This ancient Black Sea port, founded by Greek colonists in 500 BC, has thermal springs and a long sandy beach. Popular Romanian coastal town with mud baths and Roman ruins.
Located at Romania's southernmost point on the Black Sea coast, Mangalia draws visitors to its wide sandy beaches and ancient ruins. You can walk through the excavated streets of the Greek colony Callatis, visit the 16th-century Esmahan Sultan Mosque, or take a healing mud bath at one of the city's specialized medical centers. The nearby modern resorts of Neptune and Venus add water parks and beachfront activities to your options.
Climate and Location
You'll find Mangalia 44 kilometers south of Constanța, at the same latitude as Nice, France. The city has one of Romania's warmest climates, with summer temperatures reaching above 21°C (70°F) and winter temperatures staying mild at around 1°C (34°F). From June through September, you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing with warm sea temperatures and regular sunny days.
Beaches and Wellness
The main beach stretches 600 meters in length and spans between 50 to 150 meters in width. The water stays shallow, reaching only 1 meter deep up to 200 meters from shore. Natural sulfurous springs and mud baths in the area help treat arthritis and rheumatic conditions. At the local medical centers, doctors supervise mud therapy, hydrotherapy, and electrotherapy treatments.
Archaeological Sites
At the Callatis Archeology Museum, you'll see collections of Hellenistic coins, sculptures, and artifacts dating back to the 6th century BC Greek settlement. The Callatis citadel site includes a Roman Byzantine building and its limestone-tiled street. As you explore the excavation site, you'll notice distinct layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilization.
Getting Around and Transportation
Trains run seven times daily between Mangalia and Constanța, starting at 5:30 AM with the last departure at 7:30 PM. Minibuses connect the two cities frequently, with increased service during summer. You can walk across the entire city center, which covers 6,200 hectares, or take local buses to reach the northern resorts. The nearest airport, Mihail Kogălniceanu International, is 70 kilometers away.
Northern Resort Area
Six seaside resorts fall under Mangalia's administration: Cap Aurora, Jupiter, Neptun, Olimp, Saturn, and Venus. During peak season, these resorts accommodate over 50,000 visitors per series. Olimp has quieter beaches, while Jupiter comes alive with bars and clubs at night. Most accommodations put you within walking distance of beaches, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
