Dobrogea is an historic habitat, the territory between the Black Sea and Danube being divided into Romanian and Bulgarian land.

Starting with the 8^th century B.C., Greek ships carrying families of merchants, craftsmen, soldiers and sailors enter the sea they called “Sciti Axaina” (dark blue). In 514, Dobrogea was inhabited by the Getae and Dacians until year 28 B.C. when they are defeated by the Romans. With the division of the Roman Empire in 395, Dobrogea becomes part of the gradually christened Eastern Roman Empire, later to be the Byzantine Empire.

From here on out, endless battles were lost and won. After the year 534, there were repeated invasions until the 7^th century when Bulgarians conquered the south part of Dobrogea. By 917 thought, the region is taken back by the Byzantine Empire. There was also a time when Dobrogea gains independence under the name ”Principatul de la Cărvuna”(The Principate of Carvuna), in 1320/5. Over half of the territory falls under the leadership of the Ottoman Empire in the year 1388, except North Dobrogea which becomes part of the Wallahia – “Tara Romaneasca” (Romanian Land/Country) – when Mircea cel Batran defeated the Grand Vizier. Yet again, the Ottoman Empire reign will last from 1397 to 1404.

And after all those battles out of which we only reminded few, the biggest change started the in 1859 with the union of the two principalities, Moldavia and Wallahia, which had a great impact over the Romanians of Dobrogea.

Today, Dobrogea is a region of high interest, holding the oldest mountains in Romania (Macin Mountains), as well as the Danube Delta, the largest river delta in Europe and the best preserved on the continent. Of course, we cannot forget about the Romanian Black Sea Resorts that start in the north and stretch from Musura Bay (where Danube flows into the Black Sea after crossing the Delta) to the Bulgarian boarder in the South, at Vama Veche.

There are 12 resorts on the Romanian Black Sea shore: Navodari, Mamaia, Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Techirghiol, Costinesti, Olimp, Neptun, Jupiter, Cap Aurora, Venus, Saturn, Mangalia, 2 Mai and Vama Veche, while the biggest city, also considered the capital of Dobrogea, is Constanta.

Dating back from the year 657 B.C., Constanta was founded by a Greek colony under the name Tomis and is the oldest city of Romania. It is also the most important port city on the Romanian Black Sea coast and the second largest Black Sea port in the European Union. The history of the city offers lots of touristic attractions, such as museums, ancient ruins, churches, monasteries and unique nature reserves.

Going north from Constanta, you will reach Mamaia, the largest and the best known Romanian resort. In the old days, there was only a small inshore village of Greek fisherman, Romanian shepherds and Turkish horse breeders. In 1906, construction began in Mamaia as well, and todays main attractions are “Aqua Magic”, a water park with 14 modern water installations and the Gondola which will take you on a 2,1 km route 50m above Mamaia Resort.

Eforie Nord is the second largest resort of the Romanian Black Sea shore, 14km away from Constanta. By its proximity to Techirghiol lake, it is renowned for its special therapeutic mud treatments. The rehabilitation properties of the mud found on the shores of the lake has managed to combine the recreational tourism and the balneary one!

The Romanian Black Sea shore ends at the border with Bulgaria, in Vama Veche. For being a frontier area with limited access, the area wasn’t frequently visited. Towards the end of the ’90, it was known for being a settlement smaller than a village with access to a less populated beach, mostly preferred by nudists. During the years, the tourism has grown here as well, making old connoisseurs ache for the charm and glory of the bohemian fishing town.

After the communist era, May 1^st, for Romanians, has become the start for summer and people are drawn to the Black Sea shore to welcome the sun and start the fun. We invite you all to get an even sun tan on the beaches of our resorts, or learn of the “Dark Ages” in Dobrogeas medieval cities.