• Boat Tour Around The Port Of Mangalia

    Boat Tour Around The Port Of Mangalia

    Mangalia is a charming seaside town located on the southern coast of Romania, right by the Black Sea. This small town is popular in the summer because it offers a mix of beautiful beaches where you can relax, swim, or just enjoy the sun. The waters of the Black Sea are usually calm and warm during the summer, making it perfect for a day by the sea.

    Port of Mangalia

    Mangalia is also known for its marina and shipyard. The marina is a small but vibrant port where you can see various boats and yachts. It’s a great place to take a walk and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. The shipyard is another interesting spot, especially if you’re lucky enough to see some of the massive ships that are built or repaired there. These ships often travel across the world’s oceans, and seeing them up close is a memorable experience.

    In order to see the Mangalia Port, you can take a boat ride from the tourist port of Mangalia, where you can easily find boats ready and waiting to take you on a scenic journey. These tours typically last over 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the experience. The best part is that tickets are quite affordable, making it a great option for anyone looking to explore the area by water. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend some time or simply want to see the sights from a different perspective, these boat tours are a perfect choice.

    Old lighthouse in Mangalia Port.
    An older lighthouse in the port.
    Lighthouse in Mangalia during sunset.
    Another lighthouse in the port of Mangalia.
    Large port cranes in the port.
    Large cranes in the docks.
    Various cranes.
    Various cranes.

    The highlight of these tours is visiting the shipyard in Mangalia. If you’re lucky, you might spot some massive ships that travel across the world’s oceans. During our boat tour around the port, we got really close to two of these large ships docked at the shipyard.

    Large oil tanker docked in the shipyard.
    Large oil tanker next to the shipyard.

    After passing the second ship, I noticed another one docked a bit further away. Unfortunately, the captain decided it was time to head back, so I could only take a few distant photos of that ship and the beautiful sunset. It was my first time seeing such enormous man-made structures up close, and the experience was truly unforgettable.

    Another large ship docked in the shipyard.
    Another large ship near the shipyard.
    Oil tanker.
    The same oil tanker as above but from a different view.
    Small fishing boats close to the shipyard in Mangalia.
    Small fishing boats.
    The Mangalia Marina at sunset.
    The Mangalia Marina during sunset.

    Before we returned to our starting point, our boat sailed right past the Mangalia Marina. This marina is relatively small compared to others, but it has a charming and cozy feel. At that time, the port was filled with many smaller boats, all neatly docked. The sight of these boats lined up along the docks added to the picturesque atmosphere of the port. It was a peaceful and pleasant way to end our tour, giving us one last chance to enjoy the beauty of Mangalia from the water.

    Boats and yachts in the marina.
    Boats and small yachts in the marina during sunset.
    The port in Mangalia at dusk.
    A part of the the port at dusk.
  • What to See and Do at Muntele Mic Resort, Romania

    What to See and Do at Muntele Mic Resort, Romania

    Muntele Mic is a mountain resort located in the Retezat-Godeanu Mountains. The highest peak is 1,802 meters, and it is a popular destination for skiing and hiking. After we arrived at the resort, which shares the same name as the mountain, we decided to eat something before we started exploring the area. Close to where we parked our car, we found a nice wooden cabin with a restaurant. Also nearby is the abandoned Sebeș Hotel, which was the most modern building in the resort during the ’90s.

    Things to visit in the resort:

    Not far from Hotel Sebeș, you can find a small wooden church. It’s actually close to the winter resort and the ski lifts. Below the church, there is a larger pine forest.

    If you plan to visit Muntele Mic, you’ll have the chance to see a large cross on top of the mountain once you reach the resort. There is also a road that leads to the cross. Unfortunately, when we were there, some storm clouds were approaching the resort, and we decided not to drive up to the cross. The view is probably much nicer from up there.

    After we explored the Muntele Mic resort for more than an hour, we decided to leave. From the resort, we drove toward the plateau, where I took some landscape photos of the Țarcu Mountains, which were visible from there. Since the weather was warm, I managed to spot a few patches of snow near the peaks. I heard that the highest peak is over 2,000 meters. Overall, the scenery is breathtaking from the plateau. It’s also the perfect place to capture some amazing landscape photos.

    Cabins and hotels in Muntele Mic.
    Muntele Mic resort in the summer.
    Large steel cross above the resort.
    Large cross next to the ski slopes
    Wooden church in Muntele Mic resort.
    A small wooden church in the resort.
    A big dog standing on the roof of a shack.
    A dog resting on the roof of a shack.
    The Țarcu mountains as seen from Muntele Mic.
    The Țarcu Mountains in the background.
    The Țarcu Mountains
    The beautiful landscape as seen from Muntele Mic resort.

    What else can you visit in the area near Muntele Mic?

    Not far from here, you’ll find Poiana Mărului, located down in the valley, not too far from Muntele Mic. The shortest route is a dirt road that starts a bit lower in the valley. Keep in mind that this road is recommended only for 4×4 vehicles.

  • The Old Volcano And The Emerald Lake In Racos

    The Old Volcano And The Emerald Lake In Racos

    About 20 km away from the small city of Rupea you will find the village of Racos which is popular destination because of its captivating natural marvels waiting to be explored. Here, located within close proximity, you’ll encounter an ancient volcanic crater, an enchanting emerald lake, and striking basaltic columns. With their proximity, you can effortlessly explore these wonders within just a few hours, making for a memorable and fulfilling excursion.

    The old volcano (Vulcanul Racos)

    Located in close proximity to the charming village of Racos lies the remarkable remnants of a once-active volcano or vulcanul Racos in Romanian, serving as the nearest attraction to the area.

    Our journey began with a visit to this geological site, situated on the outskirts of the commune. Accessible by vehicle, you can conveniently drive right up to the base of the volcano, providing an excellent starting point for your exploration of the region’s natural wonders.

    As we approached, the imposing presence of the volcano’s crater became increasingly apparent, evoking a sense of awe and curiosity within us.

    Exploring the crater of the former volcano offers a unique chance to see many signs of its active past. As you explore this special place, you’ll find various elements that vividly show its fiery history. One of the most noticeable features is the volcanic ash scattered around, reminding us of the intense geological activity that once happened here.

    Important tip: Stick to the marked paths for visitors to stay safe

    Perched on top of a big hill, the crater gives visitors an amazing view of the wide landscape surrounding the former volcano. From here, you can see stunning views that spread out in all directions, showing the varied geography of the area. The view includes green valleys, rolling hills, and faraway peaks, creating a beautiful scene that goes on as far as you can see. This special perspective lets you see how the volcano fits into the larger natural environment, giving clues about how the land formed over thousands of years. Standing at the edge of the crater, surrounded by peaceful surroundings, you can’t help but feel amazed and respectful of the grand landscape in front of you.

    Large volcano crater in Racos.
    Inside the volcano’s crater.
    Path in the volcano's crater.
    Path in the volcano.
    The landscape from the volcano.
    Black ash and green vegetation.
    Inside the volcano crater from Racos.
    A part of the large crater.
    Crater walls packed with ash.
    Interesting shapes in the crater.

    The emerald lake (Lacul de Smarald)

    Once a busy quarry where basalt was mined, this place has now turned into a beautiful lake with a unique and striking character. Surrounded by tall rock walls that tell the story of its transformation, the lake feels calm and mysterious. Walking down the pathways that lead to the water’s edge, visitors get a close look at the mesmerizing scene.

    What really catches your eye, though, is the amazing green color of the lake’s water—it’s like the most beautiful emeralds hence its name, the emerald lake or lacul de smarald in Romanian. This stunning color makes the landscape even more magical, shining brightly on everything around it. When the sunlight hits the water, it sparkles and shines, making it even more enchanting.

    In this amazing place, you can’t help but get lost in thought, thinking about the wonders of nature and the incredible beauty all around. Whether you’re standing by the water or looking at it from up high, the emerald green lake fills you with wonder and amazement, inviting you to explore and think deeply. This is truly a place where the line between natural and magical blurs, leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to see it.

    Small tree next to the emerald lake.
    Small tree next to the emerald lake.
    Former basaltic quarry with its green lake.
    The lake and some carvings on the steep cliff next to the lake.
    The road inside the former quarry with tourists walking towards the lake.
    Road leading to the lake.

    Other must-see attractions nearby:

    In addition to exploring the wonders of Racos itself, there are several captivating attractions in the surrounding area waiting to be discovered. Here are some notable destinations worth visiting:

    • The Rupea Fortress – Just 20 km away, this well-preserved medieval fortress sits atop a hill and offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a must-see for history enthusiasts!
    • The Transylvanian village of Viscri – explore this wonderful and unique traditional Transylvanian village, including the famous Fortified Church located in the village.
    • The Fortified Church in Saschiz – as you drive towards Sighisoara, right next to the main road, almost in the middle of the village, you will find the old Fortified Church.