Mangalia, Port settlement and ancient polis near the Black Sea in Constanța County, Romania.
Mangalia is a port settlement on the Black Sea coast in Romania, featuring an active harbor, beaches, and natural thermal springs within its territory. The town occupies relatively flat terrain and blends contemporary facilities with archaeological sites from different historical periods.
The settlement was founded in the 6th century BC as Callatis by Greek colonists and grew into a significant maritime trading center. Roman and later Byzantine periods brought subsequent transformations, with the place's importance as a port persisting across centuries.
The site displays layers of Greek and Roman settlement through visible archaeological remains including temple foundations and ancient structures scattered across the area. This maritime heritage continues to define the place today and shapes how visitors encounter the town's layered past.
Visitors can access beaches, the harbor area, and natural thermal springs throughout the year, with seasonal variations affecting their appeal and use. Main facilities like accommodations, dining options, and public transportation are readily available and make exploring the area straightforward.
Although today an active commercial port, the settlement operates directly alongside archaeological excavations revealing successive historical occupation layers. This overlap of modern commerce and ancient ruins is uncommon in the region and gives the place a distinctive character.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
