Gerai Pond (Balta Geraiului) is one of the last remaining natural wetlands along the Danube, located between the villages of Gârcov and Islaz, between the Danube terrace and the river itself. According to the locals, in the past Gerai was rich in fauna and flora, and its soil was perfect for growing vegetables. Because of its natural wealth, the locals named it so, as it once felt like being in Paradise.

Between 1961 and 1970, the area was significantly altered through embankments and drainage works, including the construction of canals and infrastructure for surface water drainage. To manage floods from the Danube and the Gârcov and Ursa streams, regulation works and a nine-hectare reservoir were built. These interventions reduced the water surfaces and marshlands, leaving from the once wet Paradise only a dry meadow.

Still, if you are lucky, you may encounter the ferruginous duck and the pygmy cormorant, thanks to cross-border conservation projects in key sites across Romania and Bulgaria. As a result, Gerai Pond benefited from ecological restoration works, and in the end, 600 hectares of water ponds, reed beds, and pastures became habitat for these aquatic species.

From Islaz towards Gerai, you will pass by Vadul Boului (the “Small Ford”). You will cross a now deteriorated concrete bridge that once marked the entrance to Gerai. You can also reach it via the “Goat’s Road,” an access area for fishermen, with many secluded spots—perfect if you want to pitch a tent.

Calnovăț Island is a true haven for many protected species. It is part of the protected natural area B10 – Ostrovul Mare, a floristic and faunistic natural reserve near the commune of Islaz.

Here you can observe, from a distance, two important reptile species: the green lizard and the Balkan wall lizard, along with other rare and protected bird species such as the pygmy cormorant, the common kingfisher, the ferruginous duck, the red-breasted goose, the lesser spotted eagle and the steppe eagle, the white-tailed eagle, pelicans, swans (both wintering and summering), the great egret, and many more. We recommend observing from a distance, so as not to disturb the biodiversity of the island.

With water up to the knees, the landscape is characterized by reeds, aquatic plants, and vegetation typical of a delta, offering a rich habitat for birds and aquatic creatures. In the morning and at sunset, the place turns into an attraction point for birdwatching and for admiring nature’s display of colors. Nearby, on a small hill, there is a freshwater spring where you can stock up.

The road to it is accessible by car or bicycle, either along the dike from Potcoava Dunării and Poiana, or from the national road in Seaca. Inside the island there are three large pond areas, resembling small deltas, where numerous birds gather, including storks, and where fishermen often go out by boat. The vegetation is diverse, made up of aquatic plants, flowers, and trees, and although the water level is low, it is not suitable for bathing. From a natural perspective, the island is valuable both for its landscapes and for the bird and fish species that find shelter here: pike, zander, bream, rudd, as well as the red-breasted goose, marsh harrier, Eurasian curlew, common kingfisher, European bee-eater, and little egret.

If you reach the area, on the western shore of the island there is a panoramic viewpoint where you can see the Danube and take photos.

Between Suhaia and Călmățui, you will find Suhaia Lake and ponds, an oasis for fish species such as the sunbleak, rudd, European perch, or tench. If you enjoy birdwatching, the place does not disappoint, as you may encounter the great and little egret, the white stork, the pygmy cormorant, seagulls and moorhens, the Dalmatian pelican, the black-crowned night heron, or the red-breasted goose.

If you are cycling, it is a suitable stop for some rest at the gazebo set up nearby, supplied with water from the nearby spring.

The park is arranged in Valea Fântânii, known for its 12 freshwater springs. There are no reliable sources regarding the origin of the springs, but locals say they have existed since the interwar period and that they were first arranged by German citizens, then maintained by the locals.

Next to the park, you can also visit the Old Church, recently renovated.

The area on the Danube’s bank where the water takes the shape of a horseshoe is the perfect stop for peace and birdwatching, or for a walk. You can enter through the yard of the “Potcoava Dunării” restaurant, even if you don’t plan to stop for a meal.

A wide area with potential for camping, the Vedea Riverbank is lined with trees perfect for setting up a hammock. If you want to stay active, you can cycle along the bank, where you may spot egrets, coots, seagulls, geese, herons, or swans. In the water, the asp and the Danube shad swim undisturbed.

An inviting beach that belongs to both Teleorman and Olt counties. In the warm season, when the Danube recedes, a sandbar emerges in the middle of the river, which you can reach by swimming. In the small forest on the riverbank by the beach, there is space for camping and plenty of shady spots to rest.

With one of the most spectacular sunset landscapes, Gura Oltului Beach is the perfect place to spend the end of the day. At sunset, it becomes a magical spot, with sand that turns almost pink and a Danube reflecting the sun’s reddish rays. Especially during dry periods, you can walk on the sandbanks, admiring the birds or the rocky banks on the opposite side.

You can cool off with a swim or even camp here. On the way to the beach, there is also a picnic area with tables and grills, and if you’re a bit lucky, you might catch a train passing on the opposite bank.

You can enter the water in some areas, but it is good to know that at Olt Beach there are no shaded spots throughout the day. Most of the time, the area is not arranged, in case you need supplies. On the other hand, during weekends in the season, you can find food trucks with various dishes.

A private beach belonging to the “Briza Dunării” restaurant. The area is quiet and can be used for camping. The restaurant owner has arranged a space with showers and toilets for a more comfortable experience. And if you just want a day at the beach, you can relax on a sunbed.

The town’s promenade is another suitable place for a stop or a walk. The alley is arranged with benches and is one of the spots in the city where locals usually go out for a stroll.

Popularly known as the “Old Beach,” at Small Beach 596 you can cool off in the water, and there are areas where you can find shelter from the sun. You can get there on foot, by bike, or by car, and if you’re passionate, you can also take a ride by kayak.

BeachOn the eastern shore of the island, you can enjoy a wide beach where you can swim. In more secluded spots, you can even camp or park your caravan.

Cheson Beach (Zimnicea)The most frequented in Zimnicea, at Cheson Beach you can relax in the sun or take a walk along the Danube’s bank.

If you come by car, you will need to park it before the path leading to the beach. From there, you can continue the shaded trail on foot or by bicycle, up to the edge of the beach, where you will reach the southernmost point of the country.

Before the monument, you can take a walk on the Danube Beach. The entrance to the dike is right before the Heroes’ Monument, and you can get there either by car or by bicycle.

Hidden in a small clearing with many poplars, the beach is spacious and suitable for camping, but there is also room for kayaking enthusiasts.

Gheorghe Zărafu’s Museum (Islaz)In Islaz you can visit an informal museum put together by Gheorghe Zărafu, a local who is trying to keep alive the memory of life in the past. For seven or eight years, in the three barns of his apple orchard, Gheorghe has gathered a collection of objects once widely used: from kerosene and wick lamps to shuttles, spinning wheels, heddles (the movable part of the loom that holds the reed), distaffs, benches, clocks, lanterns, or massive radios.

At Gheorghe’s museum you can also see two carriages reminiscent of landscapes from the years 1850–1930. But besides the large objects and various tools with their stories, you can also browse collections of vinyl records with George Enescu and other Romanian artists, as well as Femeia magazines from the 1970s.

Contact: 0765190002
Address: Strada Popa Șapcă, Nr. 114
Important to note that you won’t find the address on Google Maps, so it’s better to use GPS coordinates or ask the locals.

The “Three Hierarchs” Church gathers stories about the heroes who fell in the War of Independence and about the solidarity of the community. Built between 1853–1857 by Lady Zoe Brâncoveanu, the owner of the Izlaz estate, the church was erected out of the desire to bring together the people of Islaz and six other nearby villages.

Inside the church, in a place of honor, are displayed the epaulettes of Sergeant Major Florea Blejan, a local from Islaz who lost his life on the battlefield of the War of Independence (1877–1878). Queen Elisabeth of Romania also paid tribute to his memory, dedicating a bronze wreath, which you can see at the entrance of the church.

Even if on-site you see the inscription “Cetatea Turris,” you are in the right place. Known by both names and a symbol of medieval history in southern Romania, Turnu Fortress was built between the 13th–14th centuries, when Wallachia was taking shape. The construction had a defensive role on the southern border of the voivodeship. Due to its position near the Danube and close to the border with the Ottoman Empire, the fortress played an important role in defending Wallachia, serving as an observation point. Some specialists claim that the fortress was rebuilt or strengthened during the reign of Voivode Mircea the Elder.

You can visit the fortress Monday to Friday, between 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and on weekends, Saturday and Sunday between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Located at the entrance to the park, the Independence Monument was built in 1985 by a group of architects from Bucharest. The park is spacious and welcoming, perfect for a shady stop and for refilling your water bottle at the fountains.

Flacăra Cinema (Turnu Măgurele)Recently renovated, Flacăra Cinema is the perfect plan if you stay overnight in the city and want to spend your afternoon watching a movie.

Both constructions are included in the 2015 List of Historical Monuments. Also known as the “Water Castle” or the “Water Pavilion,” the Water Tower was built in 1915 and served to supply the city with water.

The Prefect’s House, located at 1 Calea Dunării, is a local historical monument built in 1890, together with the Administrative Palace of the Teleorman Prefecture, which has since been demolished. Erected by contractor Frantz Barth, the building was designed in the French eclectic school style and initially served as an official residence for the prefect. Unlike the Administrative Palace, which was demolished after 1976, the house has been preserved and stands as the last witness of the administrative complex from the late 19th century. Today, protected as a historical monument, the Prefect’s House is to be consolidated and renovated, to be transformed into a youth center.

Saint Charalambos Cathedral dominates the city center. The most important church in the county and part of the List of Historical Monuments, the cathedral was built in brick between 1901 and 1904, on the site of the city’s first church. It was conceived as a tribute to the heroes of the War of Independence. The architects were inspired by the style of Curtea de Argeș Monastery, a detail visible in the domes above the narthex.

The interior painting, executed in oil on gypsum plaster, along with the colorful stained glass, were created by painters Eugen Voinescu and the Italian Girolamo Romeo, and underwent interventions between 1934–1936 and 1987–1991. The 1977 earthquake caused the main dome to collapse, which was rebuilt in the 1980s. Recently, the cathedral went through an extensive restoration process and is now ready to welcome visitors.

The ruins of the church with its wide windows resemble more a colorful botanical garden. Founded in 1880 as the parish church of the village of Ciuperceni, the construction was completed in 1882. Since 1975, the church has no longer been frequented by locals, and today only the ruins remain.

Restoration works have been initiated to preserve the structure and the paintings drawn on the church walls. Also, in recent years, archaeological excavations here have uncovered graves dating back to around 1811, as well as an old icon of the Virgin Mary.

Schedule: Monday to Friday, between 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Contact: 0769091861

Located inside the Cultural Center of Suhaia, the museum paints a picture of life in the past. With objects donated by the locals, the museum has three ethnographic collections: household items, traditional costumes, photographs, tools specific to rural occupations, as well as old books and religious objects from the village’s old church.

If you want to visit the museum, you can make an appointment at least one day in advance.
Contact: 0247451100 (Suhaia Town Hall) / suhaia_tr@yahoo.com

If you decide to stay overnight in Zimnicea, Unirea Cinema can be a good idea to end your day with a movie.

With a few benches along the port and the view of the Danube, the port of Zimnicea is one of the places where you can admire the boats along the water.

The Heroes’ Monument greets you at the entrance to the commune. Dedicated to the local heroes who fell in the First World War, the eight-meter bronze ensemble depicts a soldier in campaign uniform holding a weapon in his left hand and a flag raised in his right hand. On the commemorative plaque are inscribed the names of the soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers who fell on the battlefield between 1916–1919.

With a garden perfect for relaxing and a swimming pool to cool off after a few hours of driving or cycling, Giulia Guesthouse is peaceful and full of greenery. In addition to accommodation, you can have all your meals here, as food is cooked to order—just give notice in advance.

Many of the ingredients come directly from the garden and greenhouse in the backyard. The guesthouse is decorated in Italian style, according to the owners’ taste: from vintage Formula 1 posters and collectible items to solid wood furniture, plus a billiard table.

Contact: 0761 609 155, Mrs. Vica
Address: 3 Dunării Street, Islaz

Simona and Laurențiu Boșneagu offer a house with eight rooms for those passing through Islaz. The house is fully equipped, from a baby crib to a washing machine, kitchen, and barbecue area. In the courtyard, scented by the small lavender field, you can camp or park your caravan.

From the owners’ daughter’s own production, you can buy lavender water, essential oil, soap, soy wax candles, or dried lavender bouquets. And if you don’t make it there, you can order them from the website.

Contact: 0729030474, Simona Boșneagu

Open for more than 10 years, the restaurant has become the main stop in Turnu. More than half of the people who walk through its doors are tourists from Bucharest, Craiova, Pitești, Dâmbovița, or even foreigners, who come by kayak or stop on their way to Greece.

Mădălin Ioniță, 53 years old, is the owner of Briza Dunării. He awaits you with classic dishes, seafood, or Danube specialties: fish borscht made with carp and zander, Danube carp stew with polenta, zander or salmon fillet, grilled dorado and trout, and Caesar salad with shrimp.

The beach in front of the restaurant also belongs to Mădălin, so he has arranged it accordingly: with sunbeds, showers, and toilets, as well as a camping area.

Even though he lived outside the county during his life, Mădălin could never stay far from the water. Even his son returned to Turnu Măgurele after finishing his studies in the capital. “We love it very much—what could be more beautiful than the Danube?”

Contact: 0765522646

If you want to stay overnight, you can also opt for a fully equipped apartment, rented privately by the host, which you can find on Booking.

Contact: 0768126387.

If you want a more elegant experience, then the 3-star Turris Hotel is the right choice. You have a good chance of finding available rooms, with internet, private bathroom, and a full-service restaurant where you can dine.

Contact: 0347410070 / 0743553399
Address: 1 Independenței Boulevard, Turnu Măgurele

Close to the national road, the accommodation offered by Mrs. Alexandra and her husband is a green corner of peace. In addition to space for caravans and bike stands, you can stay in the two wooden cabins, equipped with generous beds (only the bathroom is shared).

The hosts do not serve food, but you have access to a kitchen area, including an outdoor space if you go fishing and want to clean fish. Outside, the orchard with its fresh scent is just waiting for you to rest in a hammock.

Contact: 0722178689, Gabi Chivu

Just a stone’s throw from the place where the Danube takes the shape of a horseshoe, the restaurant is actually a full complex. In addition to food, you can stay overnight, and in front of the cabins there is a swimming pool, as well as a spa area and a dedicated barbecue spot.

If you are just passing through, you can go through the restaurant’s terrace for a wonderful viewpoint over the Danube.

Contact: 0769279041, Ana Barbu

You can stay, eat, and camp here, but for meals you need to announce in advance.

Contacts: 0756046585, Ștefan Bodali, pontoon administrator / 0740200397, Gina Spiridon (rooms and meals)

In addition to the eight double rooms at George’s La Nașu Guesthouse, you can also camp or come with your caravan, as long as you announce in advance. George also has an ATV and five bicycles available for tourists to rent. And if a boat trip and a dinner cooked in a cauldron sound appealing, just let him know beforehand and it will be arranged.

Contact: 0765338912, George

One of the oldest restaurants opened in Zimnicea, at InterAgro you can dine with a view of the central park of Zimnicea. And if you are still on the road, you can order in advance.

Contact: 0770280934

Open in the summer season, during July–August and mainly in the evening, at the terrace you can enjoy grilled meat as well as food from the shop.

Approximate schedule: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

On the shop sign it says “La Biciclete,” and on Google Maps you will find it under the name Star Tic Explorer, but if you are a cyclist, you’ve come to the right place. Here you can buy a bicycle or other equipment, but you will also find a repair service in case of an emergency.

Contact: 0765335262

Spring with drinking water and a gazebo

Spring with drinking water and a gazebo

Spring with drinking water

Gazebo, barbecue, and arranged spring with drinking water

Spring with drinking water and a gazebo

In the courtyard of the “Mircea cel Bătrân” High School in Turnu Măgurele there is an educational community garden created in 2022 — an initiative of GAL Turnu 21, supported by the Urbanium Association, the school, and the Turnu Măgurele City Hall. Cared for by students, teachers, and local residents, the garden is open to anyone curious to discover a good-practice example of urban gardening, composting, and community involvement — a green corner that shows how nature can take root even in the heart of the city.

After passing the southernmost point of the country, near Zimnicea, you can stop in a welcoming place offered with great generosity by the Riding Club Moto Șacalii 550 Zimnicea. Their name comes from the jackal, the dominant animal in the area, whose calls can sometimes be heard at night, giving the place a unique atmosphere.

The club members voluntarily offer shelter in their caravan or a nearby camping spot, with simple facilities — bottled water, gas, dishes, and a grill. If you let them know in advance and their schedule allows, they can also prepare campfire evenings, beach outings, fishing trips, or barbecues on the banks of the Danube.

Contact: 0724 012 786

Less known in Romania, the Belina island has a sister across the border in Bulgaria—Belene Island—which carries a significant historical weight. As the largest Bulgarian island, the area has become a living museum located on the Bulgarian bank of the Danube, aiming to preserve and communicate the history of the Belene labor camp under the communist regime. Guided tours are also offered, but for now only in Bulgarian.