At the end of last school year, a group of students from Grade 9 and 10 went on a five-day-long experiential trip to the Danube Delta, a UNESCO protected site renowned for its gorgeous flora and fauna.

Since this area, only accessible by boat, remains largely devoid of tourists, we decided to explore as much of the 3,446 km² of rivers, beach, forest, and small towns as possible. Here’s a quick look at what we did (and what you can do too).

The Activities

Kayaking is very easy to pick up and a perfect sport for Danube’s waveless waters. While gliding along the calm tributaries, you will get to observe the relaxing views and the wildlife of the area. Frogs, water lilies, and cranes are only a few of the many things you can find along the course.

If you’ve lived in the city for most of your life, it will be a refreshing experience to visit the rural village of Sfantul Gheorghe. The streets are filled with a mix of shabby buildings and repainted houses, creating a beautiful scenery. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the unpaved roads, take some pictures, and have a little chat with the locals.

You can also find sandy beaches, a 30-minute walk away from where the Danube meet the Black Sea. Unlike most beaches, the shore is mostly clean and vacant – if anything, you might spot a herd of cows cooling off by the water. Some dogs will tag along (we had three) and make your moment even more enjoyable.

Go on a guided tour of the Caraorman Island for a closer study of the World Heritage Site. The tour consists of a walk through the oak tree forest and the sand dunes, with interesting facts and folklore stories told by the local tour guide. For lunch, you will have a hearty Romanian traditional meal made by a local resident.

*The listed activities were arranged by our accommodation, Green Dolphin.

The Food

Article by Maria A.

Influenced by the nearby rivers and the Black Sea, fish dishes are a cooking staple in the Danube Delta. We were amazed by the wide variety of options, from salata de icre (carp roe spread) to fish-stuffed bell peppers. Below are some of the fish-based appetizers and main courses that we absolutely recommend.

Saramura de știucă is a soup containing grilled or fried pike, tomatoes, roasted peppers, garlic, and onions. This dish is typically eaten with a side of polenta.

Fish mici is made with locally-caught fish instead of lamb or pork (like traditional mici). Surprisingly, it has a firm texture that is very similar to meat. The dish is seasoned with tomato sauce and fried in oil.

Crap la Proțap is a dish specifically from the Drobojea region, composed of oven-baked carp, vegetables, and tomato sauce. To fully enjoy the flavors, it should be eaten when served warm with polenta.

Caras is a type of fish found primarily in the Delta. It is first fried, then boiled with starchy vegetables. Although its size depends on the water it lives in, most are large and packed with flesh.

Tell us: Have you been to the Danube Delta? We’d love to hear what you did (or ate)! Comment below to start a conversation.