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FijiProvince · Mar Negro Ocidental
Zonguldak
The Turkish coal province, with the mining museum, the Gökgöl cave, the Cehennemağzı caves in Ereğli and sandy beaches along the coast.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Zonguldak
Zonguldak is the coal province: coal (lignite) was discovered in the region in 1829 by Uzun Mehmet, and mining shaped the town, the port and the landscape. It lies on the Western Black Sea, with green mountains descending to the coast.
In the capital, the Zonguldak Mining Museum tells the story of coal and miners' lives, and the monument to Uzun Mehmet commemorates the discoverer. Near the town, the Gökgöl cave is about 3.3 km long, of which the first 875 metres are visited via illuminated walkways, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, travertines and a stream.
In Karadeniz Ereğli, the ancient Heracleia Pontica, the Cehennemağzı caves (Mouth of Hell) lie in the Acheron valley. Legend says Heracles descended there to the underworld, and one of the caves was used as a church by early Christians. Ereğli also has a castle, museum and port.
To the east, at the mouth of the Filyos river, are Filyos Castle and the ruins of ancient Tios, alongside a long beach. The province's coast has several sandy beaches, such as Kapuz near the capital, and Uzunkum. Inland, waterfalls like Harmankaya and Güneşli are located in forested valleys.
When to go
June to September is the beach season, with warm days and generally calmer seas. The caves maintain a similar temperature year-round and can be visited in any season, depending on opening hours. The climate is humid, with rain throughout the year.
Getting there
Zonguldak Airport (ONQ) is in Çaycuma, east of the capital, between Zonguldak and Bartın; confirm routes before booking. Ereğli lies on the coastal route from Istanbul, and there are buses from the provincial capital to Istanbul, Ankara and neighbouring towns. It is also a gateway to Amasra and Safranbolu.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Zonguldak
How to visit the Gökgöl cave?
The cave is near the town of Zonguldak, on the road to Ankara. The first 875 metres have walkways, bridges and lighting. Bring a light jacket and confirm opening times before you go.
What are the Cehennemağzı caves?
They are three caves in the Acheron valley, in Karadeniz Ereğli, used during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Greek legend says Heracles descended there to the underworld; one of the caves was a church for early Christians.
Does Zonguldak have beaches?
It has several sandy beaches along the coast, such as Kapuz near the capital, Uzunkum and Filyos Beach next to the ruins of Tios. July and August are the busiest months.
Is Zonguldak a base for Amasra and Safranbolu?
Yes. Zonguldak Airport in Çaycuma is the closest to Amasra, and Safranbolu lies inland via Karabük. Many travellers, however, prefer to stay overnight in Amasra or Safranbolu.