Why Everyone Wants To Keep Vama Veche A Secret

Once a small fishing village, Vama Veche, located on the easternmost tip of the Romanian Black Sea coast, has grown into one of its most popular resorts. A long-standing symbol of freedom and anti-consumerism, it is fast becoming a victim of its own success.

Romania’s Black Sea coast is one of the tourism intensive areas in the country. Inhabited since around 5000 BC, it includes large cities, such as Constanța and Mangalia, as well as a string of seaside resorts built or enlarged during the country’s communist years. Among them, at a time when other small cities and fishing villages were witnessing intensive building and development, Vama Veche already stood out as an exception. The site of the border between Romania and its neighbour Bulgaria, the village was not deemed suitable for mass tourism.

That is why, during the communist period, Vama Veche started drawing the wild spirits, who would flock here in search of pristine nature and that Romanian authentic village vibe. It is not really known why the repressive regime of the time allowed for Vama Veche to become a hangout for the country’s intellectuals, but the situation was tolerated, provided that visitors carry their IDs with them. Tourist accommodation was basically non-existent, so visitors would either camp on the beach or rent a room in the village.

An oasis of freedom

But instead of following mainstream development, those coming to the village to invest, fought mainstream trends and instead cultivated a feeling of community that put shared experiences above mercantilism. Several cultural groups, such as rock music and folk music fans, started standing out and lent their spirit to the place. Moreover, the village’s nudist beach remained a big part of the local culture, despite being located in a central part of the 300-meter shell-shaped beach.

Capitalism prevails

In the past years though, as the reputation of Vama Veche drew bigger crowds, the small fishing village started attracting those with an eye for profit and the massive development that had spared it the fate of the other resorts could not be delayed anymore. Plenty of new houses were built, as well as several hotels, including a four-star establishment. Vama aficionados did try to stage an opposition by starting a campaign under the slogan ‘Save Vama Veche,’ but understandably, capitalism could not simply be kept at bay, and has forever transformed the surroundings.

But the party must go on

Today, Vama Veche is still the best place to party for Bucharest’s alternative crowds. Its many terraces and clubs, lined along the shore, become animated with tourists starting May 1, when the official seaside season kicks off. From then until mid-September, it is the party epicentre of the country, with partygoers routinely dancing until sunrise.

Although for many, Vama Veche has transformed beyond recognition, its enduring appeal draws today the children of those who first discovered the place, ensuring its status as a symbol of freedom.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.