Calafat Travel Guide

A detailed travel guide for Calafat, Oltenia, Romania, including places to visit, things to do, food and drink, accommodations, local customs, safety tips, and transportation options.


Calafat is a picturesque city located in the Oltenia region of Romania, situated on the banks of the Danube River. It is a beautiful town that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, scenic beauty, and adventure activities. Calafat is an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience the authentic Romanian culture while exploring the city’s hidden treasures.

Introduction to Calafat

Calafat is situated in the southwestern part of Romania and is well-known for being an important river port on the Danube. The city is rich in history, and its historical monuments reflect the different periods, cultures, and civilizations that have left their mark. The city is home to a population of around 15,000 people, and the city’s local economy is primarily supported by its agriculture and industrial sectors.

List of Places to Visit in Calafat

There are many places to visit in Calafat, and each one offers unique experiences, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Danube River Port – One of the busiest ports in Romania, which handles passenger and cargo traffic.

  • The Church of St. Dimitrios – An Orthodox Church of the 17th century that has beautiful interiors and facades.

  • The Ottoman Fortress – An impressive fortress built by Mehmed the Conqueror, and it is believed to be the crucial military post.

  • The Archeology Museum – It contains priceless artefacts that depict the region’s history, culture, and civilisation from pre-Roman period until today.

Natural Attractions of Calafat: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Iron Gates Natural Park – A picturesque natural park that spreads from Romania to Serbia - Ajduk and acts as a sanctuary for many animals, has beautiful landscapes and viewpoints.

  • The Danube Gorge – A breathtaking gorge that connects the Iron Gates and creates the boundary between the Carpathian Mountains and the Balkans.

  • Calafat Danube Riverbank – An ideal location for recreational activities like fishing, boating, kayaking and adventure sports like paragliding and parasailing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Calafat

Calafat is an excellent destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with plenty of trails that offer scenic views and challenging terrains. Some of the most popular hiking/biking destinations are

  • Iron Gates Natural Park – It has numerous trails through the mountains and forests, with varying levels of difficulty.

  • The Danube Gorge Trail – A challenging trail that winds through the beautiful Danube Gorge and is suitable for experienced hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Calafat: Activities and Tours

Apart from the above mentioned natural and cultural attractions, there are plenty of other things to do. Some of the popular activities include:

  • Boat Rides on the Danube river – A perfect way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Calafat and its surroundings.

  • Wine Tasting Tours – Calafat is known for its excellent wine production, and you can take a tour of the vineyards, taste some of the local wines and learn about the wine-making process.

  • Photography Tours – Calafat provides an excellent opportunity for photographers to capture stunning landscapes, historical monuments, and the local life of the people.

Week-Long Itinerary for Calafat

If you are planning for a week-long trip to Calafat, you can follow the below itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Church of St. Dimitrios and learn about Romanian Orthodox architecture.
Day 2 Explore the Ottoman Fortress and marvel at the ancient architecture.
Day 3 Hike through the Iron Gates Natural Park and discover the raw beauty of the Danube river.
Day 4 Take a wine-tasting tour and enjoy the local wines.
Day 5 Visit the Archeology Museum and learn about the region’s rich history.
Day 6 Take a boat ride on the Danube river and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Day 7 Spend the day at Calafat Danube Riverbank and indulge in recreational activities like fishing and adventure sports.

Food and Drink Scene of Calafat

The food and drink scene in Calafat is excellent, and you can find a mix of traditional Romanian and Balkan cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sarmale – A popular Romanian dish that consists of minced meat and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves.

  • Mici – A traditional Romanian dish made of grilled minced meat, served with mustard and bread.

  • Fish Soup – A yummy soup made of Danube river fish, vegetables and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Tuica – A strong alcoholic drink made of plums, that is often considered to be the national drink of Romania.

  • Wine – Calafat’s vineyards produce a variety of excellent wines that you can taste and buy on the spot.

Where to Stay in Calafat: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Calafat provides various options for accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay, as per the travel budget, are:

  • Hotel Andaluzia – A comfortable stay situated in the center of the town, providing all modern amenities, and ease of access.

  • Gossl Hotel – A budget-friendly stay that offers great value for travelers.

What to Buy in Calafat: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Calafat offers various souvenirs, crafts, and local products that you can bring back home as memories of your visit.

Here are a few things to consider buying:

  • Traditional crafts - Handmade rugs, embroideries, and pottery.

  • Wine – Buy some of the local wine to enjoy or gift it to your friends and family back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Calafat

Calafat has preserved its local culture and customs, and the visitors can see them on display during their visit. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and you can see the influence of old-fashioned hospitality and warmth in their lifestyle and behavior.

Best Time to Visit Calafat

The best time to visit Calafat is from May to September when the weather is pleasant, and the outdoor activities are open for tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Calafat

Do:

  • Respect the local customs, traditions and be polite and kind to the people

  • Try the traditional cuisine and local wines.

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful to the local culture and customs

  • Litter or damage the historical monuments and natural spaces.

Safety and Health

Safety in Calafat

Calafat is a safe city, and the crime rate is low. However, travelers should be cautious and take necessary precautions while exploring the city.

Health in Calafat

Calafat has well-functional health care facilities. However, visitors must be covered medically during their trip. Health precautions include drinking bottled water, wearing sunscreen and insect-repellent creams.

Getting to Calafat: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Calafat

The nearest airports are Craiova International Airport located approximately 82kms away, and Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport. The latter is 200km away, in Serbia, and is well-connected through road and rail networks.

Bus Stations Near Calafat

Calafat is well-connected through Romania’s public transportation network, with the bus terminal.

Other Options

Travelers can also use the train services that operate on the Danube railway line, connecting the Western Balkans countries.

How to Get Around in Calafat

Calafat has a modern and efficient public transportation system, including buses and taxis, but renting a car is the best option to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Calafat: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Calafat makes an excellent base for exploring nearby destinations. A few suggestions include:

  • Drobeta-Turnu Severin – A beautiful town known for its ancient Roman monuments and cultural heritage.

  • Deva – A city in Transylvania, which is known for its historical landmarks, scenic beauty, and legends.

  • Lepenski Vir – An outdoor museum is situated across from Calafat on the Serbian side of the Danube river, which is home to Neolithic archaeological finds.

Conclusion

Calafat is a beautiful city with unique opportunities for travelers seeking to explore Romania’s history and culture. A definite must-visit destination with limitless options of adventure activities, and scenic beauty, making it one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the region.