About the Romanian Black Sea Coast

Have you ever been to the Romanian seaside? If not, the following notes may encourage you to do so. If yes, they may be a good reason for you to come back. Anyway, as you may know, Romania will "host" the last total solar eclipse of this century on 11th August 1999 and the Romanian Black Sea coast is among the best locations to observe this uncommon astronomic phenomenon.
But Dobrudja and its access to the Black Sea may arouse visitors' interest and make them enjoy their stay there any other time of the year due to its unique mixture of natural sights and historic attractions. For in the area a pleasant surprise is to discover traditional villages and rural civilization not far from modern seaports, vineyards, orchards, ancient monuments and remnants along with a whole network of modern holiday resorts situated along the Romanian shore of the Black Sea. Warmed up by the sun all summer long, that is from May until September, the sea which has been called for centuries Pontus Euxinus or the Hospitable Sea is still there, awaiting for visitors to come and have a good time.
The main urban settlement of the area is Constanta, a seaport to the Black Sea and one of the most important cities of Romania, situated in the south-east of the country. Constanta, with its charter flights during the summer, is also accessible by road, by railway or by water. It is a lively city where one will find it worthwhile to spend a few days and learn about a glorious ancient past, or simply about day-to-day life in a Romanian trade and tourism destination.
Some 10 main resorts of the Romanian Black Sea shore are stringing southwards along the coast, while Mamaia lies a few thousand metres north to Constanta. Romanian Sea resorts rank among the very few beaches in Europe which can offer all day long sunlight. Romanian beaches are sloping gently under the waters of the sea, thus allowing sea-bathing and walking on the sea. The sand beaches are generally natural ones, 400-500 m wide at Mangalia and Techirghiol, and 50-200 m wide on the rest of the littoral. But beaches are not the only assets of the Black Sea coast. By storing it, the Black Sea influences the thermal aspect of local seasons along the coast, resulting in comparatively longer summers and mild autumns. The healing mud used in treatments is of a high therapeutic value. Last but not least, this entire complex of water, sand, air and sun is a beneficial one, with significant results in thalassotherapy and psamotherapy, which most often would work miracles for those come to restore their health. But medical therapy is not the only reason one may find to visit Romanian seaside resorts: they also provide a wide range of possibilities for leisure tourism, including tennis and miniature golf, bowling, riding horses or scooters. Leisure facilities of the Romanian resorts are mainly attractive for family tourism though Neptun and Olimp for instance are much appreciated for their lively nightlife in clubs, bars, taverns and discos. Between these two "extremes", youngsters will always prefer Costinesti, a youth "planet" with its own games, shows, contests and ways of entertainment