5 reasons to visit Dobrogea, the Danube Delta region

While the first report on our Dobrogea trip was written by Laura, a born and bred Romanian, the one below is Giulia’s creation, the Venetian on board. See what she has to say and why she thinks Dobrogea and the Delta are a must on your travel list.

Romania is certainly one of the most panoramically diverse countries in Europe, there are things to visit and enjoy for every kind of personality out there: the high and beautiful Carpathians for mountains lovers. The sweet hills of Transylvania for those into nature and fairy country side living. Eccentric and lively cities such as Bucharest, Cluj, Iasi and Timisoara for people that can’t stay away from vibrant environments.

But that’s not all about it. Because Romania offers more. Actually much more.

Apart from the wilderness and ancient history of Bucovina and Maramures, there is also another region which started to be discovered only recently by foreigners but that’s due to become one of the most breath-taking places on earth: Dobrogea. Dobrogea is the region of the Danube Delta, where the fresh waters of the biggest river in Europe meet the winds and the tides of the Black Sea and all the elements merge.

We visited it recently enough to give you 5 great reasons why this place should be a must see on your travel list.

• Landscapes: As soon as you leave Constanta behind, you’ll start to enter small traditional villages, covered in flowers and filled with the traditional houses with clay walls, straw roofs and wooden porches painted in blue. But what will take your breath away will surely be the immersion into pure nature that will hit you immediately at the exit of every village. Immense fields of golden wheat with poppies, wild orchids and huge trees on the side of the roads will accompany you throughout your trip, together with thousands of birds species, herds of sheep and cows and solitary horses. And then, suddenly, you will find yourself driving or cycling along beautiful canals or lakes, with the typical lagoon features. …What else to add? Oh, yes! If you get there by sunset you’ll probably have the ultimate fairy colourful experience.

Golden is just one of the many colors that match the blue skies in Dobrogea. Source: BD

• Pace of life: Another extraordinary aspect of this region is that it makes you feel immediately relaxed and in contact with nature. Everything there follows the rhythm of nature: in the morning, sparrows and swallows will accompany your waking up with their sweet tweeting. And they’ll do the same in the evening together with a choir of cracking frogs. No cars or big cities noise. Just the peaceful sound of these magical places. And during the day? You can basically choose to do everything you want! You can just relax and enjoy the scenery or walk around the beautiful villages. But if you want be more active you can also choose to discover the canals and the lakes with a boat and do some birdwatching. You can also go cycling or paddling or just suntan by the pool of your hotel. The options to get a great vacation here are limitless!

How else but serene can one be in such a place? Source: BD

• People: What makes this place great is not only the nature, but also the local people. They are so gentle and welcoming that will make you feel immediately at home. From small things such as asking for directions on the street, to your arrival at your hotel, you will find them always smiling and willing to help… and possibly with a cordial glass of tuica (the local plum brandy) waiting for you!

• Food: As everywhere in Romania, the food is great in Dobrogea, too. And it actually brings a note of diversity compared to the food in the rest of the country. The courses are traditional: starter, soup, main dish and dessert. But they differ in taste since everything is fish based. You may try a lovely “fishballs” soup with turmeric and other aromas, or some icre de peste, a lovely mousse made out of fish eggs and mayonnaise. And then of course, every version of fish that you can possibly imagine, grilled, deep fried, panéed, and many, many more all accompanied by fresh tomatoes or, if you prefer, mamaliga, the local polenta. It will be heaven for your taste buds!

All the fish you can have… Source: BD

• Wine: Dobrogea is also one of the main regions where wine production is exponentially growing. Its sandy lands and the strong sun clearly are the competitive advantage to get to the perfect final product. But what is peculiar in this case, is that this area is focused on the production mainly of indigenous grapes, the most popular one being the Babeasca Neagra. This is a kind of grape that has been growing in this region since before the arrival of the Romans. Even more spectacular is that all the vineyards are terraced and the majority of them face directly the Delta… A wonderful view to enjoy a delicious glass of wine!

So, what are you waiting for? Dobrogea is waiting for you!