Zonguldak has been Turkey's coal capital since the 19th century — the Zonguldak coalfield powered the country's early industrialisation and the miners' culture runs deep. The dramatic clifftop coast has largely escaped tourism, making it a raw, authentic Black Sea landscape.
Ereğli (ancient Heraclea Pontica) to the west is the province's most historic town: a Greek colonial city founded in the 6th century BCE, where the mythological entrance to the underworld (the Acherousian Cave) drew pilgrims in antiquity. The Devrek district is famous for hand-carved cane walking sticks sold as artisan gifts.
Known for: Coal mining history · Ancient Heraclea Pontica (Ereğli) · Gilindire Cave · Devrek walking sticks · Black Sea coast
- Region
- Black Sea
- Famous for
- Coal heritage & Ereğli
- Best seasons
- Jun–Sep
- Craft
- Devrek cane walking sticks
Zonguldak on the live map
Explore Zonguldak and all of Turkey on the live intelligence map — tap a city node to fly in.
What Zonguldak is known for
The Zonguldak Mining Museum documents the region's industrial history. Ereğli's Gilindire underground cave has a subterranean lake; the ancient city walls and Atatürk beach round out a visit. Devrek's cane workshops are the province's most distinctive craft.
- Zonguldak Mining Museum — coal heritage.
- Ereğli — ancient Heraclea Pontica, cave and walls.
- Gilindire Cave — underground lake.
- Devrek walking sticks — artisan cane craft.
Getting around
Zonguldak is 5 hours from Istanbul by bus. Ereğli is 45 km west; a car is helpful for coastal exploration.
On the platform
Zonguldak is joining Türkiye Gez as we expand into a Turkey-wide city intelligence platform. This guide is the launch foundation — live transport data, an interactive map and deeper neighborhood content roll out city by city, on the same architecture that powers Istanbul today.
Frequently asked questions
About Zonguldak
1Turkey's coal-mining heartland, ancient Heraclea Pontica at Ereğli, the Gilindire underground cave and Devrek's handmade cane walking sticks.