Malu can be understood through two main themes: archaeological traces and a landscape shaped by the Danube floodplains. The Cama-Dinu-Păsărica Nature Reserve also includes the village of Malu and covers 2,400 hectares. Its landscape features include the islands of Cama, Dinu and Păsărica, as well as the flood-prone area between the embankment and the riverbank. Malu can therefore be understood through both its settlement history and its natural environment.

Floodplain Landscape and Nature Reserve

In the wider region, the nature reserve includes oak, ash and elm forests, as well as gallery-like willow and poplar forests. It also features wet depressions with water lilies and reeds. The landscape is therefore not made up solely of floodplain forest: wet hollows and reed beds also shape the destination’s natural character. Those weighing up culture and nature will find two clearly distinct themes here.

Archaeological Traces in Malu

The Malu–Foişorul Turcului archaeological site brings together traces from widely separated periods. It includes a Dridu settlement dating from the 9th to the 11th century. It also preserves traces of pit houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, considered remnants of Malu’s old village settlement. A pit house is a building whose floor area is partly sunk into the ground. The traces are considered to be in a precarious state of preservation. The site lies about 390 metres south of the Malu exit, on the left of DN5C in the direction of Vedea and on a Danube terrace.

Church and Local History

Another cultural point of interest is the Orthodox Church of Sf. Ioan Botezătorul in Malu. It is dated to 1844 and is listed in the national register of religious buildings. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Malu was incorporated into the Raia of Giurgiu. Local tradition dates the settlement’s founding to around 7 August 1445; however, no official document confirms this date. The distinction is important for establishing the chronology: the date 1445 belongs to local tradition, the Dridu settlement and pit houses represent archaeological periods, and 1844 is the date assigned to the church.

River Channels and Waterway

The waterscape also offers several specific points of interest. Nearby is Gura Canalului Cama, where the side channel flows into the main river; the area is considered a spot for catching predatory fish such as asp and zander. The Cama-Dinu side channel lies opposite Malu and is known for its calmer waters. The two waterways therefore differ: at Gura Canalului Cama, the defining feature is its junction with the main river, while Cama-Dinu is distinguished by its location opposite Malu and its calmer water.

On 18 September 2024, the Vedea–Malu waterway was travelled as part of Via Danubiana; two wild sandy beaches were discovered during the same trip. Beach conditions and access may vary; check both before planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Greaca, Comana, Giurgiu, Călugăreni, Varlaam, Izvoarele, Daia, Banesti

Go to the parent travel overview: Giurgiu.