A Sanctuary of Delta Biodiversity
Being surrounded by the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Sulina is a paradise for nature lovers:
- The Pelikan Colonies (see more): Just a boat ride away, you can witness one of the largest colonies of Great White Pelicans in Europe.
- Wild Horses of Letea (see more): Nearby, the Letea Forest—the northernmost subtropical forest in Europe—is home to wild horses that roam free among 500-year-old oaks.
- The Marine Belt: The beaches of Sulina are some of the wildest in Romania, with fine sand and shallow waters where dolphins are often spotted playing near the shore.
- Flora: The area is famous for its floating water lilies (white and yellow) and the rare carnivorous plant, the Common Bladderwort.
Aerial view of Sulina, Romania, during winter.
Sulina’s history is written in its famous Maritime Cemetery. Among the graves of royalty and sailors, there is a unique tomb belonging to Ghiorghios Kontoguris, the only "Pirate" officially buried in Europe.
Legend says he was a master of deception who lured ships onto the sandbanks to loot them. Local lore tells that even today, the skull and crossbones on his tombstone are a warning. It is said that those who visit his grave at night might hear the clinking of gold coins or see a mysterious light guiding "ghost ships" toward the Sulina mouth.
A nice video which present Sulina:
Landmarks of a Golden Era
The Old Lighthouse: Standing as a witness to the 19th-century European Commission of the Danube, the lighthouse now serves as a museum.
The "European" Beach: A vast, quiet stretch of sand where the water is surprisingly fresh due to the Danube's influence.
FAQ: Exploring Sulina
1. How do I get to Sulina? There are no roads leading to Sulina. You can only reach it by water, taking a passenger ship or a fast boat from the city of Tulcea. The trip takes between 1.5 to 3 hours.
2. Can I see the wild horses in Sulina? The horses live in the Letea Forest, which is a short boat trip from Sulina. Tours are available, but remember: wild animals are unpredictable. Never try to approach or pet the horses; observe them from a safe distance.
3. Is Sulina a good place for birdwatching? It is one of the best in the world. The best times are during spring and autumn migrations, when thousands of species pass through the Delta.
4. Where does the Danube actually meet the Sea? You can take a boat to the "Musura Bay" or the very end of the Sulina Channel to see the "clash" of the two waters—the brown, sediment-rich river water and the deep blue sea.
