Giresun Island, located 1.6 kilometers off the city center and accessible by boat, is an ancient settlement island in the Eastern Black Sea with medieval walls and church ruins, notable for its bird colonies.
Giresun Island stands opposite the Gedikkaya area, 1.6 kilometers off the city center. This 40,000 square meter rock is the only island in the Eastern Black Sea that was inhabited in ancient and medieval times. Its old name was Aretias or Khalkeritis. Walls, a church, a chapel, a cistern, and pithoi still stand; excavations trace archaeological finds back to 300 BC.
The island's mythological burden is as rich as its history. The legend of Hercules and the Argonauts' Golden Fleece, the tale of the Amazon women, and the story of King Mithridates' daughter all pass through here. The rock formation known as Hamza Stone bears the traces of the Cybele cult. It is said that couples who cannot have children pray around this stone, and some even spend a night on the island. Visitors also describe the island as a bird paradise, with various bird species roaming among the ruined walls. While this causes some pollution in certain areas, it does not spoil the overall impression.
The chapel and church ruins are in a dilapidated state, and restoration work is ongoing. There is currently no permanent facility on the island; a structure has been built but is not actively in use. For those taking a boat tour, the sunset is a separate agenda. The play of light on the sea, combined with the silence, pleases those who prefer the late afternoon hours.
Guide's Note
How to Get to the Island?
It is not possible to go to Giresun Island with a private boat; it can only be visited with organized tours. The departure point is usually Giresun Port or Cumhuriyet Park. The crossing on the open sea takes approximately 25 minutes, and since the boat deck does not have shade, I recommend protecting yourself from the sun. Some operators announce departure times as 14:00, 16:00, and 18:00; however, this information may vary from operator to operator, so check the current schedule of the company you are looking for before you go.
Best Time to Visit
Boat tours are mainly organized during the summer months, with May to September being the busiest period. In winter, sea conditions make tours difficult, so the number of trips decreases or may stop completely. According to a visitor's experience, tours coinciding with the last hours of the day are preferred for catching the sunset. The play of light on the sea adds a different atmosphere in the late afternoon hours.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
The island trip is a short activity. A total of 2 to 2.5 hours, including the boat journey, time spent on the island, and return, is sufficient. It is possible to fit this tour into the daytime hours while exploring Giresun city center; it can be planned for the same day as Giresun Castle or the Zeytinlik district.
Prominent Spots for Photography
The coastline where the ruined walls meet the sea offers a good angle for shots taken while approaching the island. The chapel and church ruins, even in their dilapidated state, provide strong textural shots. Photos taken from the boat deck on the way back during sunset hours are among the most shared by visitors.
Things to Pay Attention To
Since the island is a breeding ground for bird species, there is pollution from bird droppings in some areas, and the ground can become slippery. I recommend wearing sturdy-soled shoes and, if necessary, using shoe covers. The chapel and church ruins are currently in a dilapidated state, and restoration is ongoing, so close access to some areas may be restricted. There are comments indicating that the prices at the boat's buffet are high, so bringing your own water and snacks will ease your budget.
Mythological and Historical Layers of the Island
The story of Giresun Island does not fit into a single period. The legend of Hercules and the Argonauts' Golden Fleece, the tale of the Amazon women, the story of King Mithridates' daughter, and the legend of Prophet Joseph's golden statue are all connected to this rocky outcrop. Hamza Stone is the tangible remnant of these legends; it is seen as a relic of the Cybele cult and is associated with a tradition heard by couples wishing to have children. The island, owned by the Treasury, has the status of a 2nd-degree archaeological and natural protected area.
This content originates from neresigezilir.com.tr and may not be copied without permission.
Giresun Island Videos
Giresun Island videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
