If you’re looking for a truly unique destination in Romania, the Danube Delta should be at the top of your list. This vast wetland is not only the second largest river delta in Europe, but also one of the best preserved. Located in the far east of Romania, right on the border with Ukraine, the delta’s labyrinth of waterways empties into the Black Sea.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Danube Delta is often described as a paradise for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking an escape into pristine wilderness. Visiting this region feels like stepping into another world—slower, quieter, and beautifully untouched.
In this blog post I will help you plan the perfect trip, from how to get there to what to see and where to stay.
Getting to the Danube Delta
Most travelers begin their journey in Bucharest, Romania’s capital, before making their way to Tulcea, the gateway to the delta.
By train: A direct train departs from Bucharest to Tulcea daily at 6:10 a.m. (about 6 hours). There are also connections via Medgidia.
By bus: Faster than the train, buses take around 4–4.5 hours and run frequently throughout the day. You can check out the bus timetable here.
By car: You can drive to Tulcea in roughly 4 hours, but keep in mind that exploring the delta itself requires a boat.
From Tulcea, you can also continue by bus to other towns along the delta, like Mahmudia or Murighiol.
Day Trips vs. Longer Stays
If you’re short on time, you’ll find Danube Delta day tours from Bucharest that include boat cruises. While convenient, I wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re absolutely pressed for time—the journey is long, and the delta deserves more than a rushed visit.
Instead, plan at least 2–3 days in the Danube Delta. Several overnight tours from Bucharest include boat rides, local meals, and chances to explore the unique flora and fauna.
Getting Around the Danube Delta
Here’s one of the magical things about the region: the only way to get around is by boat. Think of it as Venice in the wild, but with pelicans instead of gondolas.
Most hotels and guesthouses offer water taxi services from Tulcea or nearby villages like Murighiol. See my hotel recommendations below. Once you’re settled, you can arrange boat excursions to explore hidden lakes, narrow canals, and traditional fishing villages.
Where to Stay in the Danube Delta
Finding the right accommodation is key to enjoying your trip. Whether you want comfort in the heart of the delta or a base in Tulcea, there are options for every style and budget.
Inside the Delta
Hotel Sunrise
Located in Crișan, in the heart of the delta, Hotel Sunrise, Crisan offers accommodation at reasonable prices. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a games room, and free Wi-Fi. They also provide a water taxi service to Tulcea—contact the hotel for more information. For bookings and prices, check out Booking.com.
Green Village Resort
Green Village was my favorite hotel in the area, and I could easily have stayed longer than two nights! The resort is set in a picturesque part of the delta, just a short walk from the Black Sea. It offers an outdoor pool, Wi-Fi, a gym, hot tub, and sauna, and you can even book a massage if you feel like treating yourself.
Green Village also organizes plenty of activities such as boat trips and yoga sessions, and they have kayaks and bicycles available for rent if you want to explore on your own.
To get to Green Village, you’ll need to use their water taxi service from Murighiol. Check their website for the latest schedule and prices. For bookings and rates, you can also check out Booking.com.
Tulcea/Mahmudia
If you decide to stay some nights outside of the delta area, I recommend Tulcea or Mahmudia.
Where to stay in Mahmudia
Hotel Mon Jardin
This 4-star hotel features an outdoor pool, a sun deck, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Located right by the delta, it offers beautiful views of the surrounding nature. For more information and bookings, check out Booking.com.
Where to stay in Tulcea
Hotel Esplanada
This 4-star hotel sits right on the banks of the Danube River, and many of the rooms come with beautiful river views. For more information and bookings, check out Booking.com.
➡️ If you choose to stay only in Tulcea, you can still arrange a trip into the delta. For example, this tour is priced for a group of up to three people, which makes it a convenient option if you’re traveling with friends or family.
Things to Do in Danube Delta
Birdwatching
The Danube Delta is a dream destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. It’s home to the largest colony of pelicans in Europe, and you’ll spot them easily on almost any boat trip. Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture these incredible birds up close! And it’s not just pelicans—the delta is said to host more than 300 bird species, so every outing offers something new to see.
Boat Trips
Obviously, you’ll need a boat just to reach your hotel in the delta, but I really recommend going on a few extra trips as well. There are so many beautiful spots to discover, and it’s incredibly relaxing to sit back in the boat while gliding past water lilies, narrow canals, and flocks of birds. Most hotels can easily arrange boat tours for you, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Letea Forest
Letea Forest is a protected area and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a fascinating place where forest and sand dunes meet, creating a landscape you don’t expect to find in the Danube Delta. Here you might spot wild horses roaming freely, along with unusual plants that thrive in this mix of forest and desert. Seeing the wild horses was definitely a highlight for me—I had no idea they even lived in the delta! To reach Letea, you’ll first take a boat and then pass through small traditional villages that feel frozen in time.
Watching the Sunrises and Sunsets
The sunrises and sunsets in the Danube Delta are absolutely breathtaking. I made a point to catch them every day—either waking up early for the sunrise or ending the day with the sunset—and it was always worth it. These golden hours are perfect for photography, and I came home with some of my favorite shots from the trip. Both Hotel Sunrise and Green Village have amazing spots to watch the sky change colors. If you’re staying at Green Village, you can even take a short walk to the beach in the morning to watch the sun rise over the Black Sea.
The Black Sea
If you’re staying at Green Village, you’ll also have the chance to visit the Black Sea. The resort is just a short walk from the beach, and unlike many other spots along Romania’s coastline, this one feels quiet and secluded. It’s not the most picture-perfect beach—the water isn’t crystal clear or bright blue—but I still really enjoyed walking along the shore and flying my drone there. The best part? I had the entire place to myself.
Why Visit the Danube Delta?
This Danube Delta travel guide wouldn’t be complete without answering this question. What makes this destination special is its sense of timelessness. Life here moves with the river. Villages rely on fishing, reed roofs still cover traditional houses, and silence is broken only by birdsong and the hum of boats.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, photographer, or simply someone craving a unique off-the-beaten-path experience, the Danube Delta offers something unforgettable.
➡️ If you are traveling to Bucharest before or after the Danube Delta, check out my other blog post for some ideas on 25 Things To Do in Bucharest.
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2 comments
They say the most beautiful sunsets are in the Danube Delta and I think that it’s a certainty. I love that you included recommendations for those unfamiliar with the place and you took some very nice pictures.
This article was amazing! Last year, I made a first trip to Romania with a group of close friends. We made a nice trip and we decided to visit Bucharest, Brasov and Sibiu in a rented car. It was sooo beautiful for a first experience. I never ever even think that we could make a quick trip in Danube Delta. From your photos ( which are great by the way ), seems to be a nice and quite place. I will take in consideration this destination next year, when I will return in this country. And I will choose again services for rent a car from Premium Rent ( you can check them here https://www.premiumrent.ro/en ) They are the best and last year we were very happy with the comfort of the car that we had at our disposal for 5 days.