Giresun Centre from the Castle to the Island
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The centre of Giresun is small and everything is stacked on the slope. This route starts at the top and comes down to the sea: from a castle of the Pontic period to the stone mansions of a quarter enriched by the hazelnut trade, then to a museum inside an old church, and finally to the only settled island on the eastern Black Sea. Four stops, about three kilometres of walking plus a boat.
Route Stops
Giresun Castle.
On the headland above the town, a castle of the Pontic period, now used as a park; the harbour on one side and the island on the other appear together. Map out your day from here.
Olive Grove Neighborhood.
The quarter on the slope below the castle, lined with stone and timber mansions from the late 19th century, most now restored. The lanes are narrow and steep and the harbour appears between them.
Giresun Museum.
The 18th century Gogora church within the quarter is now the museum. The building alone repays a look; inside are regional finds and documents on the hazelnut trade.
Giresun Island.
A kilometre and a half offshore by boat from the harbour. It holds temple remains dated to the Hellenistic period and traces of a monastery. A protected natural site, visited on organised trips.
