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Giresun Island, known for its mythological stories, historical ruins and birdlife, is offering visitors a more comfortable experience after new walking paths, viewing terraces and service areas were added under a ₺32 million (over $680K) improvement project. The small island is located in the southeastern part of the Black Sea and sits approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) off the coast of the city of Giresun in northeastern Türkiye.
The 40-donum island, roughly 4 hectares, hosts remains from the Middle Ages, including walls, a ruined monastery, a chapel, a cistern and graves. It is also home to bird species such as cormorants and seagulls, adding a natural layer to its historical appeal.
The project, carried out by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, brought in walking routes, three viewing terraces, seating areas, a welcome center, security facilities, a ticket office, a cafe, toilets, directional signs and lighting.
Boat tours to the island began in June, allowing visitors to walk around the site more easily and reach the historical remains through the new signs. The viewing terraces have also become points where guests stop to take photos during their visit.
Arzu Kaya, who visited Giresun Island for the first time after seeing it on social media, said she came with her sister and enjoyed the setting, including the birds and the natural environment.
She said the island should be protected without disturbing nature too much, adding: “We did our tour. It was also a nice experience for our children. The walking paths are beautiful, everything has been done very well.”
Yasar Unal, leader of Giresun High School’s Mehmet Larcin Scout Group, said they had camped on the island in previous years and noted that the site stands out not only for its ruins but also for its mythological stories.
He said the island is associated with stories about the Amazons and described it as a beautiful place, adding that recent work had made it better for visitors.
Gokhan Akkus, an official from a company running daily boat tours to the island, said the improvements had made the site more attractive.
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He said domestic and foreign tours were expected to increase from July onward, noting that a group from Greece had recently visited the island.
Akkus added that they would continue introducing Giresun Island to visitors from countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Oman.
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