Only one month separates us from the arrival of summer, and the thought of the sea and the beach is already in the minds of many Romanians. The good news is that some of the most pleasant beaches in Europe are surprisingly short distances from the country’s borders.
Together, Greece and Turkey offer a diverse range of destinations: from quiet bays with crystal water, to cities with millennia of history. The Bulgarian neighbors come with modern resorts, with many facilities, but also with picturesque landscapes. We’ve gathered some travel suggestions that are only good to explore after a drive.
Kavala, from beaches with fine sand to a Romanian aqueduct
About 700 kilometers from Bucharest, Kavala is one of those Greek cities that conquer many from the first moments. The Byzantine citadel that dominates the upper town, the harbor bustling with fishing boats, the Ottoman-influenced architecture and the Roman aqueduct – testimony to the engineering mastery of the past – compose an unforgettable picture. There are several beautiful beaches around the town, relatively less crowded than the more popular destinations in Halkidiki. Ammolofoi Beach is a favorite among tourists, thanks to its clear water, fine sand and beautifully decorated beach bars. Kavala is also an excellent starting point for the ferry trip to the island of Thassos.
Thassos, the green island in the Aegean Sea
And so we arrive at Thassos, the closest island to Romania. The ferry from Kavala (or from Keramoti) brings you to the island in 35–70 minutes, and the car can go on board. The island has gorgeous beaches – the most famous is Marble Beach, where the sand is replaced by small pieces of marble – pine forests, traditional villages and an old center with ancient ruins. In addition, Thassos is greener and cooler than other Aegean islands. And everyone knows that it is the Romanians’ favorite.
Halkidiki, the peninsula with the three arms of paradise
On the second place in the list of destinations in Greece chosen by Romanians who go to the sea by car is the Halkidiki peninsula, located only 760 kilometers away. The three “arms” of the peninsula — Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos — each have a unique character. Kassandra is the most accessible and liveliest, with well-developed resorts and well-kept beaches. Sithonia is the choice for those who want something wilder: pine forests that go down to the water, secluded bays, taverns with fresh fish and dreamy beaches. Mega Portokali Beach and Tigania Beach are just two examples. The third arm, Athos, is an important point for the Orthodox religion, with its monasteries and hermitages, but accessible only to men. From the sea, however, Mount Athos can be admired by anyone. Near Halikidiki is also Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, with a rich history and a superb promenade right on the Aegean shore.
Stavros, the perfect silence
A small coastal town at the base of the Halkidiki peninsula, with a long beach of fine sand, authentic tavernas and a relaxed atmosphere that the bigger resorts can no longer offer, Stavros is an option for those escaping the well-known destinations. The water is shallow and clear, suitable for families with children. Stavros is also a strategic accommodation point: you can explore different beaches of Halkidiki or Kavala every day, without moving from one place to another.
Summer holidays, uncertain. Fears regarding the increase in the price of plane tickets and the cancellation of some flights
The Ionian Islands, the turquoise paradise
A little further from Bucharest, 1,100 kilometers away, are the Ionian Sea Islands. Unlike the Aegean, the water of the Ionian Sea has incredible shades of turquoise and electric blue, rarely found elsewhere. Among the Ionian islands, Lefkada is the only one that you can reach by car without a ferry, via a floating bridge. Kefalonia and Zakynthos can be reached by ferry (from Patras or Killini), but it’s worth every extra kilometer. Navagio beach in Zakyntos, with its rusty wreck against the background of white rocks, close to the sea with unreal sunsets is one of the iconic images when it comes to tourism in Greece. Kefalonia and Lefkada are not inferior and have their emblematic beaches: Myrtos and Porto Katsiki. To which are added spectacular mountain landscapes. And the island of Corfu has, in addition to beaches, pine forests and superb mountain roads, and one of the most beautiful port cities in the Mediterranean: Corfu Town. Nearby are also two picturesque islands of incredible beauty: Paxos (where the action of the series takes place “The Master and the Sea”) and Antipaxos. Also in the Ionian Sea is the island of Odysseus: Ithaca.
Sozopol, the pearl of the southern coast of Bulgaria
For those who want a shorter way, just 380 kilometers from Bucharest, Sozopol is a city that erased the border between vacation and cultural trip. Founded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC. under the name of Apollonia Pontica, the old town is built on a rocky peninsula, with wooden houses, stone pavements and shaded alleys that lead you directly to the water. The beaches are appreciated for their cleanliness, the food in the taverns is fresh and tasty, and the prices remain affordable compared to Greece or Turkey. At the end of summer, Sozopol also hosts the Apollonia Festival, one of the most important cultural events on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
Balchik, the city of His Majesty
Balcicu could not be missing from the list of destinations in Bulgaria. The main attraction in the city is the Palace of Queen Maria of Romania, built in the Mediterranean style and surrounded by spectacular botanical gardens with over 3,000 species of plants, including one of the largest collections of cacti in Europe. The area’s beaches are quiet, family-friendly, and Cape Kaliakra, a dramatic headland that plunges into the sea, is within easy reach. The distance from Bucharest is only 300 kilometers.
The city in Spain that is in the top of the most popular destinations in 2026, due to affordable prices and mild climate
Çanakkale and the Turkish coast of the Aegean Sea. Millennial history and lesser known beaches
However, those who are willing to take a longer trip by car can also choose destinations in Turkey. Çanakkale is the gateway to the Gallipoli battlefield and the ruins of Troy, it is only 700 kilometers from Bucharest. The most frequented route passes through Bulgaria, enters Turkey through Edirne and reaches the Dardanelles Strait, where a ferry takes you to Asia in minutes. Beyond Çanakkale, Assos (or Behramkale) is a lesser-known gem: a fishing village nestled beneath the ruins of a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, with a small bay and crystal clear water.
