Practical information for your visit to Jurilovca: how to get here, how to reach Gura Portiței, when to come and what to bring.
Getting here
- From Bucharest, by car: about 3.5 to 4 hours. Take the A2 motorway to Constanța, then the DN22 towards Tulcea, and turn off for Jurilovca through Sarichioi, on the DJ222.
- From Tulcea and Constanța: on the DN22 (E87), following the signs for Babadag / Sarichioi, then on the DJ222 straight to Jurilovca.
- By public transport: there are regular minibus and bus services linking Jurilovca with Tulcea and Constanța.
- Parking: paid parking at Jurilovca Tourist Harbour (the new harbour).
Getting to Gura Portiței
At a glance
From Jurilovca Tourist Harbour
Who Vali (0724 178 299) and Adi (0723 310 692)- Journey time about 20 minutes
Price about 80 lei per person, return
When all year round, weather and wind permitting
Booking recommended, directly with the boatmen
When to come
- Spring: nature comes spectacularly back to life; it’s the ideal time for birdwatching and quiet trips on the lake.
- Summer: perfect weather for the beach and relaxing at Gura Portiței, boat trips and outdoor activities.
- Autumn: warm colours on the channels, mild weather for walks up to the Argamum Fortress and the laid-back feel of the village.
- Winter: frozen Delta landscapes with a wild beauty all of their own, and authentic winter traditions.
Local events
- educational activities such as Școala Altfel (the Romanian “different school” week) / Săptămâna Verde (the Green Week school programme)
- acoustic concerts and cultural events at Curtea Lipovenesc
- the winter holidays, including Old Style Christmas
What to bring
- insect repellent spray or lotion
- cash
- a hat and sunglasses
- sun cream
- a light windproof jacket: really important for trips on the water
- for Gura Portiței: swimsuit, towel, water, a spare T-shirt and a light rain poncho
- for the Argamum Fortress: comfortable shoes and binoculars
Reserve access permits
Jurilovca lies within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. To visit, you need the tourist access permit, issued by the ARBDD (the reserve authority):
- free for pupils, students, pensioners, veterans, people with disabilities and locals
- for all other visitors: 5 lei/day, 15 lei/week or 30 lei/year (plus VAT)
- boats or vehicles may need a separate access permit
- for fishing you need the ARBDD recreational fishing permit; the ANPA permit isn’t valid in the Delta
Prices are a guide only; check them with the ARBDD before you travel.
Practical information: good to know
- Cash machine: there’s a CEC Bank cash machine in the village, but it’s inside the bank, so once the bank closes you can’t get to it.
- Cash: bring cash with you, especially for the boatmen and small local producers, where card payment may not be available.
- Shopping: a 24-hour petrol station with a small shop; in summer, the Profi supermarket is open until midnight.
- Mosquitoes: they can be a problem in the warm season, especially in the evening and near the reed beds. Insect repellent is a must, along with long-sleeved clothes for evenings outdoors.
