We are halfway though summer and many of us might have already started the holidays. For some of us, summer without the seaside does not make any sense, some of us come from countries that do not have a sea coast, whilst some of us do, but the waters are cold and the beaches are far from ideal for sunbathing. This year, we are continuing our Romanian travels, and, as the season requires, take your swimming suit, because I'm taking you to Mamaia.
Getting past the fact that its name means also 'grandma' in Romanian (don't ask me why, because I haven't got the faintest idea), this is our most famous seaside resort, of course on the Black Sea. It is also the most expensive, but rightfully so, as the standards are also the highest in Romania, for accommodation, food, facilities and entertainment. I've been going there almost every summer since I was a kid, and never regretted once.
Therefore, here are some key facts you should know:
.... To get there from Bucharest, the best way is by car, and it's one of the few routes in Romania which actually has a highway (Yeeeey! Those of you who have been to Romania already will understand my sorrows. :P ). The downside is that sometimes your patience will be tested while trying to find a parking place around the hotel.
... You have a fairly good range of hotels, older and newer, from cheaper ones to luxury ones, and also apartments to rent. There is something for every preference and budget.
... There are several areas in the resort, each of them with its specific traits, for each type of traveller. The northern part is more suitable for families, the central part is for luxury and a vibrant nightlife, whilst the southern part for youngsters, budget travelers and families with children, as it is very close to amusement park Satul de Vacanta (The Holiday Village), which was there ever since I was little. And let me tell you something: when I was about 10, my parents didn't allow me to enter the ghost house. But my payoff is near, I promise! :P
... On the beach, you generally have to rent a chair with umbrella, which costs about 20-30 RON a day (under 5 euros). Make sure you ask for the receipt and keep it. Beaches are sandy, but wild beaches are not an option in Mamaia. If you don't like crowds and organized beaches, then maybe Mamaia is not the place for you. On the other hand, you also have the permanent possibility to buy drinks and snacks from beach bars. So, sip in on your cocktails or frappe', whilst you get some sun tan! ;)
... Food is good, and my favourite places to eat, both in terms of price and quality, are the self service restaurants, which emerged only in the latest years.
.... Water is mostly clean (apart from the seasonal algae) and warm. The sea is agitated only in windy times, and those are the times when you have to be careful of swimming too far from the shore. Also, take into account the lifeguard flags each day.
... Entertainment varies from water sports and biking during the day, trips with the telegondola (funicular cabin with a view to the coast), to beach parties at night. In other words, you cannot get bored!
... For shopaholics, Mamaia offers also a multitude of shops of all types, for all wallets. 'Nuff said! ;)
... Something to be careful with is pickpockets in crowds, and also avoid buying food from beach vendors, as you never know in which conditions it was kept.
Okay, so perhaps it's not some Greek island or southern Italy, but it's Romania's best, and my own sea landscape, since the beginning of time. It transformed accross the years, but so have we. Nevertheless, if you are coming with an open heart, and willingness to relax and have fun, I promise it will be worth it. ;)
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