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.
Giresun is one of Turkey's safer provincial cities, with very low rates of violent crime and petty theft. It is a conservative, family-oriented Black Sea town where tourists are treated with warmth and curiosity. The primary safety concerns are road conditions on mountain routes and occasional rough sea conditions near the island.
Current safety advisory
Low Risk
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Giresun Devlet Hastanesi (State Hospital): Atatürk Blv., 28100 Giresun; +90 454 213 1210 — handles emergencies and general care
- Pharmacies (Eczane) are numerous in the city center; a duty pharmacy (nöbetçi eczane) is open 24h — check the posted list on any pharmacy door
- No required vaccinations for Turkey; Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended by most travel health advisors
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended
- Tap water is treated; most visitors drink bottled water; bottled water is cheap (~8–15 TRY / ~$0.25–0.45 USD per 0.5L)
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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