Tucked away on the edge of eastern Romania, the Danube Delta is the ideal place to reconnect with nature, escape everything and reset your inner balance. Life is slow and untroubled, though you must see it with your eyes and experience everything the Danube Delta offers. The pieces of information found on the internet are quite elusive; therefore, I put together a complete travel guide to the Danube Delta, and I hope I’ll give you a glimpse of this gorgeous place. Following this article, you’ll be able to put together an excellent itinerary.

Disclosure: *This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Table of Contents

Things to Know Before Traveling to the Danube Delta

Facts about the Danube Delta

The Danube River is the second-largest river in Europe and flows through nine countries before reaching the Black Sea in Romania, where it forms the second-largest Delta in Europe. The confluence point of the Danube Delta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and a paradise for many species of fish and birds.

The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve is home to over 300 resident and migratory bird species and boasts the third-largest biodiversity in the world. More than 60% of the area remains untouched by human influence.

This unique place covers over 5,000 square kilometers and has three main channels: Sfântu Gheorghe (St George) in the south, Sulina in the middle, and Chilia in the north. The city of Sulina and 28 villages in the Danube Delta can only be reached by water.

Remember to purchase a visitor’s permit when exploring the Delta by boat.

Best time to visit the Danube Delta

Spring is the best time to visit the Danube Delta if you want to see the white and yellow water lilies blooming. It is the period when nature comes back to life, and the birdwatching season starts intensively.

Summertime is perfect if you love the sun and the heat. However, it’s also when mosquitoes are most aggressive, so make sure to bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves. Don’t forget to wear a hat, sunglasses, and SPF protection.

Early autumn is excellent for birdwatching, taking boat trips, and discovering new places. The temperatures are dropping, making the exploration enjoyable.

Exploring the Danube Delta in the winter is something magical and a bucket list experience. Imagine frozen waters, trees covered in snow and quietness everywhere you look. Did you know that you can actually spot around 100 species of birds around this time of the year? And the best part is that there are no mosquitoes to bother you. You simply need the right equipment: waterproof cold-weather clothes and a dose of adrenaline.

I remember seeing a photo of swans moving graciously on the frozen lakes, and I can’t stop thinking that I need to return one day during winter.

Remember, most hotels, restaurants, and activities run only from early summer to late autumn.

How many days do I need in the Danube Delta?

As I mentioned earlier, the Danube Delta is the ideal place to reconnect with nature, escape everything, and reset your inner balance. Life is slow and untroubled, so you should consider spending at least three days there to get a first impression.

Five days allow you to get a glimpse of different places, appreciate nature, relax and cruise the channels.

Consider spending two full days exploring various places so you can see as much as possible from this complete guide to the Danube Delta.

How to visit the Danube Delta?

The easiest way to discover the Danube Delta is to rent a car. You can stop whenever you want, visit places along the route, try new activities, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

Getting places can be tricky, and the area takes life at a slower pace, but that is the beauty of the Danube Delta. With your own four wheels, you control your time and schedule. Depending on how many people are in your group, renting a car might even work out to be cheaper than other forms of transportation. 

Check out the best rental deals for Romania HERE.

Although we love to travel independently, some places are better visited with a guided tour. I think the easiest way to get a glimpse of the Danube Delta with zero stress is to book a tour.

Danube Delta 2-Day trip from Bucharest:

You will be picked up from your location in Bucharest, and for the next two days, you don’t have to worry about the itinerary. You’ll have the chance to visit Tulcea, the ancient port city on the Danube Delta, and enjoy bird watching or fishing on a boat ride. Overnight accommodation with breakfast at a hotel in the Danube Delta. Sounds promising?

BOOK YOUR 2-DAY DANUBE DELTA TOUR FROM BUCHAREST HERE.

Danube Delta day trip from Tulcea:

Enjoy a relaxed day on a small-group guided tour of the Danube Delta. After making an early start you’ll be taken to some of the most beautiful and significant areas of the Delta. Visit local villages like Mila 23 and past picturesque lakes on the way to the Letea Forest, Europe’s northernmost subtropical forest. Look out for wild horses and migratory birds from your safari car.

Read more about this Guided Day Trip to the Danube Delta, Tulcea, HERE.

Places to Visit For a Complete Travel Guide to The Danube Delta 

There are many places to visit and things to do in the Danube Delta; therefore, it’s hard to choose from. Some locations can be reached by car, while others can only be reached by water. With the help of this complete travel guide to the Danube Delta, I hope you can plan your trip to this part of the world effortlessly.

Tulcea 

The old town of Tulcea is the main entry gate into the Danube Delta and is also an important industrial port town. Many choose Tulcea as a base for day trips to the Danube Delta. You can reach the city by car from Constanta in almost 2 hours (130 kilometers) or Bucuresti in 3 hours and 30 minutes (300 kilometers).

If you wish to visit Tulcea, you will need no more than a half-day, but if you are short on time, you can skip it from your complete travel guide to the Danube Delta.

Tulcea KM0

Danube Delta Musem

One of the best places to visit in Tulcea is the Danube Delta Museum, an exciting and informative site for adults and children. The aquarium on the ground floor and the exhibition of stuffed wild birds and animals on the upper floor provide information about the Danube Delta’s flora and fauna. This small museum should take no more than 2 hours to visit.

Address14 Noiembrie Street, No.1

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00, closed on Mondays.

Azizyie Mosque 

The Azizyie Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Romania and a vital prayer place for the region’s Muslim community. What makes this place unique is the beautiful prayer room and the height of the minaret.

Address: 14 Noiembrie Streetonly 200m from the Donau Delta Museum.

St. Nicholas Cathedral

St. Nicholas Cathedral is a beautiful and imposing monument built over a century in Byzantine style on the sites of older churches. It is worth a quick stop for a moment of silence.

Danube Promenade

It is not something to include in this complete guide to the Danube Delta, but if you’ve made it to Tulcea, head to the Danube Promenade. Go for a walk along the promenade and pass the old churches, the Heroes Monument, and the old buildings dating back to the communist era.

Getting from Tulcea to Sulina

Take the speed boat or ferry from Tulcea to Sulina, where the Danube River flows into the Black Sea. You can stay for a couple of hours in Sulina, spend some time in the sun, and return later in the afternoon. Or you can stay for more days in Sulina and take day trips into the Delta from there.

Tulcea – Sulina, by speed boat, only 1 hour 15 minutes, 60Ron/adult. For reservations, departing hours, and prices, read more here.

Tulcea – Sulina, by ferry, almost 4 hours. For reservations and departing hours, read more here.

taking the ferry from Tulcea to Sulina

A ferry is a great option to travel between Tulcea and Sulina, but it takes longer than a speed boat.

Where to stay in Tulcea

Tulcea offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers exploring the gateway to the Danube Delta.

For comfort and convenience, Hotel Egreta is a great choice, located centrally with easy access to the city’s main attractions.

Just steps away, Hotel Delta 4 offers modern amenities and beautiful views over the Danube promenade, making it ideal for those who want both relaxation and a scenic setting.

For a more upscale experience, Hotel Esplanada stands out with its elegant design, excellent service, and direct access to the riverbank—perfect for travelers looking to start their Delta adventures in style.

Crisan

The small village of Crisan is 7 kilometers long, with only four guesthouses. It is the best place to relax and enjoy the silence and the views. Situated on the Sulina arm, it can be reached only by water.

Due to its excellent location, you can spend a few nights in Crisan and go on day boat trips to explore Sulina and Sf. Gheorghe branches. Cross the Danube Delta’s lakes and canals and visit the small villages of Mila 23 and Caraorman.

Where to stay in Crisan

For a high-end retreat, Lebăda Luxury Resort & Spa stands out with its elegant design, full-service spa, swimming pools, and fine dining options—all set within a lush, serene riverside environment.

If you’re looking for a more authentic, locally rooted experience, Pensiunea Crișan provides warm hospitality, traditional cuisine, and modern amenities, making it a favorite among families and nature lovers.

For a more intimate and immersive stay, Stuffino Crișan is a charming guesthouse offering personalized service, cozy rooms, and easy access to kayaking, fishing, and Delta excursions.

going on a boat trip to Crisan in the Danube Delta

Sulina

The Danube Delta joins the Black Sea at Sulina, Romania’s easternmost point. Once a famous meeting point for adventurers and traders, Sulina is now a dozy city. With a population of less than 4,000, the port town can only be reached by water.

There is not much going on here, but you can choose Sulina as a base for day trips. Find a nice and cozy accommodation, explore the Danube Delta, lay in the sun at the Black Sea, and indulge in some traditional cuisine.

Don’t be shocked if you see a few cars in Sulina; most are used as taxis, driving tourists between the beach and the promenade, which is a reasonably 2.5-kilometer ride.

Sulina’s Promenade

The speed boats take you directly to Sulina’s promenade, a colorful and vibrant part of the town. You will find many day trip proposals along the promenade, so find one that suits you and go on an adventure. Or relax at one of the many terraces and spoil yourself with a traditional Romanian meal.

The Old Lighthouse

The old Lighthouse, built in 1870, was once situated right near the confluence of the Danube into the Black Sea. The building is a small museum now, far away from the river, proof of the vast land advance.

Sulina Cemetery

On the way to Sulina Beach, you will bump into Sulina Cemetery. Although an exciting place, the cemetery is in poor condition. It is a mix of cultures; that’s why you will find Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish funeral stones.

Sulina Beach

Once you get to the beach, you will find an organized area with lounges, umbrellas, beach bars, and restaurants. If you prefer a wild stretch of beach, walk further, and you will find an empty beach. What better way to relax than laying out in the sun with a good book in your hand, listening to the waves crashing, and watching the seagulls playing around?

an empty beach in Sulina in the Danube Delta

Where to stay in Sulina

Marina House is a welcoming guesthouse located right by the Danube River, in the center of Sulina. With comfortable, air-conditioned rooms—some offering private balconies and scenic river views—it’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the Delta. Its convenient location makes it a great starting point for discovering the unique beauty of the Danube Delta and Sulina’s laid-back charm.

Sfântu Gheorghe (St. George)

The village of Sfantu Gheorghe, where the Danube river meets the Black Sea, is only accessible by boat. It is a fishing village with a population of almost 800 people. You can choose Sfantu Gheorghe as a base for your day trips in the Danube Delta, riding down the canals and exploring the sites.

Or spend a perfect holiday on an empty beach, with no one around you, only some begging seagulls. I would highly recommend staying at Green Village, a beautiful resort designed with attention to detail. If you ask me, Sfantu Gheorghe is a place you can’t miss from this travel guide to the Danube Delta.

Cerdacul cu Stuf is a peaceful guesthouse, just a short distance from where the Danube meets the Black Sea. Surrounded by nature, it offers cozy, air-conditioned rooms—some with private balconies overlooking the garden—making it a perfect retreat for those looking to explore the wild beauty of the Danube Delta in comfort.

empty beach in Sfantu Gheorge, in the Danube Delta

The empty beach of Sfantu Gheorghe: such a beautiful place!

Murighiol 

Murighiol is a beautiful small village with beautiful Slavic motifs on most houses. The name translates as “Violet Lake,” coming from the lovely reflection of Murighiol’s lake in the evening. Once a Turkish community, it is now a tourism hub of the Danube Delta.

While many choose Tulcea, Sulina, or Sfantu Gheorghe as a gateway to the Danube Delta, I highly recommend choosing Murighiol. The best part is that you can reach Murighiol by car or by boat. If you wish to kick almost everything from this travel guide to the Danube Delta, Murighiol is the place to start.

There is plenty of accommodation and boat trips to choose from. Murighiol is also connected to the Sfantu Gheorghe branch, canals, and lakes. From Murighiol, you can blend adventure and wildlife with relaxation and comfort.

Where to stay in Murighiol

Pensiunea Bianca offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms, a pool, and tasty local food—perfect for families or groups.

For something more laid-back and close to nature, Casa Chitu is a peaceful guesthouse with a lovely garden and easy access to the lake, ideal for those who enjoy fishing or simply unwinding outdoors.

a wide array of boats in Murighiol in the Danube Delta

Uzlina

Situated on a hill and close to Murighiol, the village of Uzlina was home to a Lipovan fishing community for more than 200 years. Nowadays, besides fishing, Lipovans also deal with tourism. You can enjoy the silence and explore the wonders of the Danube Delta from one of the fancy accommodations. Remember, Uzlina can only be reached by boat.

heading to Uzlina by boat

Mila 23

Home to the Olympic canoe champion Ivan Patzaichin, Mila 23 is one of the most visited villages in the Danube Delta. Reached only by boat, you can spend a couple of days at Mila 23 and take boat trips from here.

The first thing you’ll bump into as soon as you get out of the boat is an honor panel of the Olympic achievements of men and women born and raised in Mila 23.

A visit to Mila 23 takes no more than one hour. First, take a walk around the village and admire the colorful houses, alleys, old boats, and fishing nets.  After strolling around the village, relax at one of the terraces and enjoy a cold drink away from the burning sun.

an abandoned boat on the shore of Mila 23 in the Danube Delta

Caraorman

Caraorman, or “Black Forest,” is an old fishermen’s village, and the only way to reach it is by boat. Ceausescu planned to build a glass company on this sandy establishment, but this never occurred after the revolution in 1989. So, instead, you will witness abandoned residential buildings constructed for the employees.

The only inhabitants of the buildings now are the donkeys. During the summer months, they go upstairs seeking cooler temperatures. Don’t be afraid of them; they’ll happily appear in your selfies in exchange for some treats. You won’t miss the donkeys – they’ll be there to greet you as soon as you disembark from the boat.

You can tour the Caraorman Forest with a local guide if time allows. The four-wheel drive must be prearranged beforehand, so let your boatman or guest house know. In the forest, you can spot 400-year-old oaks that are growing from sand.

abandonded building in Caraorman from the Ceausescu regime

cute donkeys begging for food in Caraorman

Letea Forest 

One of the highlights of this travel guide to the Danube Delta is a trip to Letea Forest (Padurea Letea). Established in 1938, it is the oldest nature reserve in the country. Letea Forest was once completely underwater and was Europe’s northernmost subtropical forest. It is one of the few places in Europe where you can see wild horses. Your visit begins in Letea Village and can be arranged in advance with your guest house, resort, or boatman.

the famous horses from Letea spot from the water

Babadag

The small town of Babadag can be reached by car. There is not much going on, but you can incorporate it into your itinerary if you have plenty of time.

Mosque “Gazi Ali Paşa”

the exterior of Mosque

Gazi Ali Pasa is an old Turkish mosque dated around the 16 century. Although restored and beautiful, there is not much information around, so there is nothing more to do here besides taking some pictures.

Address: Geamiei Street, Babadag

Sari Saltuk Baba Dede Memorial

Sari Saltuk Baba Dede Memorial in Babadag

Around the 12 century, Sari Saltuk asked permission from the Emperor to settle in the area together with the 10,000 Turkish families he was leading. The memorial was built in 1484 in his honor.

Address: Macin Street, Babadag

Enisala

Accessible by car, the old village of Dobrudja is the place to be if you want to escape everything. It is by far my favorite place from this travel guide to the Danube Delta.

Enisala Safari Village

Enisala Safari Village is a beautiful and quiet place to indulge in the beauty of the Danube Delta. If you want a Dobudjan country experience, that’s the place to be.

We spent a few nights at Enisala Safari Village, a place where we could reconnect to nature. We woke up early in the rooster crow and enjoyed a delicious homemade breakfast and a coffee with a fortress view. What we loved the most here were the locals running this accommodation: always kind, with smiles on their faces, ready to help, giving us bits of advice and making us feel at home!

the beautiful colors of enisala safari village

Enisala Homestead Museum

If you want to learn more about the local culture of the Danube Delta (Delta Dunarii), visit the Enisala Homestead Museum. The beautiful small museum includes a house with two rooms, a porch, and a few annexes for animals, utensils, and a kitchen. You will love the blue color of the facade and the traditional Danube Delta reed thatched roof.

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Enisala Homestead Museum, view from outside

Enisala Homestead Museum, the interior

Enisala Fortress

The medieval fortress of Enisala was built between the 13th and 14th centuries on a hill at an altitude of 116 meters. The fort played a commercial and political role, being one of the Black Sea’s best Genovese communities.

It’s worth a visit for its position on top of the hill, which offers lovely views over the valley, Babadag town, and Razim Lake.

TIP. For the best sunset in this complete guide to the Danube Delta, head to Enisala Fortress, as the panorama around this time of the day is gorgeous.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 20:00

Address: 2 kilometers outside the village. You can’t miss it since you will spot it from a distance.

Enisala Fortress in Danube Delta, Romania

Lake Razim

The nearby Razim Lake, named after a Cossack leader, is the largest in the country, with a surface area of 415 square kilometers. It has a maximum measurement of 3,5 meters and small depths of 1,5 – 2 meters. The lake is an essential sweet water reservoir for irrigation and fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. A visit to the lake and the nearby area is something you shouldn’t skip from your complete guide to the Danube Delta.

lonely boat on Lake Razim, Romania

Sarichioi

The beautiful village on Razim Lake is another excellent option when it comes to experiencing the Dobrudjan lifestyle. The place is quiet, laid down, easy to reach by car, and still far from the unleased world. Walk around the sleepy village and cherish the houses painted in blue.

lovers bridge in Sarichioi, Romania

Once here, head to the lakeshore and admire the typical small wooden boats called “Lotca.” Take a moment to indulge in the beauty of the place before walking to the nearby Russian Orthodox church. You will be amazed by the gold domes and the blue exterior, which is very different from other churches in Romania. The village is home to a large community of Lipovans, so if you want to admire their costumes, head to the church for the Sunday morning service.

If you want to stay in Sarichioi, I highly recommend Casa Filip, which is a few steps from Lake Razim. For a memorable and authentic stay, it is definitely a go-to!

the gorgeous blue Orthodox Church of Sarichioi in the Danube Delta

Gura Portitei

Another hidden gem of the Danube Delta is the Gura Portitei village, where the Danube meets the Black Sea. It’s a little piece of heaven, great for relaxation, sunbathing, and taking long walks on the shore. Is one of my favorite places from this complete guide to the Danube Delta.

To reach Gura Portitei, you’ll have to drive to the small village of Jurilovca. From here, embark on a speed boat, and in no more than 30 minutes, you will reach this beautiful place on earth.

Note. Prices for the speed boat at Jurilovca tend to be lower when booked in advance. Ask your host to assist you with booking one. We booked in advance and paid 60 Ron for a return ticket/person. Otherwise, a boatman will approach you, who will charge you more for a return ticket/person. The difference is not huge, so don’t go crazy if you can’t schedule it before. Another thing to keep in mind: you’ll have to let your boatman know the return hour. In case you change your mind about the return hour, ask for his phone number and call him one hour before the scheduled time.

Once you get to Gura Portitei, you’ll bump into the restaurant area. Head to the beach and leave behind the organized beach area.

Overlooking the sea, take it to the right, leave the tent area behind and walk a little bit further. You’ll have an empty beach all to yourselves. Relax, lay in the sun, swim, and do nothing! You will definitely forget about everything here. If you get hungry, return to the restaurant and have a delicious traditional fish dish.

Where to stay in Gura Portitei

Gura Portiei Resort is a hidden gem, perfect if you’re after a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. The resort has cozy cottages by the lake and villas right on the beach, many with private terraces and amazing views. Whether you’re into fishing, kayaking, or just want to chill on the sand under a thatched umbrella, there’s something for everyone. And don’t miss the restaurant—it serves up fresh, local fish dishes that really capture the taste of the Delta.

a seagull at Gura Portitei beach

☂️ TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel is full of surprises, and you never know what might happen. That’s why having proper medical insurance is not just a good idea; it’s vital when you travel.

If you’re looking for travel insurance for your trip to Romania, I highly recommend HEYMONDO, a trusted insurance provider for leisure and business trips, backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads. Their travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, etc. Also, their customer service is very quick and helpful.

The Best Things to Do in The Danube Delta

This complete guide to the Danube Delta shows why this natural wonder is a must-visit destination. From boat tours and wildlife spotting to peaceful villages and untouched landscapes, the Delta offers an unforgettable experience. Take the time to explore, unwind, and reconnect with nature in one of Europe’s last wild frontiers! Now let’s dive into the best things to do in the Danube Delta!

Going in boat tours in the Danube Delta

The main reason to visit the Danube Delta is to take at least one boat tour. You can book through your accommodation, search online for a private guide, or simply head to the harbor and find a boatman willing to take you out.

The boat will carry you through narrow channels and countless lakes, giving you a chance to witness the Delta’s incredible wildlife and landscapes. Don’t forget your binoculars—you’ll want to spot birds, fish, and maybe even a beaver or two!

We arranged our tours through our accommodation, which I found to be the easiest option. Finding a boatman who knows the routes well and is willing to follow your wishes can be tricky. At first, we had a bit of trouble communicating our plans, but once our boatman understood what we wanted, everything went smoothly. Bringing a map helped a lot, and together with his suggestions, we planned two unforgettable day trips.

We used Murighiol as our starting point for both trips. Each day on the water lasted nearly 10 hours, covering over 150 kilometers. Our group of four paid around €250 per day for the boat. It might sound pricey, but it was worth every cent to explore hidden gems and soak in the Delta’s beauty.

While exploring on your own is rewarding, this complete guide to the Danube Delta wouldn’t be complete without recommending two popular boat trips through the Water Lily Reserve:

The daytime tour lets you float peacefully among the blooming water lilies, with plenty of chances to spot pelicans, herons, and other wildlife.

Then there’s the sunset tour, which adds a whole new vibe as the sky turns golden and the calm waters reflect the colors of the setting sun. Both are great ways to relax, enjoy nature, and see why the Delta is such a special place.

view from our boat ride in the Danube Delta

Bring your binoculars and discover life in its most beautiful form.

Fishing in the Danube Delta

The second purpose of visiting the Danube Delta is fishing, which is practiced all year round (except the 60-day prohibition period). The Danube Delta is home to more than 160 species of saltwater and fresh fish. There are 30 areas where fishing is allowed in the Danube Delta, and the best places are the Crisan Channel, Vatafu Channel, Olguta Channel, and Fortuna Lake.

men fishing in the Danube Delta

Birdwatching in the Danube Delta

Plan a day of birdwatching in the Danube Delta, one of the most important wetlands in the world. With a private guide, you can depart at a convenient time and cruise the channels at your own pace. You’ll have maybe the chance to spot the pygmy cormorant, egret, red-breasted goose or pelican.

Read more about this guided birdwatching day trip to the Danube Delta HERE.

Touring a winery while in the Daube Delta area

No visit to the Danube Delta is complete without touring one of the few wineries of the region: Macin, Niculitel, or La Sapata. The Dobrudja region is characterized by a lot of sunshine and low rainfall. Try some autochthonous wine varieties such as Fetească Alba, Feteasca Neagra, or Feteasca Regala.

Hiking the Macin Mountains

Hiking the oldest mountains in Romania, a mix of forest and grassland, is something you can’t miss from this complete guide to the Danube Delta. You will be impressed by a large number of flowers and medicinal plants. While roaming around, you might bump into some turtles, a common thing in Macin Mountains.

view from the Macin Mountains over the lakes in the Danube Delta

Beautiful views from the Macin Mountains.

Discovering the Community of Lippovan Russians  

Lippovan Russians are descendants of the main Russian Orthodox Church, fled from religious persecution in the 18th century, and settled in Dobrudja and Eastern Muntenia.

If you want to meet them and see their colorful traditional costumes, head to the church for the Sunday morning service.

On our last night at Enisala Village, our host surprised us by inviting some Lipovan Russians from Sarichioi to entertain us. It was a pleasant surprise since we had never listened to this kind of music.

Lippovan Russians performing on a beautiful evening

A Complete Guide to The Danube Delta – Our Itinerary

Day 1. Touring Enisala, Sarichioi and Babadag

We woke up late on our first day in the Danube Delta as the weather didn’t seem promising. Our base camp was Enisala Safari Village, a beautiful, quiet place. After pampering ourselves with a delicious homemade breakfast, we wrote down some ideas. With the help of a good cup of coffee, the four of us made a pretty good plan for the days to come.

We started our day with a visit to the Enisala Fortress and enjoyed the views from above.

Another highlight of Enisala was Enisala Homestead Musem, a real surprise as we didn’t expect to see so many exhibits.

For lunch, we headed to Babadag. The town doesn’t offer much, but a good meal was more than welcome. We made a quick stop at the Mosque “Gazi Ali Paşa” and  “Sari Saltuk” memorial.

After that, we drove to Sarichioi and spent some time on the shore of Razim Lake.

boats on Razim Lake, Romania

We walked a little bit through the village, visited the nearby church, and got a sneak peek inside the “Casa Filip” homestay. Although not a place to visit, we got permission to get inside and see the interior. We even got up in the tower to snap a pic of the village from above.

We ended our first day embraced by silence and washed down a delicious fish and “mamaliga” dish accompanied by a glass of red wine from Dobrudja, witnessing the most beautiful sunset!

sunset from Enisala Village, Romania

Day 2. Boat Ride: Murighiol – Uzlina – Isac Lake – Litcov Chanel -Ciamurlia Chanel – Crisan – Sulina Branch – Sulina – Murighiol 

We woke up early this morning, and the host was kind enough to pack some sandwiches for us. After a 45-minute drive, we reached Murighiol, where we met our boatman. After a quick brainstorming session, we left the shore. We spent the day on a private boat looking around, admiring nature, birdwatching, exclaiming every time we saw cormorants, pelicans, egrets, swans, bitterns, and many more.

We spotted many pelicans on Lake Isac and cruised through the Danube Delta channels until we reached the Sulina Branch and, last, Sulina village. After so many hours spent on the boat, the walk to the beach was more than welcome. We had a delicious lunch at one of the terraces along the promenade. After the little retrain, we got to the boat and returned from Sulina straight to Murighiol.

spotting pelicans on Lake Isac in the Danube Delta 

Day 3. Leisure Time at Gura Portitei

Our third day was a day spent at the beach. We prearranged a boat to take us to Gura Portitei from Jurilovca in the morning, and in no more than 30 minutes, we reached the shore. We left behind the assigned area for umbrellas and lounges, passed by the few tents, and found a secluded spot only for the four of us.

It was truly incredible to find a beautiful private beach away from everything. We picked up shelves, swam, and relaxed all day long. Before our embarking time, we pampered ourselves with a delicious fish meal and a cold drink.

collecting shells at Gura Portitei, Romania

Picking up shells and relaxing all day long at Gura Portitei beach.

Once at Enisala, we hiked to Ensiala Fortress to witness the sunset over the valley.

sunset from Enisala Fortress

Beautiful views over the valley at sunset from Enisala Fortress.

Day 4. Boat Trip: Murighiol – Isac Lake – Obretinu Mic Lake – Crisan – Dunarea Veche – Mila 23 – Caraorman Chanel – Caraorman – Puiu Lake – Erenciuc Lake – Caraorman Chanel – Caraorman – Sfantu Gheorghe – Sfantu Gheorghe Branch – Murighiol 

We woke up early once again and drove to Murighiol to meet our boatman. This day was sunnier and warmer, so we couldn’t wait to navigate different channels, see new places, and recognize more birds.

The boatman guided the boat through many narrow channels and passed various lakes, and we had the chance to see many pelicans, swans, marsh harriers, and many more.

We toured Mila 23 and embraced the beauty of the village. After that, we visited Caraorman village and took plenty of photos with the donkeys.

Our last stop was at Sfantu Gheorghe village, the oldest inhabited area in the Danube Delta. The beach was mostly deserted, so we had a beach all to ourselves.

a beautiful pelican family on the shores of Isac Lake

we spotted a beautiful egret on our boat ride through the narrow channels

Day 5. Visiting Tulcea and spending some time at the beach in Sulina

On our fifth day, we decided to drive to Tulcea and spend some time here. The town didn’t have much to offer, but still enough to cover a few hours of our spare time. After that, we embarked on a speed boat to Sulina, where we spent some leisure time at the beach.

girl picking shells at the beach

A Complete Guide to The Danube Delta. Interactive Map – Points of Interest

Underneath, you’ll find a customized map that includes the locations you will visit during this hike. Just open up this article on your phone and click on the frame in the upper right corner of this map. The Google Maps app will open, and you can check all the details. I hope it helps!

Romania Travel Tips

Rent a car

The easiest way to discover Romania area is to rent a car. All destinations are easy to access with a rental car, and having your own car is also the smoothest way to travel between cities and mountain villages. Check out the best rental deals HERE.

Organized tours

On the other hand, traveling in Romania is easy when you choose organized tours. You can get great prices when you book in advance. Check out the best tours HERE.

Secure your travel insurance for your trip

We never leave home without travel insurance designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong. If you’re still on the lookout for travel insurance for your trip to Romania, I highly recommend HEYMONDO, a trusted insurance provider for leisure and business trips, backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads. Their travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations and much more.

Get an eSIM before the trip

Staying connected abroad is essential, but relying on your home data plan or hunting for local SIM cards can be a hassle. An eSIM makes it easy—you buy and install it on your phone before you go, then activate it when you land. No waiting in lines or searching for Wi-Fi to book a taxi.

For me, having an eSIM was a total game changer. It’s quick, no physical SIM needed, no long contracts, and you can top up anytime through an app. Traveling just got a whole lot simpler!

Find the best data plan for Romania HERE.

Take a look at my other travel guides about Romania

6 DAY TRIPS FROM BRASOV

MOLDOVEANU PEAK, ONE DAY HIKE FROM BALEA LAKE

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN RASNOV

THE PERFECT 2 DAYS IN SIBIU ITINERARY FOR FIRST TIMERS

THE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN ROMANIA YOU NEED TO VISIT

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A complete guide to the Danube Delta: things to do and places to visit