2 Mai

At the far southern end of the coast, just before the Bulgarian border, **2 Mai** remains one of the few places where the sea still smells of fishing village rather than wet concrete. It is a quiet, understated bohemia of low houses, wooden fences and fisheries where the catch reaches your plate a few hours after it left the water. Being next door to **Vama Veche** gives it easy access to the buzz, yet **2 Mai** guards its calm like a secret.

## Who it's for

- A match for anyone chasing authenticity, nature and a slow pace: couples, artists, laid-back families, and those nostalgic for the coast of old.

- Less suited to travellers who want clubs, round-the-clock action or the comforts of an all-inclusive resort.

## The beach & the vibe

The beach is wide, with coarse sand and stretches left deliberately wild, free of sun loungers lined up to the millimetre. The mood is easygoing, and clothing-optional toward the more secluded spots. Evenings are spent over a table with wine and mackerel, not on a dance floor.

## Good to know

Price level: affordable to moderate, with more than 50 places to stay listed and nearly 20 restaurants and fisheries. Come in **June** or **September** for complete quiet; July and August draw a bigger crowd spilling over from **Vama Veche**. **Mangalia** is 5 km away for shopping and services, and if you fancy a party, **Vama Veche** is a stroll down the beach.