Cuprins
There are places in Romania that still few people know about, places where nature takes its course unhindered and the silence is interrupted only by birdsong and the rustle of the reeds. One such place is Sacalin Island, a young stretch of land in the heart of the Danube Delta.
Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Sacalin takes you into a world where time slows down and the wild landscapes capture your soul from the first step. It is where you truly feel the force of nature and the authentic beauty of the Delta.
- Where is Sacalin Island
- How Sacalin Island came to be: the story of a natural wonder
- Ecological features: a sanctuary for wildlife
- How to get to Sacalin Island
- Points of interest and what to see around
- Recommended activities in the area
Where is Sacalin Island
At the eastern edge of Romania, in the southern part of the Danube Delta, Sacalin Island stretches just a few kilometers from the village of Sfântu Gheorghe. Originally, Sacalin was made up of two islands – Sacalin Mare and Sacalin Mic – which, over time, merged under the action of the waves of the Danube and the Black Sea. Today, Sacalin is one of Europe’s youngest islands, a stretch of land that is still being shaped day by day.
Part of the Sacalin-Zătoane protected complex, the island marks the spot where the Danube flows into the Black Sea.
👉 If you want to discover the wild beauty of the area, Sfântu Gheorghe is the best place to start. Find out more about the place where local traditions mingle with tranquil waters and enchanting natural landscapes.
How Sacalin Island was born: the story of a natural wonder
Sacalin Island is a spectacular example of the creative force of nature.
Over the centuries, the silt carried by the Danube has gradually been deposited in the still waters of the Black Sea, creating an island that continues to change before our very eyes.
This natural formation process is not only fascinating, but also essential for the biodiversity of the Delta.
The island’s relief is a fascinating mix of:
- fine sandbanks, shaped by wind and currents;
- shallow lagoons where salt and fresh water subtly mix;
- marshy areas rich in aquatic vegetation;
- wide, wild beaches ideal for watching migratory and local birds.
Practical tip: If you’re planning a trip to the area, don’t forget your binoculars.
From the boat you can capture authentic wildlife scenes, from flocks of birds in flight to rare species sheltering in reedbeds.
Ecological features: a sanctuary for wildlife
Insula Sacalin, Delta Dunării
Sacalin Island, located near the Danube Delta, is a true natural sanctuary, strictly protected by law.
Public access to the island is forbidden precisely to keep this remarkable, naturally formed ecosystem intact and free from human intervention.
This isolation has allowed the local flora and fauna to thrive in a wild and authentic setting, providing a vivid picture of biodiversity.
Sacalin Island is home to more than 100 species of birds, which find shelter, food and nesting sites. Some of the most spectacular species include pelicans, imposing in their impressive wingspan, cormorants and sea terns, delicate and swift, gliding over the waters in search of food.
The island’s vegetation is adapted to special environmental conditions.
The salty soils and constant moisture have favored the development of hardy and perfectly adapted endemic plant species, contributing to the stability of the ecosystem and providing a unique landscape dominated by shades of green and silver.
The island’s sands and lagoons are also home to rare species of amphibians and reptiles, including sea turtles, an increasingly rare sight in other parts of the coastline.
How to get to Sacalin Island
As Sacalin Island is a protected nature reserve, direct access to the island is not allowed to protect the fragile ecosystem.
However, you can get very close to it and enjoy spectacular views on organized excursions. The best starting point is Sf Sfântu Gheorghe, at the mouth of the Sfântu Gheorghe inlet into the Black Sea.
How to get to Sfântu Gheorghe:
- From Tulcea, you can take a water taxi or one of the regular boat trips operated by local shipping companies.
- The trip takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the type of boat you choose.
Once in Sfântu Gheorghe, you have multiple options for exploring the area around Sacalin Island:
- Guided boat trips: locals or tour operators offer small boat tours, ideal to admire the flora and fauna of the delta and to get as close as possible to Sacalin Island without landing.
- Organized photo safaris: if you’re passionate about nature photography, you can take part in specially designed tours to capture birds, wild landscapes and nearby pelican colonies.
- Themed birdwatching tours: the Danube Delta is a paradise for bird lovers. Guided birdwatching tours are an excellent opportunity to observe rare species in their natural habitat.
👉 Want to explore the Danube Delta? You can take a boat trip around the island, take a walk with guides who know all the local stories or enjoy a relaxing cruise. And if you want something really special, check out the experiences offered by Dolphin Camping.
Points of interest and what you can see around
Sacalin Island’s surroundings are full of places worth discovering, each with its own charm.
Whether you want to stroll along quiet canals, explore authentic fishing villages or relax on wild beaches, the area has plenty to offer. Here are some of the highlights that can make your trip an unforgettable experience:
Sfântu Gheorghe Arm
Considered the oldest and most naturalized of the Danube’s branches, the Sfântu Gheorghe Arm winds its way through a wild and charming landscape. Its slow meanders meander through reed meadows, flooded forests and weeping willows, creating a picture of rare beauty.
It’s an ideal place for boating or kayaking, where the stillness of the water is broken only by the chirping of birds and the rustle of vegetation. Exploring this river route gives you the chance to connect deeply with nature, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Sfântu Gheorghe Village
At the end of the inlet, where the Danube meets the Black Sea, is the village of Sfântu Gheorghe, a special place where time seems to have stood still. With sandy lanes, white houses with thatched roofs and welcoming locals, the village keeps alive centuries-old fishing traditions.
Here you can discover authentic customs, fresh fish gastronomy and local stories handed down from generation to generation.
Sfântu Gheorghe’s wild beach
Just outside the village, where the Danube flows into the Black Sea, is one of the wildest and cleanest beaches in Europe.
The fine sand stretches as far as the eye can see, and the waves come and go at a soothing pace. It’s ideal if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet, away from the crowded beaches.
The sunrises and sunsets here are absolutely gorgeous, with the sky colored in shades of red and orange, while the sound of the waves keep you company and help you relax completely.
Lake Razim and its lagoons
South of the Danube Delta, Lake Razim and the surrounding lagoons form a place full of life and wild nature.
Here you’ll find large expanses of fresh water, uninhabited islands and reed thickets teeming with birds and plants. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, photographers and fishermen.
The area also has an old and interesting history, so you can find out more about it if you like.
👉 Find out more about Lake Razim and its lagoons – a wild land full of stories and spectacular landscapes!
Recommended activities in the area
Whether you’re passionate about adventure, photography or simply want to relax in nature, Sfântu Gheorghe and its surroundings offer a lot of unforgettable experiences.
The wild landscapes, the tranquil waters and the rich fauna make every day here a real adventure.
Here are some of the activities we recommend you try:
- Birdwatching – each season brings a new parade of colors and sounds to Sacalin Island and the surrounding area.
- Boating or kayaking – quiet canals and hidden lagoons give you the chance to discover the Delta from a different perspective.
- Nature photography – the light of the sunrises and sunsets here will turn every photo into a vivid postcard.
- Relaxing and camping at Dolphin Camping – after a day of adventuring, you can retreat to a cozy and welcoming spot.
- Sport fishing – for fishing enthusiasts, the arms of the Danube and nearby lakes hide surprises at every cast of the rod.
👉 To fully enjoy this area, you can choose to stay at Dolphin Camping in Sfântu Gheorghe. Situated close to Sacalin and in the middle of nature, the campsite offers conditions and a peaceful setting to relax.
If you like what you’ve learned about Sacalin Island and its surroundings, maybe it’s time to plan a visit.
The Danube Delta is not just a beautiful place in pictures, but a living space, full of authentic nature and simple but memorable experiences.
Pack your bags, bring your camera and a few essentials and come and discover a corner of the world where time flows differently.
To enjoy it worry-free, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation and excursions well in advance – especially in the warmer season, when the area becomes more popular.
And remember: The delta needs looking after. Leave the places exactly as you find them, so they remain as special for those who come after you.
Photo source: Shutterstock
