When most people think of visiting Romania, what usually comes to mind is the area of Transylvania and Dracula's castle. But did you know that Romania claims part of the Black Sea coastline? Found in southeastern Romania, the Romanian Black Sea coast stretches for approximately 245 kilometers (152 miles), offering various activities, attractions and sights. This region, coined the Romanian Riviera, is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation. You will also find fascinating historical sites and natural attractions. The sandy beaches, coastal lagoons and rocky formations create a stunning landscape that will captivate you. In this travel guide, I will go over everything you need to know to visit the Romanian Black Sea.
A little history
The Black Sea is an inter continental Sea as it is located between Asia Minor and Southeastern Europe. The Romanian Black Sea coast has played a pivotal role in the country's history. Known as the “Pontus Euxinus” during ancient times, it was a key point of interaction between the civilizations of the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and the Eurasian steppes. Greek colonists founded several coastal cities, including Tomis (modern-day Constanta), Callatis (Mangalia), and Histria, which were important centers of trade and culture in antiquity. During the Roman Empire, these settlements flourished and became integral to the empire’s network. The sea continued to be significant through the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, serving as a maritime crossroads between East and West.
When to go
The Romanian Black Sea coast enjoys a temperate-continental climate, influenced by the nearby sea. Summers are warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) from June to August. These are the most popular months, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the best time to go would be May and September which offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists. The Black Sea in Romania will freeze in the winter, creating a winter wonderland. If you travel during winter, be aware that some restaurants and attractions may be closed.
Main attractions along the Black Sea in Romania
1. Constanta
Constanta, Romania's largest sea port and oldest continuously inhabited city, is right in the middle of the country's coast line. This Romanian seaside city is a thriving urban center with deep historical roots, offering a mix of cultural attractions, beach resorts, and historic activities. The city's history spans over 2,500 years, with influences from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures. Founded around 600 BC by Greek colonists from Miletus, Constanta was initially named Tomis. It became part of the Roman Empire in 29 BC when it was conquered and renamed Constantiana. The city thrived in the 13th century but began to decline under Turkish rule 200 years later. The Ottomans shortened the name to Contanta. It later served as the place of exile for the poet Ovid, who was exiled by Emperor Augustus for his erotic poetry and other scandals.
Today the city of Constanta has a population of around 310,000, making it the fifth most populous city in Romania. It is known for its ethnic diversity, with communities of Romanians, Turks, Tatars, Greeks, and other ethnicities contributing to the culture.The Port of Constanta handles a significant portion of Romania's maritime traffic and serves as a major transportation hub for Central and Eastern Europe. It makes a great home base for exploring the area with plenty of hotel, restaurant and shopping options as well as interesting sights worth visiting. Constanta is also an important educational center, home to Ovidius University, Maritime University of Constanta and the Romanian Navy Academy.
Constanta is situated approximately 225 kilometers east of the Romanian capital Bucharest. It has easy access to Bucharest by way of public transportation with multiple direct trains a day. The trains take around 2.5 hours and cost around $20.00. Buses are also available. They will be a bit cheaper at around $15.00 but takes about 3 hours. Of course, driving is another option, taking just about 2.5 hours. The Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport is also about 30 minutes from Constanta but Bucharest is the only airport in Romania with direct flights to the United States.
Things to see and do in Constanta
The Casino
The Casino of Constanta is a historic building and one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city. This stunning Art Nouveau building is located on the seafront. The first casino was built in 1880 and made out of wood. The current building was built in 1910. It was used as a casino for almost 40 years. It is said that some who lost their fortune in the casino would walk outside and throw themselves in the sea. Operations ceased during both world wars during which it was ransacked, bombed and even acted as a hospital. In the 60s it was used as a tourist office and, later, a restaurant. It is currently undergoing renovation.
Mahmudiye Mosque
Another iconic building in the city is the Mahmudiye Mosque. Built in 1910, it is the largest mosque in Romania. It was originally called the Mosque of Carol I and is now also known as the King's Mosque or the Grand Mosque of Constanta. The mosque was built on the site of a former mosque and uses neo-egyptian, neo-byzantine and neo-romanesque architecture. Inside, the enormous Persian rug is supposedly the largest rug in Romania. The minaret has 140 steps you can climb when the mosque is not being used for a service.
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul and ruins of Tomis
Built in 1883, this cathedral is the seat of the Romanian Ortodox Archbishop of Tomis. It is also a monastery. During WWII, the church was heavily damaged but was restored in 1951. The Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul is built in the Greco-Roman style using pressed brick. The interior has an oak carved choir along with the brightly painted frescoes seen in churches throughout Romania. Other churches in the area include Greek Church Metamorphosis, St. Mary Armenian Church and the Catholic Saint Anthony of Padua Basilica. These churches, along with the mosques and the ruins of a synagogue illustrate the religious diversity in the area representing Orthodox, Muslim, Catholic, Greek and Jewish faiths.
Roman ruins
The Roman Mosaics Edifice, located near the Museum of National History and Archaeology, was discovered in 1959. The monument was built in the 4th century and gradually expanding until the 6th century. At one time it was the largest building of its kind in the whole Roman Empire serving as a link between the port and the ancient city. It is where trade was conducted. It was also a storage for goods. A beautiful piece of Roman mosaic floor is preserved. The Roman Thermae and the Archaeological park are other ancient Roman ruins that were part of the city of Tomis. Exploring these ruins gives the visitor a glimpse into life in a Roman city.
Constanta Harbor Lighthouse
Built in 1860, the Genovese lighthouse is a historical monument and symbol of the city. This octagonal lighthouse stands 8 meters (26 feet) high. There was an original lighthouse in this spot that was built in 1300. The lighthouse is not open to go inside.
National History and Archaeological Museum
Housed in a beautiful Romanian revival building, the National History Museum houses artifacts from 4000 years ago to the middle ages found in the area. There is also an exhibit on communism. The museum is undergoing renovations at the moment. Check the website to see if it has re-oped for your trip. During the renovations they are moving some of the exhibits to other locations.
Other things to do in Constanta include the Museum of folk art, the promenade, and the natural history complex. The national military museum, the art museum and gravity park (the largest extreme sport complex in Romania) are other great options. The Neversea festival is an electronic music festival that is held in the city in July, drawing many from all over Europe. At the end of the day, weather you were enjoying a day on the beach, exploring historical monuments or wandering museums, the best place to spend the evening is at the marina with its Ferris wheel, restaurants and shops.
2. Mamaia Resort
Mamaia Beach Resort is one of Romania's main sea resorts, famous for its long sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and lively nightlife. During the summer, it transforms into a hotspot for tourists, especially attracting young people and party-goers. Water sports, beachfront clubs, and festivals are abundant, making it a vibrant location for vacationers. Mamaia stretches across a narrow strip of land between the Black Sea and Lake Siutghiol, creating a natural landform known as a tombolo. The peninsula extends for about 8 kilometers (5 miles) and is covered in soft, golden sand. With a beach width ranging from 100 to 200 meters, there's plenty of space for everyone to soak up the sun.
Beach umbrellas and loungers are available for rent at various spots along the shore and there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants to grab a bite or sip on a refreshing drink. Thrill-seekers can try water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, parasailing and scuba diving. There are rentals and lessons for beginners available. Beach volleyball courts are set up in the summer and lifeguards are stationed on the beach during peak season.
While the beach is the main attraction, there’s more to Mamaia than just sand and sea. The Aqua Magic Water Park is a fun water park offering slides, pools, and attractions suitable for all ages. Telegondola Mamaia is a cable car with panoramic views of the coastline and Lake Siutghiol while the Promenada is a modern boardwalk perfect for evening strolls and people-watching. When the sun sets, Mamaia comes alive with some of the hottest nightlife on the Black Sea coast. The beach clubs here are known for hosting both local and international DJs, and summer parties are the norm. Many of these venues also host music festivals, making Mamaia a summer hotspot for party-goers.
Getting to Mamaia is easy as it is just a 25 minute drive from Constanta. Buses regularly connect Mamaia with Constanta city center making it an easy day trip. During the summer, there is a tourist train that runs along the length of the resort as well. There are many options for accommodations from modern resorts to budget hotels. Some hotels even offer a private beach.
3. Other Resorts
While Mamaia is the most well known of the resorts along Romania's Black Sea coast, there are others that are worth visiting. Eforie Nord and Eforie Sud are neighboring towns located about 25 minutes south of Constanta. They are known for their therapeutic mud baths and wellness treatments, thanks to the mineral-rich salt waters of Lake Techirghiol. The healing properties of the mud are believed to alleviate skin conditions, arthritis, and other ailments. Eforie Nord is particularly popular among families and those seeking a more relaxing experience for their summer holiday. While in Eforie Nord, visit the Mănăstirea Sf. Maria Din Techirghiol, a beautiful monastery in peaceful surroundings.
Neptun and Olimp, located about an hour south of Constanta, have long been a favorite destination for those seeking quieter and more exclusive vacations. In the communist era, they were the choice retreats for the country’s political elite.
If you keep going south, along the coast, you will run into Mangalia. The city is built on the site of the ancient city of Callatis, which stood here 2400 years ago. Statues, stone tombs and other artifacts have been found here. Visitors can explore the ruins of the Callatis Fortress (7th century BC), the Syrian Basilica and the 16th century Esmahan Sultan Mosque, the oldest mosque in Romania.
The Mangalia spas are a major attraction as well. Since the 40s, Mangalia has been known as a spa resort using the area's natural resources including sapropelic mud from Techirghiol Lake, sea water, sulphurous waters, and a marine bioclimate which is rich in saline aerosols and solar radiation, to treat ailments. Arthritis, endocrine system problems, kidney diseases, nerve diseases, skin problems, and asthma are all treated here.The modern facilities include a sauna, indoor thermal swimming pool and fitness center. The beach of Mangalia is another great place to spend some time when in the area as it is less crowded than the beaches further north.
Vama Veche, even further south, near the Bulgarian border, is famous for its alternative, laid-back atmosphere. It attracts artists, musicians, and free spirits, with its rustic charm and bohemian vibe offering a contrast to the busier northern resorts.
4. Danube Delta
The northern part of Romania's coast is characterized by the Danube Delta, one of the most important wetlands in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the second largest and best preserved Delta in Europe. The Delta is a labyrinth of channels, lakes, and marshes. It is home to hundreds of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and ecotourism enthusiasts.
Nature lovers can take boat tours to observe rare bird species, including pelicans, cormorants, and herons, or explore the vast wetlands by kayak.Traditional fishing villages dot the landscape, providing glimpses into a way of life largely unchanged for centuries.This area is more remote, but towns like Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe offer access to the delta's unique landscapes.
5. Fortresses and Ruins
Romania's Black Sea coast is dotted with ancient ruins, medieval fortresses and other archaeological treasures. These archaeological sites and historical structures offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past, from ancient Greek colonies to Roman outposts and medieval defensive strongholds.
One of the most significant sites is the ancient city of Histria, founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BC. It's the oldest urban settlement in Romania and showcases remnants of ancient Greek culture layered with Roman ruins. Visitors can explore the remains of temples, baths, and city walls, gaining insight into life in an ancient port city.
Medieval fortresses also punctuate the coastal landscape, which is evidence of the strategic importance of the Black Sea region throughout history. The Enisala Fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the Razim-Sinoe lagoon complex, is a striking example of medieval military architecture. Built in the 14th century, it served as a key defensive position and observation point.
If you really love ruins and ancient monuments, there is also Ulmetum fortress, Capidava fortress, and The Hellenistic fortress from Albești.
About an hour west of Constanta lies the Roman monument of Tropaeum Traiani. Trajan's trophy (in English), was built in 109 AD to commemorate Emperor Trajan's victory over the Dacians. It was part of a larger complex with the trophy monument, a commemorative grave and alter. What you see now is a reconstruction of the original. The nearby Adamclisi archeology museum contains many of the original parts of the trophy monument.
The Romanian Black Sea Riviera is home to beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, interesting museums and spas claiming to cure your health troubles. This lesser known corner of Romania is truly captivating and promises a memorable experience for all.
Ready to travel to Romania? Contact me at stefanie@eurotravelsbydesign.com and I will custom create your perfect itinerary.
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