Dobruja: the edge of the Danube Delta
Granite hills, the delta towns of Tulcea and Murighiol, lagoon fortresses and Greek ruins on the way to Constanța.
- Distance
- 239 km (149 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 18 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Romania
- Updated
- June 16, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 239 km (149 mi) with 8 stops, from Măcin Mountains to Constanța Casino. About 3 h 18 min of driving in total.
Route description
Cross the Danube on the new bridge at Brăila and start in the Măcin Mountains, low granite ridges above the steppe with short trails and birds of prey overhead. The DN22 then runs east to Tulcea, the main gateway to the Danube Delta.
Boats from Tulcea and from Murighiol, near the end of the road on the Sfântu Gheorghe arm, take you into the channels and lakes for pelicans, herons and cormorants. Morning trips are best; take insect repellent and sun protection.
Heading south, the ruins of Enisala look out over Lake Razim, and at Jurilovca boats leave for the remote beach of Gura Portiței. The lagoon villages are home to Lipovan fishermen, and fish soup is on every menu.
Histria, the oldest Greek colony on this coast, stands among the reeds of Lake Sinoe. End in Constanța, with its restored seafront casino and Roman mosaic, or continue to the beaches further south. The delta is at its best in May, June and September; some side roads are gravel.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Măcin Mountains
NatureGreci, RomaniaSome of the oldest mountains in Europe, worn down to bare granite ridges above the steppe. Short marked trails leave from the national park visitor centre near Greci.
- 255 km
Tulcea
Romania - 340 km
Murighiol
Romania - 438 km
Enisala Fortress
HistoryEnisala, RomaniaA medieval fortress on a limestone hill overlooking Lake Razim and the reed beds towards the sea. Especially good at sunset.
- 517 km
Jurilovca
Romania - 632 km
Histria Citadel
HistoryIstria, RomaniaThe oldest Greek city on Romania’s coast, founded in the 7th century BC and now in ruins on the shore of Lake Sinoe. A small museum explains the site.
- 754 km
Constanța
Romania - 82 km
Constanța Casino
HistoryConstanța, RomaniaAn Art Nouveau casino on the seafront promenade of Constanța’s old town, restored after decades of decay. Walk on to the Genoese lighthouse and the Roman mosaic.
