NORTHERN EPHORIA
The first large summer resort south of Constana is approx 17 km North Ephoria (Eforie Nord). In its eastern part, below a 20-meter cliff (fortified slope) stretches the beach, additionally protected by walls built into the sea. A tiny lake of Belona, at the southern end of the beach, its waters are much warmer than the sea and that's why sunbathers prefer to swim here, even despite the crowds. Due to its location near Constana, the Northern Eforia is visited by huge crowds in summer. So let's check out the beaches further south, especially as they are nicer and cleaner.
Exactly southwest of Northern Eforia is Lake Techirgiol – actually an oxbow lake, known for their healing dark decay mules, effectively used against rheumatism. Bathhouses, where you can take cold mud baths (separate for men and women), these are the only places in Romania that are not subject to the ban on nudism. The waters of the lake are four times saltier than the sea – it is two meters below sea level.
Orientation
Even though it is only a few minutes' walk from the train station to the post office, it is not difficult to get lost here, so it is better to study one of the large maps displayed in the city or ask someone for directions. Buses from Mangalia and Constana stop in the city center on bulevardul Republicii.
information
In distance 4,5 The Agentia de Turism Intern is located meters from the bus stop (tel.741188), sometimes assisting in renting private accommodation too 10 $ from person (IV-X pn.-pt.8.00-16.00). If nothing can be done here, there is also an information point at the Europa Hotel.
Post and telecommunications – In summer the telephone exchange at the main post office, Republic Boulevard 9, is open daily from 7.00 do 22.00.
Area code for Northern Eforia:041.
travel agency – Biro CFR, right next to the post office, sells tickets for express trains.
Accommodation
Camping – Travelers with a thin wallet can stay at Sincai campsite, a few hundred meters west of the Eforie Nord train station. Heading west, cross the tracks at the end of the platform and follow the path to the wall passage. In addition to the campsite, there are also two houses, with seats behind 5 $ from person, and an old villa right on the lake – lovely, though ruined (5 $ from person). It is not difficult to be close to Romanians here, living at a level lower than the average Poles. They are curious, but friendly and likeable, as long as their noisiness is tolerated. The campsite is private property; it is definitely open from mid June to August. It is situated near Lake Techirghiol, but quite far from the Black Sea beaches.
The Meduza campsite is better equipped, behind the Minowa and Prahova hotels, at the northern end of the beach (maps at the train station or bus stops will help). Closer to the sea from here, but much further to the train station. You pay to spend the night in a tent 1,50 $ from person.
Hotels – Europe is the top-class hotel in Northern Eforia (tel.742990), Republic Boulevard 19, in the city center. It should be open all year round. Singles / doubles with a bathroom cost money 30/45 $. Hotel passes are accepted only in summer (you have to ask the ACR representative at the reception). From the train station, walk towards the sea, turn left at the Belvedere Hotel and left again onto bulevardul Republicii.
Another hotel open all year round is the Delfin (Tudor Vledimirescu boulevard, tel.742483), located at the very northern end of the beach, 1,5 km from the train station. The prices are 22 i 34 $.
Gastronomy
Pescarus Confectionery, opposite the post office, offers wonderful confectionery. The adjoining restaurant of the same name is always noisy and crowded, but this is probably not a culinary offer (pork) attracts people here. Toddler Restaurant, Street 1 May, next to the Union Hotel, on the north side of the beach, famous for its folk dance shows. Music and meals are paid for 10 $.
Journey
All trains on the Bucharest-Mangalia route stop in Northern Eforia. However, it is more convenient to travel by private bus lines (tooth. A journey in subsection Constana). City buses (#10 i 11) are slower, and not much cheaper. Routes to North Eforia depart from the street after the tram stop, south of the railway station in Constanta.