What a coastal holiday costs in 2026 — a detailed budget

What does a holiday on the Romanian coast actually cost in 2026? The question has no single answer — it all depends on the resort, the season and your holiday style. A couple's getaway to Vama Veche looks completely different from an all-inclusive family stay in Olimp. Let's break the budget down by category, so you can plan your holiday realistically, with no surprises.

Accommodation: the biggest expense

Accommodation typically swallows half the holiday budget. Prices vary enormously depending on the area and the season.

• Premium resorts (Mamaia, Olimp, Neptun): 4–5 star hotels are the most expensive, especially in July and August.
• Affordable resorts (Eforie Nord, Eforie Sud, Costinești, Jupiter, Saturn): you'll find guesthouses and apartments at reasonable prices.
• Bohemian areas (Vama Veche, 2 Mai): camping, modest rooms or staying with locals.

Tip: book from spring and look for accommodation a few streets back from the beach — the price difference is considerable, and the walk to the sea is short.

Food: from budget to refined

• Budget: an apartment with a kitchen plus shopping at the market or supermarket. This slashes your costs.
• Balanced: breakfast in, a light lunch on the beach, dinner at a terrace.
• Indulgent: restaurants with fresh fish specialties — shad, turbot, mussels. In Constanța and the port of Mangalia you'll find excellent fish.

Don't miss the fishermen's terraces; a portion of saramură by the sea is an experience in itself.

Transport: getting there and getting around

• By car: the most flexible. Factor in fuel, any tolls and parking, which in Mamaia can be expensive and hard to find at the height of the season.
• By train or coach: to Constanța, then local transport to the resorts.
• On the coast: there are transport lines between resorts; bikes and e-scooters are excellent for short distances, especially in the Mamaia–Năvodari area.

Fun and attractions

• The Delfinariul din Constanța (Constanța Dolphinarium) and its complex (planetarium, aquarium) — a classic family attraction.
• The Cazinoul din Constanța (Constanța Casino), recently restored, is worth a visit and a photo.
• corbu" class="lo-autolink">Cetatea Histria, the oldest urban settlement on Romanian territory — a day trip for history lovers.
• Water parks, terraces and clubs in Mamaia and Costinești.
• Water sports: sun lounger, umbrella, jet ski, parasailing.

How to save smartly

1. Go in the shoulder season (June or September) — much lower prices, a sea just as beautiful.
2. Choose lesser-known resorts such as Tuzla, 23 August or Venus.
3. Cook some of your meals if your accommodation has a kitchen.
4. Book early — early booking brings real discounts.
5. Skip the club-beach lounger if you're on a tight budget; many public beaches are free.

In closing

The Romanian coast can be affordable or luxurious, depending on your choices. A frugal couple in Eforie Sud in June spends a fraction of what a family gives in Olimp in August. The key is planning: book early, choose the season wisely and leave room in the budget for a few experiences that turn a simple holiday into a memory.