Sitting on the Black Sea shores, Constanţa is known as the gateway to Romania’s beautiful coastline. But it is so much more than that. It is the country’s largest seaport and one of its biggest cities, as well as its oldest continually inhabited settlement, with an appealing mix of architectural heritage. Boasting several spectacular museums, it is also a great place to learn about Romania’s rich history and culture. Soak up the rays on Constanţa’s urban beaches, discover the remnants of its ancient past, take snaps of the city’s iconic Art Nouveau Casino and satisfy your foodie cravings in its excellent restaurants. There are plenty of reasons to hop on a flight to Constanţa and linger for a while before heading further south to the country’s bustling beach resorts.
Awash with history
Constanţa’s roots go far back to the 6th century BC, when Greek settlers founded its ancient predecessor, Tomis. Legend has it that it was also on these very shores that Jason and the Argonauts landed after finding the Golden Fleece. A few hundred years later, the great Roman poet Ovid was exiled here by Emperor Augustus from 8 AD until his death. He remains Constanţa’s most famous resident to this day, with the main square, Piața Ovidiu, dedicated in his honour. And did you know that the city got its current name after Constantine the Great's sister, Constanta? Fast-forward a few centuries, and the Bulgarian Empire took over, followed by the Ottomans. Constanţa became part of Romania in 1878 and soon developed into the flourishing port city and seaside resort it is today. The Casino, its most revered, albeit currently abandoned, building was opened in 1910 and once attracted wealthy visitors from all over Europe, including the Russian Imperial Family in 1914.
Museums galore/h2> The oldest area of Constanţa, called Peninsula, is centred around Piaţa Ovidiu. It is best explored on foot and is home to the majority of the city’s sights and museums. The National History and Archaeological Museum is perhaps the most captivating among them, housing an impressive collection of Greco-Roman sculpture and artefacts, and offering a crash course on Romanian history. Right behind it, a modern glass building harbours colourful 4th-century Roman floor mosaic (Edificiul Roman cu Mozaic), with the remains of the Roman public baths nearby. Hungry for more? Just five minutes away, the city’s Naval History Museum is the largest of its kind in Romania, recounting more than 2000 years of maritime history in the region from ancient times to the 20th century. Expect all sorts of knots, anchors and weapons, and no fewer than 150 ship models. Nothing illustrates the city’s multicultural identity more than the fact that in the Peninsula quarter, there are as many as eight houses of worship for different religions within just one square kilometre. Built in 1910, the Great Mahmudiye Mosque is one of the city’s most beautiful religious buildings, complete with an enormous Persian rug inside and a minaret that offers a view worth climbing the 140 steps for. Pop into the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul on the same street, famous for its lavish interior. Travelling with kids? Don’t miss the Natural Sciences Museum Complex, which is actually more of a zoo than a museum, featuring exhibits on the local flora and fauna, an aquarium and a dolphinarium and lots of exotic birds.
Foodies, rejoice!
Constanţa has some of the best restaurants in the Black Sea region, if not in the whole country. For seafood straight off the boat, make your way to the port area. Enjoy Black Sea fish, mussels and Mediterranean flavours on the lovely terrace of Bacaro Port restaurant, which offers great views over the harbour and the old town. On the other side of the port, Manarola Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is also a solid choice, featuring a wide range of pasta dishes, plenty of fresh seafood and amazing sunset vistas that will make you reach for your camera. Or venture out of the historic quarter to Restaurant Reyna on Strada Pescarilor, and choose from its varied menu starring anchovies, shark, shrimp and mussels. A bit further inland, you’ll be spoilt for choice, too. Want to see what Romanian cuisine is all about? Pizzico Restaurant on Piața Ovidiu goes well beyond pizzas: its extensive menu features international favourites alongside Romanian staples, such as ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup), borș de pește (traditional fish soup) and mititei (grilled ground beef sausages). For fresh produce and local street food, such as hot pretzels and cheese pies, check out the bustling market on Strada Răscoala Din 1907. Ready to mix it up a bit? Nikos Greek Taverna is one of the most popular dining spots in town, serving up traditional Greek dishes, including tasty chicken and pork souvlaki with lashings of tzatziki and crunchy baklava for dessert. Konak Turcesc is another hit with the locals, specialising in Turkish culinary masterpieces, from İskender kebap to the wafer-thin pizza known as lahmacun.
Outdoor terraces and all-night summer parties
Although much quieter than Mamaia, Constanţa has no shortage of bars, pubs and cafés, with many of them setting up terrace seating in warmer months. Barissimo Cocktail Bar on Bulevardul Ferdinand does what it says on the tin, and does it really well, with friendly bartenders helping you pick the cocktail that best suits your mood. If this doesn’t sound like your bag, try one of the city’s lively rock-themed drinking holes, such as Doors Club or Rock Halle, both hosting regular gigs. Itching to go clubbing? In the summer, Mamaia, the party capital of the Romanian coast, just 10km of Constanţa, is certainly the place to be.
From beaches to bird-watching
It is all about the sea in and around Constanţa. Once you’ve tried all the urban beaches the city has to offer, why not rent a car and check out one of the lively seaside resorts nearby? Mamaia is not just the rowdiest among them all but it also boasts a stunning 8km-long beachfront, lined with cafés, restaurants and bars. Neptun is also a great choice for a holiday by the sea, especially for families, offering some of the best beaches in the area and mineral-rich waters thanks to nearby hot springs. If you’re interested in history, don’t miss Ceaușescu’s grandiose seaside villa here either (you can even rent the building these days). Or head further south and embrace your inner hippie in Vama Veche, close to the Bulgarian border. Constanţa also serves as a great base for discovering the northern coastline. If you only have time for one day trip during your Constanţa holiday, make it the UNESCO-protected Danube Delta Nature Reserve. This is where the Danube ends its 2,800-kilometre journey through ten countries and flows into the Black Sea, creating one of the largest wetlands on the planet. The Danube Delta is a constantly evolving natural wonder, teeming with wildlife: there are at least 300 bird species here, including pelicans, cormorants, herons and cuckoos. Take a boat trip among reeds and water lilies for a glimpse into this vast, magical place.
Constanţa airport
Constanţa Airport, or Mihail Kogălniceanu Airport, is located 24 kilometres northwest of the city. Regular public buses will take you to the city centre, or take a taxi or rent a car. The small airport has duty-free and souvenir shops, while dining choices include cafés and a restaurant.
Constanţa weather
Constanţa has a warm, humid subtropical climate, with an average of 23°C in August, the hottest month, and 1°C in January, the coldest month. The best time to visit is from May to mid-autumn. The sea is usually warm enough for swimming between June and early October.
FAQs for booking flights to Constanta
How to get cheap flights to to Constanta?
Use FareFinder to compare fares and discover the cheapest Constanta flights for the next 6 months, helping you to plan ahead and save. Frequent flyers can save even more by joining the Wizz Discount Club, which gives you and your companions access to an instant €10.00 discount on fares from €19.99 and further discounts on checked-in baggage purchased online.
When is the best time to visit Constanta?
The best time to visit Constanta is between July and August, when you can enjoy the warmest weather with temperatures often reaching about 28°C and sometimes soaring up to 32°C. The sunniest month of July is great for beach days, exploring ancient Roman mosaics and visiting the iconic building of the Casino by the Black Sea.
Temperatures in Constanta drop to around -2°C during winter, and with the occasional snowfall, it’s a beautiful but very cold scene for Christmas markets. For the least tourists and great weather, May and September are also good times to visit this city, when the temperature is mild and the landmarks are less crowded.
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