Mamaia

Mamaia occupies a narrow strip of sand between the sea and Lake Siutghiol, about eight kilometres long and only a few hundred metres wide, which means the water is on both sides and the whole resort is essentially one long beachfront. The sand is fine and pale and the sea shelves gently, which makes it good for families, while the same strip carries the country's densest concentration of beach clubs, bars and summer nightlife, so the character changes sharply between the quieter northern end and the busier centre. Hotels run continuously along the lagoon side. A cable car runs the length of the resort, and watersports operate on the lake rather than the sea. Out of season it empties almost completely and much of it closes. Prices in July and August are the highest on the Romanian coast.

What you actually see

• The sand strip - eight kilometres of fine beach between sea and lagoon.
• Beach clubs - loungers, bars and music along the central section.
• The cable car - a lift running the length of the resort.
• Lake Siutghiol - watersports and calmer water on the inland side.

When to go

June to September; July and August are peak, crowded and expensive, while June and early September give warm water with fewer people. Weekends draw crowds from Bucharest. Outside the season most of the resort is shuttered.

Honest expectations

The central beach is packed in high summer and much of it is covered in paid loungers, with free stretches limited and crowded. Nightlife noise carries and quiet is hard to find near the centre. Building along the strip is dense and unattractive. Water quality is generally fine but the beach can be littered after busy weekends.

Nearby

Constanța old town is immediately south; Vama Veche lies far down the coast.