Overview

Constanta is Romania’s largest Black Sea Port and one of the largest cities in the country and the second most important. A beautiful coastal tourist destination with warm summers and popular beaches for soaking up the sand, sea, and sunshine.

The city dates back over 2,500 years when it was founded by the Greeks as a quaint fishing village called Tomis. Constanta’s long and interesting history captivates its visitors with historic buildings, churches, mosques, the charming Old Town, and the ancient port and marina. Legend has it that Jason and the Argonauts visited Constanta after finding the Golden Fleece.

The famous Roman poet Ovid was banished to Constanta in 8 AD where he spent the last years of his life after allegedly writing poetry that was too racy. Ovid remains the city’s most famed resident with a large statue of him set in the heart of the city.

Constanta is Romania’s gateway to the seaside resorts and a great destination for summer vacations with a sparkling coastline with luxury resorts, spas, healing sapropelic mud, beautiful beaches, and beachside restaurants and bars. The city is also a great place to experience a Danube River Cruise as many of these cruises depart from the popular port city.

Things to see and do

Constanta is filled with archeological treasures such as historical monuments, ancient ruins, the Grand Casino, churches, mosques, and fascinating museums. There are also many modern-day attractions to visit such as the aquarium, and massive shopping malls.

See the statue of Ovid, the famous Roman poet erected in 1887 in the heart of a city square. Ovid was banished to Constanta (then Tomis) in 9 AD by Augustus for obscure reasons, he died in the city in 17 AD and was the most famed resident in the city. He wrote Tristia in Tomis.

The Roman Mosaic Edifice was undertaken by utility workers in 1959 in Ovidiu Square and led to the discovery of one of the most important monuments of ancient Tomis. The complex is located on the western shore built in three terraces connecting the city and the ancient port. The building is monumental with over 2,000 square meters of mosaic erected during the 4th century AD.

The city of Constanta is packed with fascinating museums some of which include The National Museum of History and Archeology with an impressive collection from the Greek and Roman antiquity. The Popular Art Museum, The Navy’s Museum, The Sea’s Museum with the Genovese Lighthouse, The Ion Jalea Sculpture Museum showcasing more than 120 donated works in bronze and plaster by Jalea to his hometown, and The Natural Sciences Museum Complex.

The Great Mosque in Constanta is situated close to Ovidiu Square, it was the first building in the city made of concrete in 1910. The mosque was a gift from King Carol I to the local Muslim community, built in Moorish style in honor of Sultan Mohamad II.

The Aquatic Entertainment Complex is located at the entrance to Mamaia resort. The largest aquatic park in the country featuring a lazy artificial river, pools, waterfalls, beach area, bar, restaurant, toboggans, and 14 other attractions intended for children.

Spas in Constanta are very popular and some of the best in the country and very affordable. Zenith Spa is located in Mamaia at the Zenith Hotel, a very luxurious establishment with many spa treatments available, many using the healing sapropelic mud the area is known for. Aslan Health Spa in Ana hotels in Eforie Nord is another wonderful spa.

The Old Casino and its surrounding promenade opened in 1911 built in the Art Nouveau style by two architects. The building is in a state of disrepair nowadays, but can still be visited for free, an amazing experience and a great piece of architecture in the city.

A Danube Delta cruise, the Danube Delta is the second-largest biosphere in Europe. Some boats take passengers straight from Constanta to Sulina in the Danube Delta. A cruise on the delta will take 2-3 days and gives passengers a spectacular experience of nature and stunning scenery.

The Dolphinarium in Constanta is an interesting place for the entire family to visit. There are some great performances by trained dolphins daily, and the visitors center offers the opportunity to swim with the dolphins, make some memorable experiences, and great photo opportunities. There is a small zoo on site where horses, zebras, mountain sheep, and deer can be seen.

Beaches

Beaches in Constanta are what make the city a famous summer destination for many travelers. Nestled right along the stunning Black Sea Coastline the city features fabulous resort towns like Mamaia and Eforie Nord, some of the country’s most popular seaside holiday destinations.

Sunbathe on Constanta’s large Modern Beach nestled right in the middle of the city, close to the modern Marina. The waters are shallow so the beach is well suited for children who can safely play in the waters. Mamaia is north of Constanta and consists of around 4 miles of endless white sand, lapped by the Black Sea. The beachfront is brimming with hotels, resorts, restaurants, clubs, bars, and endless activities and entertainment.

Tuzla Beach can only be reached by car, an idyllic serene strip of sand that is unspoiled and much less crowded than the other well-known beach destinations. There are rocks on the beach and light sand with tranquil turquoise waters. The Dakini Festival, a psychedelic music festival is held here annually.

Vama Veche is south of Constanta close to the Bulgarian border. A hippie, bohemian beach village on the Romanian Coast where camping is still hip.

Shopping

There are several shopping opportunities to discover in Constanta including the downtown street of Stefan cel Mare where many shopping centers are located, including the Tomis Mall and the new, modern, large City Park Mall in Tabacarie park. The downtown streets also include many interesting antique shops where original souvenirs can be picked up. Constanta features a wonderful farmer’s market offering some of the freshest produce from the region, there are also some delectable delicacies on offer including homemade cheeses, sausages, jams, and homemade wines. There are many interesting shops dotted along the water with many beautiful shops selling amber products, jewelry, and unique souvenirs. There are some high-class workshops and local artisans that make custom souvenirs out of amber including pictures lined with ornamental stones.

Food and Nightlife

The traditional cuisine in Constanta is mainly based on fresh fish and seafood with great fresh produce from around the region. The major port city brings in all kinds of fresh fish daily as well as mollusks, and crustaceans caught in the Red Sea. Menus in the city include delicious fish soups, grilled seafood, mussels, squid rings, and shrimp. Many of the local authentic restaurants serve up delicious roast lamb and pork as well as chicken dishes. A Constanta salad is a delicious choice offered in many restaurants made with potatoes, green beans, celery, tomatoes, and salami. The dressing is made from meat broth, mustard, vinegar, onion, salt, and pepper. Some of the city’s most popular restaurants reside along the waterfront with relaxing atmospheres, outdoor dining, and breathtaking views.

There are many food carts or stalls in the city selling kebabs and shawarma that are cheap and delicious served with salads, and french fries, great for a snack.

Fans of Italian cuisine will not be disappointed in Constanta, there are some excellent Italian restaurants for fans of pasta and risotto. Marco Polo Restaurant offers an excellent selection of Italian food and is a beautiful place. The restaurant features a new dish every week for a unique dining experience.

Constanta is a very popular party destination with colorful beach bars and waterfront restaurants to bustling bars and nightclubs. Tan Tan Beach is located directly on Mamaia beach where the party’s start early in the day with a bar to chill at and sip on cocktails, sand beds on the beach to stretch out and soak up the sand, sea, and sun. Acola Bar in Vama Veche is a vibrantly decorated bar playing some old-school rock and pop with a slight hippy scene. Cafe Del Mar in Mamaia features mainstream pop music and a big party daily. Mindfluid Breeze is a lounge bar above Modern Beach serving delicious drinks with music and a great relaxing atmosphere.

Culture and Festivals

The picturesque city of Constanta, a unique destination with some great interests including festivals and events held throughout the year. Romanians celebrate their ancient heritage, religious holidays, changing seasons, and life cycle events, such as marriage, birth, and death through festivals that have been around for centuries. Visitors can enjoy the wonderful experiences these festivals provide, the summer months are some of the most popular months filled with events and festivals in Constanta and surrounding areas.

The Traditional Crafts Fair - June - Bucharest

Rocanotherworld - June - Music, art, and gastronomy festival since 2016 to celebrate the life and spirit of loan Dan Niculescu, also know as Roca.

Sighisoara Festival of Medieval Arts and Crafts - July - A three-day festival of medieval arts, crafts, music that recreates the atmosphere of medieval Sighisoara.

The Maidens’ Fair (Targul de Fete) - July - A century-old matchmaking festival where the villagers dress in traditional costumes and walk up Gaina Mountain Plateau with traditional music, dancing, feasting, and finding amate.

Electric Castle - July - A music festival in Cluj annually at Banffy Castle in Transylvania combines different styles of music including rock, reggae, trap, hip hop, electronic music, and indie.

VSLO Visual Arts Festival - Summer - Many festivals and open-air parties held on the beaches of Vama Veche

Stufstock Festival - Summer - Vama Veche beach

Sunset Festival - Summer - Vama Veche beach

Sambra Oilor - September - A festival marking the return of the sheep herds from the mountains.

Wine Making Festival - October - Celebration marking the beginning of grape harvest.

Halloween in Transylvania - October - Held in castles around the country with shows and parties related to Bram Stoker’s novel character Count Dracula.

Christmas Markets - December - Charming Christmas markets held in cities across the country.

The city offers pottery workshops combined with specialized shops where visitors can purchase beautiful dishes, vases, flowerpots, and souvenirs made of clay. Pottery was once a widespread art in Constanta and a livelihood for the locals and has now come back in fashion with pottery studios all over the city and visitors can take master classes.