Where you stay in Giresun determines what you will see. If you want to explore the highlands but stay in the centre, you spend three hours a day on the road. If you want a city trip but stay in a highland, you are left with nothing in the evenings. I have divided the areas accordingly.
The centre
For whom: Those visiting the city, its history and the museum; those who want ease of transport.
The castle, museum, Zeytinlik, coast and bazaar are within walking distance. The food and drink options are greatest here. Day trips out to the highlands and nature stops are possible too, but that means 2.5-3 hours of driving every day.
- Plus: Transport, food and variety of options
- Minus: Far from the nature stops; summer evenings can be lively and noisy
Coastal districts · Tirebolu, Espiye, Bulancak
For whom: Those who want a quieter coastal experience.
Tirebolu is especially lovely: small but full of character, with its castle, harbour and shore. 45 minutes from the centre. Espiye has the advantage of being close to the Yedi Değirmenli Cave.
- Plus: Quiet, scenic, usually better value
- Minus: Limited evening options; you need to travel to and from the centre
Highland · Kümbet, Bektaş, Kulakkaya
For whom: Those whose main aim is nature and cool air.
Spending the night in a highland, and seeing the mist lift in the morning, is a different experience. As it is inside the forest, Kulakkaya is relatively more developed on the accommodation side.
- Plus: Views, cool air, silence
- Minus: Open only in the summer months, far from the city, few options
Booking warning: Highland accommodation fills quickly in July-August and during festival weeks. Also, many small businesses do not take cards and have no internet signal; carry cash and save the address in advance.
Şebinkarahisar
For whom: Those who want to explore the interior.
As it is 2.5-3 hours from the coast, going for the day is inefficient. Spending a night in the district both breaks up the drive and lets you see the town without rushing.
Which area, which plan?
| Your plan | Where to stay |
|---|---|
| 2 days, city-focused | The centre |
| 3 days, nature-focused | 2 nights centre + 1 night highland |
| 4 days, everything | 2 nights centre + 1 highland + 1 Şebinkarahisar |
| A quiet holiday | Tirebolu |
When to book
- July-August: At least 3-4 weeks ahead
- May, Aksu Festival week: As early as possible
- June, September: 1-2 weeks is usually enough
- Winter: No problem for the centre; the highlands are closed anyway
On the map
See the stops district by district on the map to pick a base close to what you most want to see.
Open the guide