ANYONE thinking of heading somewhere a little different for their holidays this summer might want to consider a trip to a stretch of Europe that’s been compared to the Amazon.
Despite its moniker, it seems the Danube Delta has flown under the the tourist radar.
Originating in the Black Forest in Germany, the Danube River snakes through 10 countries, including Romania, before it reaches the Black Sea.
Most of the Unesco-stamped nature reserve runs through Romania, with some of its northernmost fringes stretching into Ukraine.
The Danube Delta is the largest area of wetland in Europe, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Spanning 580,000 hectares, the area is a hub for wildlife thanks to its sprawling maze of reed beds, canals, floating islands, marshes, lakes and forests.
The Danube Delta is home to the largest number of fish species in Europe.
Huge amounts of birds are also found in the nature reserve, including Europe’s largest colony of white pelicans.
It is thought that 70 per cent of the world’s pelican population flock to the Danube Delta in the summer months.
Other animals can also be found in Europe’s answer to the Amazon, including wild horses, beavers and golden jackals.
Several other animal species are making a return to the huge area of wetland thanks to Rewilding Europe – an organisation dedicated to wildlife conservation.
Last year, seven water buffalo were located on the Ermakov Islands in the Danube Delta as part of the project.
Despite being an area of significant environmental importance, holidaymakers can respectfully visit the Danube Delta.
Travel company Wild Travel operates slow boat excursions along the river.
The leisurely, noiseless, journeys give visitors the time to admire the splendour of the Danube Delta.
Each of the boats comes equipped with a spacious outdoor terrace and a wooden dark.
During the tour, a professional guide will be able to provide visitors with pieces of key information, including the species of animals they’re spotting.
Tourists will need to apply for a permit to visit the Danube Delta, with one-day tickets costing just 5 RON (85p) per person.
Slow boat excursions start from €50 per person for a one-day tour, with lunch served onboard.
The Danube Delta has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with one person saying: “[It’s] one of my favourite places in Romania.”
Someone else wrote: “We had a four-day stay in the Delta and I didn’t want to leave.
“It seemed entirely removed from the troubles of the world, and travelling around in a small boat each day was a great way to see a huge variety of lakes and waterways.”
While a third person added: “This is a place you have to see in your lifetime. It is really like no other, with spectacular water channels.”
The Danube Delta is easily accessible from neighbouring tours like Tulcea, Mahmudia and Murighiol.
According to Romania Tourism, Tulcea is the largest town in the area where visitors will be able to find a range of good hotels and restaurants.
Sun Online Travel have found an overnight stay at Hotel Condor Tulcea, a four-star hotel in Tulcea, for £41.50 per person, based on two people sharing a room.
Wizz Air operates direct flights from London Luton to Constanta Airport, also known Mihail Kogălniceanu Airport.
Constanta Airport is a 90-minute drive away from Tulcea.
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What else do I need to know about Romania?
- The language is Romanian – although people may speak English at hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions.
- Romania is 2 hours ahead of the UK.
- The local currency is the Romanian leu, also known as the RON, with £10 getting around 58 RON.
- There are currently no Covid restrictions and Brits can stay in Romania for up to 90 days without a visa.
Meanwhile, this European city not far from Bucharest has been named the world’s cheapest holiday destination – with £1.60 beers.
And a weekend in this quaint European capital can be booked for £100pp, including flights, food and accommodation.