Tourism operators in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve have opened the new season with kayaking trips in the Razim-Sinoe lagoon complex and are preparing to welcome visitors over the Easter mini-break with traditional dishes as well as fish-based specialities.
The first kayaking trips in the Razim-Sinoe lagoon complex began as early as last month, with Ion Ghinet from Baia Mare among the first tourists to launch a non-motorised boat on Lake Golovita, near Jurilovca.
"I came here with a kayak because it is a large, open body of water where you can truly enjoy the experience. It was perfect. I even spotted a few birds. The flora and fauna are not yet in full bloom, but the contact with the water is what matters most. The meal at the end of the trip was very rich and truly special," he said.
Their guide, Stefan Constantin, offered practical advice on how to relax while kayaking.
"The idea is not to lean when you're in the kayak, not to follow the paddle with your whole body to the left or right, and not to focus on where the paddle enters or exits the water. You should keep your body upright and as relaxed as possible," he explained.
At the end of the tour, guests were invited to a meal in a traditional house in Jurilovca, where fish dishes were also served, despite the general fishing ban currently in force in Romania.
"We made sure we had shad in stock before the ban, so we can grill it for our guests. We also offer smoked and marinated fish, lacherda and fish roe. For Easter, we will have lamb sourced from local shepherds. We will prepare lamb soup, drob, eggs, cozonac and fish specialities," said Dan Pamacai, the owner of a guesthouse in Jurilovca.
He noted that, traditionally, fishermen protect fish stocks during the breeding season, which is determined more by water temperature than by official regulations.
"Usually, there is a fishing ban around Easter. In this area, when water levels were high, carp used to breed here. Many fish would gather, and my grandfather would never allow children near the water. Fish were jumping out, you could catch them by hand. Moreover, during the ban, fish do not taste as good, and people avoid catching them. Back then, there was a kind of respect beyond science or institutions - people simply knew when fishing was appropriate," he added.
Vasile Bold, who manages accommodation and a restaurant in the small harbour on Lake Golovita, said occupancy reached around 80% in 2025 and that prices will not be increased this year.
"For this tourist season, the outlook is good - as long as we cook well. At Easter, we will of course serve lamb soup, painted eggs, drob, roast lamb with baked potatoes - just like in any Christian household. (...) As for price rises, we are taking a different approach. We cannot add further costs, so we will keep prices at the level of two years ago. The solution is to avoid waste while still offering quality. That is the answer, not raising prices - even if the Government does not see it that way," he said.
At weekends, the small harbour in Jurilovca fills with tourists whenever the weather is favourable.
"We are keen on camping tourism, and recently bought a caravan. Our youngest son was eager to try it out, so we made some time and came here. We had visited before and liked it. We came to check prices - for our salaries, they have gone up," said Marius B. from Braila County.
Meanwhile, the Gura Portitei resort announced that, starting this year, visitors who are not staying on-site but wish to access its wild Black Sea beaches must purchase a 100 lei voucher.
"These vouchers are valid only on the day of purchase and can be used for food, drinks or beach loungers, but not in the 'Portita spre Rai' (Gateway to Paradise) restaurant or for access to the resort's swimming pool. In a time of climate pressures and beyond, we have chosen to prioritise sustainability and harmony with nature over illusory profit," the resort said.
The resort, set to reopen for the 1 May mini-break, has added new, modern accommodation units but reduced overall capacity to ease pressure on the natural environment, which also explains the introduction of the voucher.
"We have chosen renewable energy, built with environmentally friendly materials and invested in water treatment facilities, so that our guests can enjoy four-star comfort in the middle of the wilderness without harming nature," further reads the press release.
Over Easter, some guesthouses in Jurilovca will organise special events. On Sunday and Monday, tourists can enjoy traditional Lipovan meals, while children will be offered special menus and an Easter egg hunt. Prices range from 70 lei for a child to 180 lei for an adult.
Near Jurilovca, by the Enisala Fortress, a guesthouse owner is organising "Fotoaromaventura", described as "a journey to the heart of Dobrogea along small, picturesque roads, with meals hosted by Lipovan and Meglen communities in garden settings".
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