The Danube springs in Germany, washes several countries of the old continent and ends its journey on the Romanian territory where, before flowing into the Black Sea, it forms a picturesque delta covering 70 km in surface area.

The Danube Delta is the space between the three river's arms: Chilia, Sulina and Sfantul Gheorghe, together with the Razim-Sinoe lagunar system. It has a 4340 sq. km area and constitutes actually a low terminal plain in full process of alluvial formation.

The Danube delta is home to the largest colony of pelicans outside Africa and is a peaceful haven for 300 other species of birds. Two-and-a-half thousand breeding pairs of pelicans arrive every spring in the Danube delta. They're attracted to the 5,000 square kilometre region because it is such an isolated wildlife haven and the largest reed bed in the world.

Half a million wild geese winter here, including nearly all the world's red-breasted geese. Another 300 species of birds -- including spoonbills and glossy ibis -- spend half their lives here, too.

It is a preciously peaceful place. There are no roads into the delta; all traffic is by boat. Access is limited, so wild creatures are cushioned from the pressures of the modern world. But it would be wrong to portray this huge, rugged region as a wilderness - people have lived here for centuries.

The majority of the inhabitants are Lipovani, descendants of an ancient religious sect who left Russia over 200 years ago to avoid persecution. The Lipovanis are expert fishermen. One is Fiodor Butilichin, now 79, who explained to us that the delta is full of enormous catfish and catching them is a really scary business.

From Bucharest: 280Km (car and railroad access) | Accommodation, trips and services in Danube Delta

Find more: www.deltadunarii.ro or www.wilddanube.ro

Distance from Bucharest: 225Km (highway or railroad access)

The Romanian Black Sea Riviera stretches from Danube Delta in north down to the Bulgarian border in south, along 60 km of coastline. The most important resort is Mamaia, situated north of the city of Constanta on a narrow land slice that separates the Black Sea and the Siutghiol lake. Mamaia is a popular destination in summertime for Romanians and foreign tourists, as a result of a major investments program in tourism infrastructure.

Other important resorts have names from the Roman and Greek mythology: Neptun, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Olimp. There are also Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, 2 Mai, Cap Aurora. Costinesti is the traditional students' resort, while Vama Veche (in extreme south, at the border with Bulgaria) is a fishermen village well known for its particular 'hippie' atmosphere.

The main cities in the region are Constanta (the biggest port at the Black Sea), Mangalia and Navodari.
The Romanian Black Sea riviera is served by Constanta Airport which is connected to the main European capitals through charter flights during the summer season.