Let’s go: About Ordu
Before embarking on our three-day tour of Ordu, here are some interesting notes on the area.
- Ordu is last on the list of Türkiye’s thirty most populous cities.
- Despite its designation as a “metropolitan city” since 2014, Ordu has a calm and unhurried vibe – in fact, the Perşembe district, formerly known as Vona, is in the Cittaslow – Slow Cities network.
- The region has a typical Black Sea climate, with cool summers and rainy winters. The wettest month is October, and the hottest month, unsurprisingly, is August. Summer is considered the ideal time to visit Ordu.
- If you visit in the winter, the Çambaşı Ski Center is popular for snow sports.
Places to visit in Ordu
Historical sites in Ordu
Kurul Castle
Thirteen kilometers from the Ordu city center, in the Bayadı neighborhood, is Kurul Kalesi (Castle). Dating from the 2nd century BC, the Castle was erected during the reign of Mithridates VI, king of Pontus. More than three thousand historical artifacts have been found at the site so far, including a 2,100-year-old statue of Cybele, a mother goddess.
Ordu Ethnography Museum
The Ordu Ethnography Museum is in the former Paşaoğlu Mansion, built in 1896 by Paşaoğlu Hüseyin Efendi. The first floor of the Museum contains exhibits of archaeological artifacts and other items related to the area’s everyday life in the past and present. The mansion is a notable example of 19th-century Ottoman civil architecture.
Taşbaşı Church
In the Taşbaşı neighborhood, the Church of Hypapante, also known as Taşbaşı Church, was built in 1853 by the city’s Greek Orthodox inhabitants. Simple and elegant, the cut-stone Church is set on a high walled terrace overlooking the Black Sea.
Popular areas and natural beauties in Ordu
Perşembe Slow City
Twenty-one regions in Türkiye are part of the Cittaslow network, which celebrates the quality of life and authenticity of “slow cities”. Among the Turkish members is the beautiful Perşembe district in Ordu. The neighborhood, formerly called Vona, is cool, peaceful and unhurried. With approximately 30,000 residents, the district has the qualities of a small Anatolian town, complete with greenery. This pretty seaside area features small shops, coffee houses and patisseries, as well as an expansive park with Black Sea views.
Yoroz City Forest
About 20 kilometers inland from the Ordu city center, Yoroz City Forest is a popular place for picnics and trekking. In addition, there’s an observation terrace with panoramic views of the countryside and coast.
Ablak Stone
The Ablak Stone is approximately 55 kilometers from the Ordu city center. At an altitude of 1,540 meters, the site offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the Yukarıbelayan, Aşağıbelayan and Hamzabey plateaus.
Cape Jason Lighthouse
Also known as Yason Burnu in Turkish, the lighthouse is on a peninsula between the Fatsa and Perşembe districts. Allegedly named for the mythical Jason of the Argonauts, the structure is on a bluff overlooking the Black Sea.
Hoynat Island
Hoynat Island is within the borders of Ramazan village the Perşembe district. The Island is a notable bird sanctuary and a habitat for seagulls and cormorants. It is particularly picturesque at sunset.
Highlands of Ordu
One of your three days in Ordu can include a visit to a plateau. The highlands in the province are renowned for their scenic beauty and lush greenery. Among the most popular are the Çambaşı, Perşembe and Keyfalan plateaus. As well, recent investments by the local government have encouraged activities such as camping and trekking.
Surfing and beaches in Ordu
Surfing in Ordu
The Efirli and Çaka beaches are considered to offer the best surfing conditions in the area. The Mellow team, established in Ordu Efirli, is a group of young surfers devoted to promoting Black Sea surfing. Supported by the Ordu Municipality, Mellow provides surfing lessons at Efirli beach. As well, the group operates hostels and organizes surf-yoga camps.
Dining in Ordu
Among the local specialties are the following:
- Asparagus and pea omelet
- Ordu oily – Black Sea-style pide
- Anchovies, of course, prepared various ways ☺
- All kinds of fish
- Corn soup
- Pumpkin dessert
Getting to Ordu
Turkish Airlines operates daily flights from Istanbul and Ankara to Ordu-Giresun Airport. (For more information, you can visit the Ordu flight page). The airport is about 19 kilometers from the city center. Havaş buses run between the airport and city, and there are minibuses to the Gülyalı district. Taxis and rental cars are also available.
