Romania is usually associated with a majestic mountain landscape, Transfagarasan Highway, and Count Dracula’s homeland, Transylvania. In the east, the country borders the Black Sea and this is where you can find beautiful beaches and the city of Constanta, regaining its former glory.
Constanta is the largest commercial port not just in Romania, but within the entire Black Sea basin. On the one hand, its landscape is marked with the centuries-old or even ancient monuments, beautiful resort beaches, and picturesque little lanes, but on the other, you can see dock cranes and container ships silhouetted against the skyline. Even just a weekend getaway will give you a taste of the unique atmosphere of Constanta and of what it has to offer.
You must see the Tomis Fortress, founded in the 6th century BC by the Greeks, and the fortified walls alongside the Ferdinand Boulevard dating from the same period. You might also find interesting the traces of ancient Romans, e.g., The Roman Edifice with Mosaic (Edificiul Mozaic cu Roman) decorated with stunning geometric mosaics. The heritage of the subsequent centuries includes many other interesting monuments, such as Ovid’s Square, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and the art-nouveau style Casino (Cazinoul din Constanta) located right by the sea, at the end of the city’s main boardwalk. Although it’s closed to visitors, you should take a look at the outside of it, and discover the amazing view of the city and port that can be seen from up there.
A few city beaches can be found around Constanta. Do you love having fun? Just a 15-minute car or bus ride away from the city center lies Mamaia beach – the biggest resort at the Black Sea, packed with people as well as the best clubs. The accommodation and food are quite expensive though, so it’s a good idea to follow the suggestions of other tourists and go there only for parties. Fortunately, outside of the city, there are several others, and quieter, seaside resorts with white-sand beaches, e.g., Vama Veche.
While visiting Romania, you must taste some local cuisine that has its roots in Turkish, Austrian and Hungarian culinary tradition. Typical Romanian food includes e.g., ciorba de burta (tripe soup thickened with sour cream), sarmale (stuffed grape leaves), mamaliga (yellow maize flour), mititei (grilled ground meatballs speared on sticks), and placinta (the type of pastry stuffed with cabbage, cheese or potatoes). In Constanta – especially on the boardwalk – you will find the best restaurants in this part of the country.
