Dereli Kuzalan-Göksu Travertines

Late spring and summer months are when both the water level and vegetation are most vibrant. Visiting close to sunset is more advantageous for photography, as the light hits the water differently. In winter months, the humid and cold weather of the region should be considered, and road conditions may vary seasonally.

From Giresun city center, when heading towards Trabzon, follow the Dereli-Şebinkarahisar-Sivas sign and turn into the valley. The road along Aksu Stream reaches Dereli in about half an hour. From Dereli, there is a short drive to Pınarlar Village. Going by your own car is the most practical option; since public transport services may be limited, it is recommended to prefer a car, especially for day trips.

1-2 hours is sufficient to visit Göksu Travertines alone. However, for those who want to see Kuzalan Nature Park, the Blue Lake, and Kuzalan Waterfall in the same region, a one-day plan is more logical. Since there are three or four natural spots close to each other in the same valley, a route covering all of them can be planned for a single visit.

Starting from Dereli in the morning, first visiting Kuzalan Nature Park, then the Blue Lake and Kuzalan Waterfall, and moving on to Göksu Travertines in Pınarlar Village in the afternoon, is a workable sequence. Being at the travertines towards sunset coincides with both fewer crowds and the most suitable light.

Travertine surfaces can be wet and sometimes slippery with water, so it's beneficial to wear appropriate footwear. Entrance fees vary according to sources and have changed over the years; it's healthiest to ask for the current tariff at the ticket office. Since the region has a humid climate, bring a raincoat or a light jacket.

The terraced ponds with turquoise and white tones side by side are the most striking shots. Visitor comments emphasize that late afternoon, close to sunset, is more suitable for photography; the angle of the light makes the water's color more distinct. To capture the width of the travertines, one can also prefer to go up a bit and shoot with a wide angle.

Göksu Travertines, in Pınarlar Village, consist of small but terraced ponds; this structure, formed by soda-rich and high-mineral waters, is more compact in size. Kuzalan Travertines, on the other hand, are located within the 500-hectare Kuzalan Nature Park, spreading over an area of approximately 1800 meters, making it the largest travertine field in the region. They are about 4 km apart, and can be considered two natural formations with different characteristics.

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