Giresun is a Black Sea coastal city in northeastern Turkey, famous as the legendary homeland of the Amazons and the origin of the hazelnut known to the world as 'giresun fındığı'. Perched on a hillside above the sea, the city blends Byzantine and Ottoman history with lush green mountains and a thriving hazelnut-farming culture. The ancient Giresun Island — the only island on the entire Turkish Black Sea coast — lies just offshore and shelters the ruins of a Byzantine monastery.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Giresun Castle Ramparts Viewpoint
Best time: Late afternoon (16:00–18:00) for golden hour
Giresun Island Sunrise Shot
Best time: Sunrise (05:30–07:00 in summer)
Kümbet Plateau Landscape
Best time: Morning (07:00–10:00) for mist in the valleys
Batlama Valley Green Canyon
Best time: Morning for soft light filtering through trees
Zeytinlik Hilltop Sea Panorama
Best time: Sunset (19:00–21:00 in summer)
Giresun Bazaar & Street Life
Best time: Tuesday and Friday 08:00–11:00
Kuzalan Waterfall Long Exposure
Best time: Morning (08:00–11:00) before direct midday sun
Giresun Harbor Fishing Boats
Best time: Early morning (06:00–08:00) when boats return from night fishing
Hazelnut Harvest Reportage
Best time: Late August–September, dawn to mid-morning
Tirebolu Castle Coastal Shot
Best time: Late afternoon for warm light on the stone
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Giresun's strengths.
Items photography
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Do not photograph military installations, port infrastructure, or bridges — illegal in Turkey
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially at the bazaar
The Black Sea mist often fills the valleys at dawn on the plateau — arrive at Kümbet for sunrise for spectacular shots
Bring a circular polarizing filter — the Black Sea surface reflections can wash out colors in midday shots