Discover Plopul: Nature, Lagoons and Village History

Plopul brings together natural and historical features at different scales: Lacul Beibugeac lies within the village, while lagoon and steppe landscapes also form part of the wider Razim-Sinoe region. Archaeological remains and a traditional church festival add to these attractions. When planning your trip, it is worth first deciding on your main focus and its timing.

Nature and Protected Areas

Lacul Beibugeac lies in the village of Plopul, about four kilometres from the commune of Murighiol. The Lacul Plopu-Beibugeac area covers 170 hectares, is designated as a special avifauna protection area and is managed by S.O.R. Tulcea. The strictly protected Sărături–Murighiol zone lies between Murighiol and Plopul.

Red-breasted geese (Branta ruficollis) overwinter at Lacul Beibugeac as they migrate along the Black Sea coast. If this species is the reason for your trip, winter is the relevant time of year. The protected-area status and seasonal observation provide two clear points of reference for nature enthusiasts.

Landscape and Getting Around

Lagoon and steppe landscapes define the wider Razim-Sinoe area. The region is well suited to hiking, nature observation and rural tourism. Between Plopu and Sarinasuf, south of the local DJ 222C road, there is a lake connected to the Razim Lagoon.

Plopul is a starting point for boat trips into the Danube Delta and to Lake Razelm. If you are planning such a trip, check the specific arrangements in advance. The official terrestrial visitor route D3 runs from Murighiul to Lacul Sărături and back. A tourist pass is required to access the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. Plopul can be reached by road. For planning excursions, the options mentioned differ in terms of transport, as well as their starting point and destination: D3 is a land route from Murighiul to Lacul Sărături and back; boat trips start in Plopul and go into the Danube Delta or to Lake Razelm.

Village History and Tradition

The present-day village was founded by Turks around 1857. A Christian church was built in Plopul in 1874. The village’s founding and the church’s construction are two distinct historical reference points: they tell the story of the origins of the present-day village and of a later religious building.

The ruins of Cetatea Zaporojenilor were discovered southeast of Plopul, on a 75 m-high hill near Lake Razim. This adds an archaeological dimension to the local history, alongside the founding of the village and the construction of the church.

Plopul’s traditional church festival is dedicated to Saint Parascheva and is held on 14 October.

When to Visit and What to Focus On

There are two different points of reference for planning when to visit: the red-breasted goose is associated with winter, while the traditional church festival takes place on 14 October. If you plan to attend the festival, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Partizani, Jurilovca, Sulina, Chilia Veche, Letea, Tulcea, Uzlina, Mahmudia

Back to the main travel overview: Tulcea.