Ordu is a charming town on the northern coast of Turkey, located between Samsun and Giresun.
It is called the "Emerald of the Black Sea" due to its green hills, walnut orchards, clean beaches and mild climate.
Nature, tranquility, sea breeze and mountain air are amazingly combined here - everything you need for a perfect vacation.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Black Sea coast of Turkey

• Population: about 230,000 people

• Terrain: coastline, hills and mountains covered with forests

• Climate: humid subtropical

  • Summer: warm and humid (+26-28°C)

  • Winter: mild (+6-10°C), often with rain.

• Special feature:hazelnut orchards occupy almost half of all farmland in the region - Ordu is considered the hazelnut capital of the world 🌰

🏛 History

Ordu's history goes back to antiquity.

• In ancient times there was a settlement called Cotyora, founded by Greeks from Miletus in the 8th century BC.

• In Byzantine times the city served as an important port on the way to Trebizond.

• After 1461 it became part of the Ottoman Empire and became a trading center for timber, honey and nuts.

The name Ordu means "camp" or "army" in Turkish - probably related to the military garrison that stood here during the Ottoman era.

🏙 Main attractions

🚠 Boztepe Teleferik (Boztepe Hill Cable Car)

• The symbol of Ordu and the main observation point of the city.

• The cable car rises to a height of 530m directly from the center, offering spectacular views of the city, sea and coast.

• At the top there are cafes, tea terraces and restaurants.

• It is especially beautiful here at sunset - when the sea is colored golden.

🏛 Taşbaşı Culture House (Taşbaşı Kültür Merkezi)

• A 19th century neoclassical building, a former Greek church.

• Today it is a cultural center and museum, where exhibitions, concerts and festivals are held.

🌊 O rdu seafront and beaches

• Cozy, clean, with a long promenade area.

• Beaches: Altınordu, Çaka Beach, Yason Burnu, Perşembe - with golden sand and soft waves.

• Here you can swim, go boating or just enjoy the fresh air and sea.

🕍 Yason Peninsula (Yason Burnu)

• A place associated with the ancient Greek legends of Yason and the Argonauts.

• On the cape stands the church of St. Nicholas, built in the 19th century.

• Stunning place for walks, picnics and photo shoots - only sea and wind around.

💧 Çiseli Waterfall (Çiseli Şelalesi)

• One of the most beautiful natural corners of Ordu, surrounded by dense forest.

• Crystal clear water and cool even in summer.

• Nearby is a viewing platform and a walking trail.

🌰 Hazelnuts are the pride of Ordu

Ordu produces about 30% of the world's hazelnuts, and almost every resident is involved in one way or another with hazelnut harvesting and processing.

• In August there are hazelnut harvesting festivals (Fındık Festivali).

• Local stalls offer everything: from roasted hazelnuts and chocolates to cosmetics and nut-flavored coffee.

🍽 Ordu cuisine

The region's culinary tradition is based on Black Sea cuisine - simple, nutritious and delicious.

Try:

• 🌰 Fındıklı kek - hazelnut pie.

• 🐟 Hamsi tava - fried anchovies.

• 🌽 Mısır ekmeği - corn bread.

• 🍛 Melocan kavurması - fried melocan greens, a wild herb dish.

• 🍯 Bal - mountain honey flavored with wildflowers.

• ☕ O rdu coffee and tea from Rize, a traditional duo on the coast.

🧿 Culture and traditions

The people of Ordu are known for their openness, honesty and sense of humor.

• Horon ( Horon ) folk dances are performed at festivals to live music.

• Tea culture is actively developed in the city - there are cozy teahouses overlooking the sea everywhere.

• Throughout the year there are festivals of music, cinema and hazelnut, gathering tourists from all over Turkey.

🏨 Where to stay

Ordu is a city for a measured rest, so there are many cozy hotels and boutique hotels.

🚗 How to get there

• ✈️ Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU) is one of the few airports in the world built right on the water (on an artificial island in the sea).

  • Flights from Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.

• 🚗 Travel by car:

  • From Samsun - 2 hours (180 km)

  • From Trabzon - 3 hours (170 km)

• 🚌 Regular buses along the Black Sea highway (D010).

✅ Why go to Orda

✔ Amazing nature - sea, mountains and waterfalls
✔ Cable car with a panorama of the coastline
✔ Mild climate and fresh air
✔ Quiet beaches without crowds
✔ Hazelnuts, tea and authentic Black Sea cuisine
✔ Hospitality and authentic atmosphere

📌 Conclusion

Ordu is a city where the sea meets green hills, where life flows quietly and the air smells of hazelnuts and rain.
It is ideal for those looking for peace, nature and authentic Turkish culture, away from the tourist traffic.
If you want to see the Black Sea in all its natural beauty, Ordu is waiting for you.