The Razim and Sinoe Lakes, located in the southern part of the Danube Delta, combine to form the largest lake in Romania. In reality, it isn’t really a lake, but a system of lagoons, which originally was connected with both the Black Sea and the St. George River. The lagoons have a surface area of 863 square kilometers, and a maximum depth of only 3 meters.
The formation of this type of lagoon is completely natural, and they are referred to as “limans” in the region of the Black Sea. They are formed due to the accumulation of sediments carried by the river between the freshwater lake and the saltwater of the Black Sea. A sandy bank has formed at, leaving only two ways to connect to the sea: the rivers Gura Periteaska and Portitey. This ecosystem is good for the development of many species of fish and birds, thanks to the high salinity of the lagoons and the favorable conditions for reproduction.
Unfortunately, human meddling from 1970-1980 has considerably worsened the ecological situation of the lagoon. In order to create freshwater reserves for agricultural needs, the Romanian government at the time decided to separate the different lakes of the complex (mainly Razi and Sinoe), and closed the channels connecting to the sea. These actions have had a devastating effect on local flora and fauna, whose diversity is in danger. Despite these treatments, the area is still a popular destination for migratory birds. Here you can see a large amount of cormorants, herons, grey herons, storks and pelicans.
Inhabited for thousands of years, the shores of the lagoons are full of interesting places to visit, with great views of nature, ethnographic sites, the archeological or architectural museums in Yenisela, the Yenisela, Histria and Aerganum, and the villages of Novo Selo and Jurilovka. You can also visit the Gura Portitei resort, the cliffs of Capul Dolosman, or the islands of Biserikuta and Popina.
UNESCO site
Natural site
Bulgaria
Macedonia
Romania
Jurilovca