Ordu Travel Guide – Attractions, Transport, Best Time to Visit
Last update February 11, 2026
Ordu is a coastal city located in the Black Sea region of Turkey, serving as the administrative center of Ordu Province. Positioned along the northern coastline, it features a mix of natural landscapes including beaches and forested hills. The city lies approximately 450 kilometers east of Istanbul and is part of Turkey’s northeastern Black Sea area, characterized by humid oceanic climate patterns and agricultural activity.
Ordu Overview
Location: Coastal city in Ordu Province, Black Sea region
Primary features: Black Sea coastline + hazelnut production + natural parks
Time needed: 2-3 days (1 day minimum)
Best time to visit: May-September (temperate weather for sightseeing)
Cost level: Low to medium compared to larger Turkish cities
Tourism profile: Nature tourism, cultural heritage, coastal activities
Reasons Travelers Visit Ordu
Coastal Black Sea location with beaches and natural landscapes
Significant hazelnut agriculture, major production center in Turkey
Historical sites dating to Roman and Ottoman periods
Forested hills and natural parks suitable for outdoor activities
Local Black Sea cuisine specialties
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ordu is during late spring to early autumn (May to September) when temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. This period features lower rainfall compared to winter months and is favorable for outdoor sightseeing and coastal activities. Winter months are colder and wetter, with average temperatures around 5-10°C, and are less suitable for tourism.
Season
Months
Typical Weather
Crowd Levels
Spring
March-May
Mild, increasing sunshine, some rain
Moderate
Summer
June-August
Warm, less rain, humid
Highest
Autumn
September-November
Cooling, more rain, overcast days
Low to moderate
Winter
December-February
Cold, frequent rain, occasional snow
Lowest
How to Get There
Ordu is accessible by road and air, with the nearest major city being Samsun approximately 120 km west. The Ordu-Giresun Airport provides domestic flights and is about 20 km from Ordu city center. Road connections via highway link Ordu with other Black Sea cities and inland regions.
Domestic flights available to Ordu-Giresun Airport
Intercity buses connect Ordu with major Turkish cities
Car travel via highway from Samsun, Trabzon, and other nearby cities
No rail connections directly to Ordu city
No ferry connections for passenger transport
From Istanbul
Flight to Ordu-Giresun Airport: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Car or bus travel: approximately 8-9 hours (around 780 km by road)
From Izmir
Flight (via Istanbul) total duration 3-5 hours depending on connection
Car or bus travel: approximately 10-11 hours (around 900 km by road)
From Antalya
Flight with connection in Istanbul, total approx. 3.5-5 hours
Car or bus: approximately 12-13 hours (around 1000 km)
From Ankara
Bus or car travel: approximately 7 hours (around 520 km)
No direct flights to Ordu; travel usually via Istanbul or Samsun
Getting Around
Public minibuses and buses operate within city limits
Taxi services available for short-distance travel
Walking possible in central districts; distances between major points up to 2-3 km
Car rentals available for excursions outside the city
Top Attractions in Ordu
Boztepe Hill
A natural viewpoint and recreational park offering panoramic views of Ordu city and the Black Sea coast. Type: Natural site. Average visit duration: 1-2 hours.
Ordu Museum
A cultural museum displaying regional archaeology, ethnography, and history collections. Type: Museum. Average visit duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Yason Peninsula (Jason’s Peninsula)
A coastal area with ancient ruins and lighthouse, a historic location linked to early Christian history. Type: Ruins / coastal natural site. Average visit duration: 2-3 hours.
Kumru Beach
A public beach along the Black Sea used for swimming and coastal walks. Type: Beach. Average visit duration: 2-4 hours.
Common Visitor Activities
Visiting Boztepe for city and sea views
Exploring Ordu Museum for local history
Walking or driving to Yason Peninsula for coastal scenery and ruins
Swimming and sunbathing at Kumru Beach
Sampling local Black Sea food specialties in city restaurants
Suggested Ordu Visit Duration
A minimum of one full day allows visiting key attractions like Boztepe and Ordu Museum plus a beach visit. Two to three days are recommended to explore all major sites including Yason Peninsula and to experience local cuisine and shorter excursions.
Nearby Destinations
Samsun – approximately 120 km west (about 2 hours by car)
Trabzon – approximately 160 km east (about 3 hours by car)
Giresun – approximately 60 km west (about 1 hour by car)
Fatsa – approximately 35 km west (about 45 minutes by car)
Practical Information
Category
Details
Climate
Humid oceanic with warm summers and cool winters. Average summer highs 22-25°C; winter lows around 5°C.
Seasonality notes
Highest tourism activity from May to September. Winter can be rainy and less suitable for outdoor travel.
Crowd levels
Moderate in summer months; low during autumn and winter.
Constraints or limitations
Limited rail access; no passenger ferry; some rural roads may be narrow and winding. Rain can affect outdoor plans especially outside summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of travelers visit Ordu?
Travelers visiting Ordu typically include nature enthusiasts, cultural tourists interested in regional history, and travelers seeking coastal experiences along the Black Sea. The city also attracts visitors interested in agricultural landscapes and local cuisine characteristic of the region.
How many days are needed to visit Ordu?
A minimum of one full day is sufficient to see key city attractions and coastal sites. For a more comprehensive experience including natural parks, beaches, and nearby historical locations, 2 to 3 days are recommended to allow adequate time for travel and exploration.
Is Ordu safe for travelers?
Ordu is generally considered safe for travelers with low crime rates. Usual travel precautions apply, including awareness of traffic conditions and weather-related travel issues during rainy seasons. Emergency services and medical facilities are available in the city.
When is the best time to visit Ordu?
The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn (May to September), when weather is warmer and drier. This period supports outdoor activities, sightseeing, and beach use. Winter months are colder and wetter, which may limit outdoor options.
Written by Mia Fernandez
Mia is a lifestyle and travel influencer from Spain. She visited Turkey to explore its diverse landscapes, from Istanbul’s rooftops to the beaches of Antalya. Mia writes about city life, cultural festivals, and scenic destinations.