Pack a small bag and escape to the southernmost point on the Romanian Black Sea, to a place where hippies and hedonists commingle to shrug off the humdrum of the urban life. Vama Veche is one of the buoyant party spot you’ll come across in Romania.

If you wish for laidback parties, sleeping on the beach under the stars, and waking up covered in mud the next morning, then Vama Veche is your playground. Since the ’80s this place has been a haven for artists, intellectuals, freethinkers, and backpackers for a reason. As I walked into this tiny town, I was taken aback at the Bohemian vibe it had. If someone told me Vama Veche was going to be hidden gem of Romania that I would adore the most in my 2-week trip, I’d never believe you!

For a place that’s about 20 mins from Bulgaria, one can easily cover the village of Vama Veche in 30 minutes. But the vibrant place had me striking conversations and bonding with the locals, young crowd, and other blithe travellers over plentiful drinks.

So what exactly makes Vama Veche such a special travel destination?

The Beach Library

The variety of books and delightfully refreshing beverages had me fall in love with Vama Veche! With its enticing atmosphere, a collection of over 3000 books in several languages; this is the only beach library in Europe. After all, who doesn’t mind reading a book by the beach? Borrow one for free at the Plaja De Carte. You can rent a sun bed for the day, borrow a book and chill with a cold drink from the bar.

The Partying spirit

You don’t need a reason to party in Vama Veche. Beach hop anytime and follow the music you like, or go street dancing with live music and end your party at a place called STUF! It’s a huge open Beach bar with blaring speakers and great music to dance the night away. You can get alcohol from the bar and bring along your own mixes, if you please. And hey, it’s a beach bar; so don’t forget to wear some comfortable shoes!

Ideal Time to Visit & How to get there

The peak season to visit this hidden gem of Romania is May to mid-September.

By car – 265kms – 2 hours 44 mins 

Bus – Bucharest to Mangalia – 3hours 40 mins – Mangalia to Vama Veche – 15 mins by taxi

Train – (As we spent time in Mamaia prior to Vama Veche, this is what we opted for)

Bucharest to Constanta – Change trains – Constant to Magnolia, from where Vama Veche is 15 mins ride away.

If you’re going to Vama Veche from Bucharest, it should take you around 2 hours 44 mins. Add an hour more if you’re going by bus. As I was in Mamaia, I opted for a train ride instead – starting from Bucharest to Constanta where I switched trains to Mangalia. A 15 minutes taxi ride and there I was, at the coastal paradise of Vama Veche!

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Where to stay?

I booked Vama Veche the last minute in August and so had to stay at a cozy home stay. Although if I ever went back to Vama Veche (which I truly hope I do), you’ll find me at the Sandalandala Campground a brand new camping with enough room for 400 tents, free wi-fi, hot water showers, a bar that’s open “till the break of dawn”, and lovely music playing all day long. The best part? The beach is only about 100 meters from this campground! Its perfect for backpackers, couples and even families. The vibe of these campgrounds resonates with that of Vama veche – hip and laidback.

Romania is more than just a simple city break. Dive into culture and learn about Romanian history on your visit to Timisoara and don’t miss making a stop in the most colorful town of Romania, the medieval town of Sighisoara. Romania is a country of contrasts indeed with the crazy parties in the city of Bucharest, glamorous nights at Mamaia and the marvelous Carpathian Mountains for hiking in the countryside.

I wasn’t looking for a peaceful oasis for my hippy soul when I stepped into Vama Veche. Rightly so, this small village on the seaside has still kept me in my memories.

Of the several cities I have visited throughout the world, this is one is truly the Hidden Gem of Romania. If you’ve visited this gorgeous city, please feel free to leave your comments and tell me what you think of this blog.

If you want to get a better feel of what Vama Veche is like, click the vlog below!