Small Island of Brăila Natural Park

<p>The Small Island of Brăila Natural Park is the last preserved wetland in the entire Romanian Danube floodplain. 17,500 hectares of channels, lakes, poplar and willow forests, birds — and a silence you can no longer find easily in Romania. It became a Natural Park in 2001, after the rest of the Danube wetlands had been dyked and turned into farmland.</p><p>Come to see a different Romania: low horizons, slow waters, swans, herons, otters, migratory pelicans, white-tailed eagles. Around 200 bird species. The best way to explore is by boat — guided tours leave from Brăila or Hârșova, last 4-8 hours, cost reasonably (€10-20 per person), and some include local food.</p><p>Tip: come in spring (April-May) for bird migration, or autumn (September-October) for color and silence. Summer brings mosquitoes — pack spray. In winter some areas freeze and become spectacular.</p><p>Brăila town has an extraordinarily beautiful Danube promenade and a central square full of Secession buildings worth an evening. Have a coffee by the river.</p>