the oldest cult sites on the Black Sea is supported archaeologically.
What is on the island?
- Building remains reaching back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods
- The ruins of a monastery and a chapel
- Sections cut into the rock, thought to have been used for cult purposes
- Dense vegetation and sea birds
The island is small; walking around it takes half an hour, and an hour together with looking at the ruins and taking photographs.
How to get there?
Access is only by boat. The trips leave from the harbour and are seasonal: regular in the summer months, weather-dependent in spring and autumn, and mostly not running at all in winter.
Important: The boat trips can be cancelled from one day to the next depending on the state of the sea. Do not put the island at the centre of your plan; take it up if the weather is right, and have an alternative ready if not.
The Aksu Festival
The Aksu Festival, held in the third week of May, is directly connected to the island. According to the living folk tradition, the rituals carried out where the Aksu Stream meets the sea and around the island are associated with fertility and making a wish. During festival week the city gets crowded and accommodation becomes harder to find.
When to go?
| Period | Situation |
|---|---|
| June – September | Trips regular, the safest period |
| April – May | Weather-dependent, festival week busy |
| October – November | Infrequent, wave risk rises |
| December – March | Mostly no trips |
Practical notes
- There is no kiosk or toilet on the island. Take water.
- The ground is stony and slippery in places; sandals are not suitable.
- Shade is limited; a hat is needed in summer.
- Confirm the return time; do not miss the last boat.
On the map
On the map the island sits just off the harbour; boat trips are seasonal, so keep a backup plan.
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