The navigable Dunavăț arm runs through Dunavăţu de Jos and connects the Sfântu-Gheorghe arm with canals leading to the lakes in the south. Boat trips from the village follow this arm as well as nearby canals and lakes. This makes it possible to plan your stay around your preferred focus: if you want to explore the Delta’s waterways, you can make a boat trip the main activity of the day. Birdwatching and sport fishing are other tourist activities available in Dunavăţu de Jos. These options are all connected to the water, but offer different perspectives. First consider whether you want to plan a boat trip or focus on one of the other activities.

Waterways and Nature

The wetlands east of the village also have a distinct natural feature: western Pontic white poplar gallery forests grow there. A 2012 study based on fieldwork conducted from 2007 to 2010 classified the forests at the level of the Murighiol area as endangered. The Sărăturile Murighiol Nature Reserve lies south of the village of Murighiol, within the commune. It is a very shallow, saline body of water with dense vegetation and serves as a refuge for waterbirds. The natural features are distinct: on the one hand, the gallery forests in the wetlands east of the village; on the other, the saline body of water, which provides a refuge for waterbirds.

Getting There and Planning on the Water

For getting there, it is useful to distinguish between road travel and boat travel. Dunavăţu de Jos can be reached by road from Tulcea via Murighiol and is among the last villages in this part of the Delta that can be reached by car. The DJ 229L provides the road connection to Dunavăţu de Jos over a distance of 9.0 km; the DJ 229M connects the road with the Murighiol landing stage. Delta excursions travel by boat along the Dunavăț arm and nearby canals and lakes. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between travelling by road from the direction of Tulcea and taking part in boat activities in the Delta. A permit for an overnight stay of one night is required for a slow-paced activity on the Canal Dunavăț. If you plan such an activity, check the permit details in advance.

Monastery, Museum and Regional Cuisine

The Sfântul Ilie Monastery, a monastery of the Old Rite, offers a cultural point of interest in the village. Further afield, the “Casa Satului” Dunavat Folk Art Museum offers another cultural point of interest: its collections reflect a cultural model of coexistence among Romanians, Ukrainians, Lipovan Russians, Turks and Tatars. Fish is readily available in Murighiol commune. Romanians, Ukrainians and Muslims, including Turks and Tatars, prepare it baked, fried, salted or marinated. Fish is also served in soups, fish borscht and stews; piftel and oven-baked dishes are also part of the cuisine.

For the broader travel overview: Murighiol Commune.