On the Romanian Black Sea Coast

This year the summer season on the Romanian Black Sea coast opened on April 15.

Daniel Onea, 06.07.2017, 12:00

As an absolute first, this year the summer season on the Romanian Black Sea coast opened on April the 15. The resorts were fully prepared for that, the events plan had been drawn out, and tourists are well advised to book their accommodation in advance, as in certain hotels, the occupancy rate has been constantly growing, to reach even 100% at the weekend. Romantic walks along the sea shore, the beach and the sun, leisure opportunities, live concerts, loads of joy and merry-making, all these are defining traits for the Romanian Black Sea Coast. The president of the Black Sea Coast-Danube Delta Association Cristian Barhalescu has confirmed this years busy agenda:

Cristian Barhalescu: “In 2017, the Romanian Black Sea coast resorts have planned a variety of events, having first of all prepared their hotels and restaurants to the standards required by the Romanian and foreign market. The fact that for the May Day break we had 40,000 tickets sold for just one event in Mamaia, of which 8,000 were sold to foreigners, speaks volumes about how well we have prepared for this season. This summers most important event will be Neversea. It will be held over July 7-9 in Constanta, and we estimate that more than 50,000 people will show up, from across the country as well as from abroad. It was created under the Untold brand, bringing in the same kind of music as the famous festival of the same name in Cluj. It will feature DJs and top stars that will surely bring loads of satisfaction to those who will be on the seaside at that time.

The around 245 kilometres of beach from Sulina to Vama Veche next to the Bulgarian border, with 9 resorts that were declared resorts of national tourist interest, offering holidays for all budgets, as well as for all tastes, is what makes the Romanian seaside accessible to everybody.

Cristian Barhalescu: “The Romanian seaside facilities cater to all age categories. In the southern part of the sea coast we have all-inclusive resorts for children, just like in Mamaia. The Black Sea coast is also a destination for youngsters, who can have fun in Costinesti as well as in the northern part of Mamaia, where the night clubs are clustered. On the other hand, the elderly can head towards Mangalia, Techirghiol, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, where they have balneal treatment sessions. Tourists return from here healthier, with a lot more satisfaction, with the joy of living. The Romanian seaside is a pleasant experience given that as a rule people are not very familiar with Romania.

A strength for the Romanian seaside is the calm sea, with a low salt concentration as compared to other continental seas, with swimmers feeling quite safe, because there is no tide or dangerous sea creatures. Trips are also organised from the seacoast resorts to the areas nearby, the president of the Black Sea Coast-Danube Delta Association also said:

Cristian Barhalescu: “Depending on age and on specific interests, tourists may head towards historical sites, military museums, sea museums, as well as to archaeology or traditional arts and crafts museums. Also, there are performances, live concerts, and people can take trips in the region, to the Danube Delta or to the southern part of the coast, where they have the chance to discover absolutely fabulous places. If tourists love nature, four-wheel drive trips can be organised, they can have bike trips or can just take a walk through Dobrogeas forests. It will be a special experience. Dobrogea is one of the cradles of European civilization, and the regions ethnic diversity, comprising Jews, Romanians, Bulgarians, Russians, Lippovans, Greeks, Turks and Tartars, makes for an extremely colourful and pleasant image.“

Officially, the Black Sea coast can accommodates 90,000 tourists. In addition, there are lots of places for trailers and tents to be set up. Things keep improving, with new hotels and new investments, and tourists may expect surprises from one year to the next.

Cristian Barhalescu: “Each year we come into contact with foreign tourists who visit the Romanian seaside. They are surprised to see how good the conditions are here. The image of the country abroad is different. When foreign tourists come here and see that there is no difference to a western European country in terms of the quality of service, they are amazed.

Ana Maria Gheorghe is the head of the Business and Tourism Department with the Mangalia Town Hall, and she made a quick review of the resorts available:

Ana Maria Gheorghe: “Saturn is a quiet summer resort, with plenty of green areas, where tourists can enjoy the full benefits of natural cures. Venus is a place that lives up to its name, inspired by the goddess of beauty. Dozens of villas and bungalows have been built around the lake in the middle of the resort. The resort of Cap Aurora was set up in 1973, it was the last one to be built on the Romanian Black Sea coast. It lies on a strip 250 meters wide, one kilometre long. Jupiter is a resort set up in 1969 on the edge of Comorova Forest. It is a small and very cosy place. West of Comorova Forest you will find Neptun, a very stylish tourist destination.

The resorts in the south of the Black Sea coast are quieter, with fewer large scale events, best suited for those who seek some peace and quiet. However, last year Venus ranked third among the resorts on the Romanian seaside. Topping the standing were Mamaia and Vama Veche. Over the last few years, a number of all-inclusive four and five star hotels have opened in Venus. Vama Veche is also expected to be a top resort in 2017 as well.