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Highland plateau (yayla)
Giresun
Karadeniz
Priority Stop
NatureKulakkaya Plateau lies within the boundaries of Yavuzkemal township in the Dereli district of Giresun, about 45 kilometres from the provincial centre, and is counted among the oldest and best-known highlands of the region. At roughly 1,500 metres of elevation it sits lower than its higher neighbours such as KĂĽmbet and BektaĹź, which both eases access and lengthens its season, allowing visits across all four seasons.
History & Significance
Declared a tourism centre in 1991, the plateau carries cultural as well as natural significance because it lies along a historic branch of the Silk Road. The defining feature of Kulakkaya is a landscape where dense spruce and fir forests interlace with broad alpine meadows. The Alçakbel forest picnic area, with its organised tables, children's playground and day-use recreation facilities, is the spot families favour most. Nearby stand rock formations and viewpoints steeped in local legend — Despot Rock with its natural spring, Bride's Rock (Gelin Kayası) and the scenic Erimez locality — all ideal for photographers and for short nature walks.
Route & Itinerary
For tourism, Kulakkaya is one of the indispensable stops on Giresun's highland tours. Thanks to its proximity to the centre and the mostly paved road, agencies fold it easily into the Aksu Valley–Blue Lake–Kuzalan Waterfall–Kümbet circuit. The average visit lasts two to three hours with a picnic and a walk, stretching to half a day if a highland breakfast is added. Guided programmes usually follow the Kayadibi–Erimez road out of Dereli to Yavuzkemal and on to the plateau.
Visiting, Access & Tips
In winter the plateau takes on a wholly different character, becoming a snow-tourism hub with sledding, skiing, snowboarding and snow-sculpture competitions, while grass skiing is possible in summer. The best time to visit is the highland season between June and September, and January to March for snow activities; the peak falls in July and August. Buses and tour coaches can park on the flats around Yavuzkemal and Alçakbel; the level picnic ground is partly accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, though the forest paths are uneven. The recommended route runs Dereli–Yavuzkemal–Alçakbel picnic area–Despot and Bride's Rock viewpoints.
Visit & Logistics
Visit & Logistics- Getting thereAbout 45 km from Giresun centre (~1 hour 15 min). Follow the Kayadibi-Erimez road through Dereli to Yavuzkemal township, then on to the plateau; the road is mostly paved with a gravel final stretch. Bektaş/Yavuzkemal dolmuş minibuses run from the centre for public transport.
- ParkingOpen-air parking on the flats around Yavuzkemal township and the Alçakbel picnic area.
- Coach accessTour coaches can reach the area around Yavuzkemal and the Alçakbel picnic ground thanks to proximity to the centre and mostly paved road; caution is needed for large vehicles on the final gravel stretch.
- AccessibilityPartial - the flat ground of the Alçakbel picnic area is partly suitable for wheelchairs; the forest trails and rock viewpoints are uneven and hard to access.
- Photo spotsAlçakbel forest-meadow landscape; Despot Rock and its natural spring; the Bride's Rock (Gelin Kayası) viewpoint; the panorama of Çaldağı from Kulakkaya; snow cover and winter-event scenes.
- Suggested routePart of the Dereli highland circuit (Aksu Valley-Blue Lake-Kuzalan Waterfall-Kümbet); visited as a day trip after the half-day centre tour or together with Kümbet Plateau.
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Tours that include this placeNo published tour features this place just yet — but we can build one around you, with no obligation. AI Concierge
No published tour features this place just yet — but we can build one around you, with no obligation. 