Comana Natural Park

Parcul Natural Comana

A wetland and forest reserve south of Bucharest, sometimes called the Danube Delta's little cousin for its rich birdlife. Boat trips through reed-lined channels, marshes and butterfly reserves make it a peaceful nature escape.

Things to do

• Boat trip on Comana Lake — Glide through reed-lined channels of the marsh where herons, egrets and cormorants nest, earning the park its Danube Delta comparison.
• Birdwatching in the wetlands — Over 140 bird species have been recorded here, making it a prime spot for spotting waterfowl and migratory birds from hidden hides.
• Butterfly Reserve (Rezervatia Oloaga-Grădinari) — Wander protected meadows and forest edges famed for rare butterfly species and endemic peony blooms in spring.
• Visit Comana Monastery — Explore the fortified 15th-century monastery founded by Vlad the Impaler, restored with defensive walls and a peaceful inner courtyard.
• Adventure Park Comana — Try zip-lines, rope courses and tree-top obstacles set within the forest for an active family day out.
• Cycle or hike the forest trails — Follow marked paths through oak and hornbeam woods, once a royal hunting ground, ideal for a quiet walk.
• Traditional crafts village (Sat Vacanta) — Browse artisan workshops and a small ethnographic setup showcasing local pottery, weaving and rural life.

Food to try

• Fish soup (ciorbă de pește) — A tangy Danube-style fish broth made with freshwater catch from the local lakes, a natural must-try in this wetland region.
• Grilled carp and freshwater fish — Locally caught carp or pike grilled and served simply with garlic sauce (mujdei) at rural guesthouses.
• Mămăligă with brânză and smântână — Cornmeal polenta served with salty sheep's cheese and sour cream, a staple of Wallachian country cooking.
• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, slow-cooked and often served at village pensions.
• Zacuscă and homemade preserves — A vegetable spread of roasted peppers and eggplant, sold at roadside stalls alongside honey and forest-fruit jams.
• Țuică — Strong homemade plum brandy offered as a welcome drink, a proud tradition in rural Romanian households.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect monastery dress codes — Cover shoulders and knees when entering Comana Monastery, and women may wish to bring a headscarf out of respect.
• Book boat trips in advance — Guided boat tours run seasonally and can fill up on weekends, so arrange with local operators or your guesthouse ahead of time.
• Come in late spring for peonies — The wild Romanian peony blooms around late April to May, a protected local treasure celebrated by nearby villages.
• Bring cash and insect repellent — Rural vendors and small pensions often prefer cash, and the wetlands mean mosquitoes are common in warmer months.

Nearby

• Bucharest — 28 km
• Palace of the Parliament (Bucharest) — 29 km
• National Museum of Romanian History (Bucharest) — 29 km
• Old Town (Lipscani) (Bucharest) — 29 km