The Danube Delta is a vast region of 679,000 hectares of which 103,000 hectares are marine, situated where the three main branches of the Danube ΓÇö Chilia, Sulina and Sfantu Gheorghe ΓÇö flow into the Black Sea. Partially recognized as natural preserve in 1938 and declared biosphere reservation in 1990, the delta ensures protection for 300 bird species, the most widespread being the pelican, for more than 100 fish species, and for a tropical type flora.
One can go through the Danube Delta by ship, following the three main branches. However, the majority of the channels linking the lakes can only be accessed by boat, especially by local fishermen. The DeltaΓÇÖs population is less than 6,000 inhabitants who live in villages established on tops of bank ridges.
The Black Sea shore, 215 km long, extends from Chilia branch of the Danube to the Bulgarian border. South of the sandy shores of the lagoon lakes Razim ΓÇö Sinoe, 15 spas and holiday resorts are concentrated on a distance of about 100 km along the gently-sloping shore of the Black Sea.
BeachesΓÇÖ exposure to sun is exceptional due to their eastward orientation. There are about 220 sunny days a year, the average annual temperature is 11 degrees C and nebulosity and rainfalls are small (375 mm/year). In summer, the heat (25 degrees C on average) is moderated by a gentle continuous breeze, rich in aerosols.
As there are no tides, the beaches of fine sand are never flooded; they advance progressively into the sea where no dangerous fish live. In summer, sand temperature can reach 45 degrees C and the average temperature of seawater is 20 degrees C. The Black Sea resorts are successors to those port towns that formed, in antiquity, the community of the five Pontus cities (Tomis, Callatis, Histria, Dionysopolis and Odessos) and they preserve beautiful archaeological vestiges.
Newly built resorts provide for nautical and recreational sports practiced both in the sea and on the many natural or artificial lakes along the seashore. Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud and Mangalia are also known for bathing and specific health treatments they offer.
