Black Sea Coast

The Black Sea, unlike its colorful counterparts (such as the Red Sea, Yellow Sea, and White Sea), doesn’t owe its name to its physical appearance. In ancient times, the Black Sea was known as Pontus Axeinus in Greek, which translates to “The Inhospitable Sea.” Sailors dreaded its rough, stormy waters, considering it notoriously difficult to navigate. As Greek explorers ventured into the area, it became more familiar, leading to a shift in perception. Eventually, they renamed it Pontus Euxinus, meaning “The Hospitable Sea” as it became less forbidding to sailors and settlers. In the 15th century, the Turks gained control of the Black Sea’s shoreline. Initially, they found the sudden storms and treacherous conditions inhospitable. The storm-tossed waters appeared dark or even black, leading the Turks to choose a more literal name: Karadeniz, which translates to the “Black Sea.” 

Beyond myth and legend, the Black Sea has a modern origin rooted in biology and science. Its deep waters (over 150 meters) exhibit interesting biological contrasts. One hypothesis suggests that the Black Sea’s name arises from the high concentration of hydrogen sulfide, which can turn objects black when submerged at great depths for extended periods.

The Romanian coastline (the shore) stretches for a length of 245 km and consists of three geomorphological sectors: to the north, the Danube Delta; in the middle, the Razim-Sinoe complex with narrow ridges that separate it from the sea; to the south, the Dobrogean coast consisting of an alternation of higher cliffs and beaches strung in the south.

As the northern part is reserved for the wild type of shores, Romanian resorts on the Black Sea are to be found in the southern part of the coast and involve the following: 2 Mai, Cap Aurora, Constanța, Costinești, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Gura Portiței, Jupiter, Mamaia, Mangalia, Neptun, Olimp, Saturn, Venus and Vama Veche. 

Mamaia is the biggest resort with the most accommodation. Due to its location on the grind (coastal cordon) that divides the Black Sea from Lake Siutghiol, north of Constanta, it is also the most popular. The beach in Mamaia is very large, measuring 8 km in length and 300 m in width.

The permanent coastal resort of Mangalia was established by the Greeks in the century and is located 44 kilometres from Constanta. In addition to being the seaside resort with sulphurous, mesothermal, and radioactive mineral springs, Mangalia has a medical rehabilitation centre with areas for kinetotherapy, hydrotherapy, and medical gymnastics, as well as hot baths with sulfuric water and mud baths. The resort's primary draws include its Archaeological Museum, Esmahan Sultan Mosque, Mercurius Collection, Roman-Byzantine church ruins, and riding horses.

The resorts of Eforie Nord and Eforie Sud, which are also towns, are located further south. There is also the village and resort of Costinesti, which is known as the resort for young people, and the six resorts named Olimp, Neptun, Jupiter, Cap Aurora, Venus, and Saturn and are named after Roman gods instead of the planets of the solar system.

Techirghiol is a year-round spa resort on the shores of Lake Techirghiol, 15 kilometres from Constanta. There are five treatment bases with hot baths with salt water from the lake, mud packs, for aerosols and hydrotherapy. Salt water and mud from the lake are the resort's distinguishing characteristics.

Corbu Beach is an isolated, wild, and vacant beach, north of these resorts, with fine sand that sometimes mixes with clam and snail shells and clean water; it is popular with tourists looking for a haven of peace and recreation. There are no loud speakers, clubs, or beach parties here; the only sound you will hear is the sound of the waves. All resorts are in Constanta county offering accommodation in every budget (hotels from 1* to 5*, motels, hostels, camping grounds, villas or apartments with hotel regime).

In conclusion, if you decide to come to Romania's Black Sea, be sure that you will find a little bit of everything: wilderness, relaxation but also luxury, at your choice!