They say the Danube Delta is the supreme gift that the Danube River could have given to the land just before pouring its waters into the Black Sea. And they couldn’t have said it better. It is indeed a unique and amazing wildlife area found no place else in the world, one of the largest bio-diversities and most of all a true natural paradise to discover, love and respect.
How to get there?
Situated in the east of Romania, in Dobrogea region, the Danube Delta is the youngest land and the only delta in Europe. Here the Danube River divides into three arms: Chilia, Sulina and Sfantu Gheorghe. Te largest town at the entrance of the delta is Tulcea. From here, there are ferry services into the delta, on the entire net of channels, brooks and lakes, which take about four or five hours, depending on the location.
- Danube DeltaCameliaTWU / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
You can either continue boating or have a rest on one of the villages you encounter, like Mila 23, Crisan or Chilia Veche. The locals will be more than happy to have you as a guest and they will gladly show you around, take you fishing or even cook you special meals from the traditional cuisine, all based on fish (fish borsch, grilled fish with garlic, fish meatballs and other delicious dishes). At the end of the meal you can enjoy a glass of the well known local wine from Niculitel.
What to expect?
The Danube Delta is the fifth largest delta in the world and the best preserved one, which makes it a land of great scientific interest. The travelling here is made via boats and ferries on the channels, from which you can admire the hundreds of species of birds and plants, some of them unique in the world. Although the land offers a great variety of animals and plants (over 1200 species), the thing that the Danube Delta is mostly know for is that it is an amazing bird paradise.
Over 300 species of birds call this stunning place their home, offering birdwatchers an unforgettable unique sight. 80% of the world’s common pelicans are found here. Cormorants, aigrettes, summer swans, storks and hundreds of other species of birds can be effortlessly seen in their natural habitat. In the waters live around 100 species of fish, including the Danube herring and the sturgeon (known for its famous caviar).
What to do there?
Imagine yourself floating on a boat on the river’s calm waves, with trees and bushes on each side, islets of floating reed from place to place mirroring in the river, the sweet sound of water lopping, birds flying in the sky – some small and colorful, others tall and gallant, resting their wings on an old stub or even snatching a fish right from the water, blocks of fish swimming right beneath you and the light blue sky above. What more could you want?
- Danube riverErvÃn PospÃÅ¡il / Foter / CC BY-SA
A spectacular yet fragile land will accompany you whatever you choose to do: bird watching, fishing, photography, water sports or taking part in local customs. In the end it all comes down to the astonishing and unique landscapes you encounter that will make you stand dazed in front of nature’s mastery.
Where to start planning your holiday?
If you want to spend an amazing holiday in Danube Delta, then a good place to start planning your trip is on Holidays Romania. You will find there maps, useful articles, accommodation and information.
