Ordu — Travel Guide

The ideal period to visit Ordu is between late May and early September. During these months, the weather is mild, the sea is suitable for swimming, and the plateaus are at their most vibrant green. The Perşembe Plateau Festival, held in July, adds a special charm to the city, offering local music, handicrafts, and regional delicacies.

For those who prefer winter, Ordu offers a surprising option. The Çambaşı Ski Resort welcomes those seeking an active winter holiday, along with the Snow Festival held in January. The appearance of the plateaus and forests on snowy days truly captivates photography enthusiasts.

Spring and autumn are golden periods for those wishing to avoid crowds. Observing local life in rural areas during the hazelnut harvest season in August-September allows you to see Ordu through a completely different lens. In the middle of winter, which can be rainy, indoor venues and museums come to the forefront.

By Plane: Ordu-Giresun Airport is approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. Various airlines, including Pegasus Airlines, operate direct flights from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Ordu. It is also possible to reach Ordu with connecting flights from other major cities.

By Bus: There are regular bus services to Ordu from all over Turkey. The journey from Istanbul takes approximately 10-12 hours, and from Ankara, it's about 7-8 hours. Companies like Metro Turizm and Kamil Koç operate frequent services on this route. We recommend checking the respective company websites for current ticket prices and schedules.

By Car: The Black Sea Coastal Road easily connects Ordu to cities both to the west and east. It's about a 2-hour drive from Samsun and 2.5 hours from Trabzon. The scenery along the coastal road makes the journey an enjoyable experience in itself.

Getting around Ordu city center is quite easy. Municipal buses and minibuses connect the main districts and the coastline. Regular minibus services are also available to Güzelyalı, Perşembe, and other districts.

The most enjoyable option to go up to Boztepe is the Ordu Cable Car. The cable car, which takes you from the city center to Boztepe in a few minutes, is both a practical means of transport and an experience in itself; ascending with a bird's-eye view of the city and sea is an unforgettable feeling.

To reach remote natural spots, plateaus, and areas like Ulugöl, renting a car or joining day trips organized by local tour companies are the most practical solutions. Taxis and app-based ride services can also be easily used within the city.

Boztepe: This hill, which has become a symbol of Ordu, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea. Boztepe, accessible by cable car or car, also has tea gardens and picnic areas; being here at sunset is a special privilege.

Ulugöl Nature Park: This lake, located in the Kabadüz district, captivates visitors with its tranquil atmosphere surrounded by lush green forests. The walking trails and picnic areas around the lake are ideal for nature lovers.

Perşembe Plateau: Located approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, this plateau, with its cool air and vast green spaces in summer, helps you shake off city fatigue. It gains a particularly lively atmosphere during the festival in July.

Yason Cape and Church: This dramatic cape extending into the Black Sea, along with its historic Greek church, is one of Ordu's most photographed spots. Time seems to stand still in this corner surrounded by the sea on three sides.

Paşaoğlu Mansion and Ethnography Museum: This 19th-century wooden mansion is one of the finest examples of Ordu's architectural heritage from the Greek period. Its ethnography museum is filled with objects documenting the traditional life of the region.

Taşbaşı Church: Easily visited due to its proximity to the city center, this historical structure reveals Ordu's multi-layered history. In its restored state, it also hosts cultural events.

Karaoluk (Çiseli) Waterfall and Hoynat Island are also must-visit spots for those seeking nature and tranquility.

Ordu cuisine brings together the fertile lands and rich sea of the Black Sea on the table. Anchovies (Hamsi) are the indispensable fish of the region; it would be a shame to leave Ordu without tasting anchovies served fried, steamed, or with rice. For fresh anchovies in season, prefer local fish restaurants.

Cornbread and kuymak (a traditional breakfast dish made with cornmeal and cheese) are essential elements of Black Sea tables. Kuymak, served with butter for breakfast, can be the best start to the day.

Hazelnuts are at the heart of both Ordu's economy and cuisine. Hazelnut desserts, hazelnut bread, and local hazelnut products are also very popular as souvenirs. Freshly roasted hazelnuts sold in the bazaar are practically the signature of the region.

In addition, regional dishes such as cabbage rolls, black cabbage soup, and mıhlama are also frequently found on Ordu tables. You can experience all these flavors at affordable prices in local restaurants in the city center.

Ordu offers a wide range of accommodation options. The city center and coastline are the most concentrated areas for hotels. Boutique hotels and apartment hotels offering sea-view rooms require early booking, especially during the summer season.

Hotels located around Boztepe and along the coast are advantageous in terms of both views and proximity to the center. For those seeking a quieter holiday, guesthouses and bungalow options in Perşembe Plateau and surrounding villages offer the chance to stay amidst nature.

For those planning a winter holiday, there are accommodation facilities near the ski resort in the Çambaşı region. Budget-friendly options can be found in guesthouses and hostels in the city center. We recommend booking in advance, considering that demand increases during summer months and festival periods.

Ordu is a deeply rooted city that has hosted many civilizations throughout history. Known as Kotyora in ancient times, the settlement has gone through a long historical process from the Pontus Kingdom to the Ottoman Empire. This multi-layered past has deeply permeated the city's architectural fabric and cultural memory.

Churches, mansions, and cemeteries left by Greek communities concretize Ordu's place in the Anatolian mosaic. Paşaoğlu Mansion and Taşbaşı Church are the most visible representatives of this heritage. Weaving, handicrafts, and everyday objects exhibited in ethnography museums carry the past into the present.

The local people's way of life, shaped around hazelnuts, is an inseparable part of Ordu's culture. During harvest season, all villages mobilize; observing local life in rural areas during this period offers a unique opportunity to understand the spirit of the city.

The most valuable souvenir you can take home from Ordu is undoubtedly hazelnuts and hazelnut products. It is very easy to find freshly roasted hazelnuts, hazelnut paste, and hazelnut chocolate in the nut shops within the bazaar. It is recommended to prefer local vendors for quality and fresh products.

The Taşbaşı Bazaar in the city center and its surroundings are ideal for both shopping and soaking in the city's historical atmosphere. Local hand-woven textiles, wooden handicrafts, and traditional kitchen products are also popular as souvenirs.

Local markets offer fresh Black Sea products and seasonal fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. Especially corn flour, black cabbage, and local cheeses are among the delicacies you might want to take home. Neighborhood markets held on Sundays are also a great opportunity to experience local life up close.

Ordu continues to be a budget-friendly destination compared to other tourist cities in Turkey. In local restaurants in the city center, you can eat satisfying Black Sea dishes at reasonable prices per meal; prices naturally increase in more touristy establishments.

For accommodation, there is a wide range of options from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Prices may increase during the summer season and festival periods; early booking provides significant savings during these times.

Paid activities like the Boztepe Cable Car are reasonably priced, while natural spots like Ulugöl, Yason Cape, and Karaoluk Waterfall can be visited for free. Choosing municipal buses for urban transportation is also one of the practical ways to protect your budget. In general, a 3-4 day trip to Ordu can be easily planned with a moderate budget.