Costinesti is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved seaside resorts on the Romanian Black Sea coast. Nestled between Eforie Sud and 23 August, this small village turned holiday destination has attracted generations of visitors — from students who camped on the beach in the 1980s to the families and young travellers who fill the shoreline every summer.
If you last visited Costinesti ten or twenty years ago, you may be pleasantly surprised. The resort has changed a great deal in recent years: new guesthouses, a wider range of restaurants, internationally recognised festivals and vastly improved tourism infrastructure. Yet Costinesti has kept its authentic charm — the relaxed atmosphere, the wide sandy beach and the affordable prices that make it ideal for every budget.
Whether you're coming with family and small children (the water is shallow and calm, perfect for little ones), planning a romantic weekend for two, or getting ready for the Beach Please 2026 festival, this guide gives you everything you need to plan your stay. We've gathered practical information about beaches, attractions, restaurants, transport and places to visit — all from our first-hand experience as hosts in Costinesti.
Beaches in Costinesti
The main reason people come to Costinesti is, of course, the beach. And it's no wonder — the resort boasts one of the finest stretches of sand on the Romanian coastline, with clean water and a gentle slope into the sea.
Costinesti Beach (Main Beach)
The main beach in Costinesti stretches several hundred metres along the coast and is the focal point of the resort. The sand is fine and golden, and the water gets deeper gradually — ideal if you have small children or simply prefer to wade in at your own pace. During the summer season you'll find sun loungers and parasols for hire, as well as free areas where you can lay your towel directly on the sand.
Along the beach there are bars and terraces where you can order an iced coffee, a beer or a bite to eat without straying too far from the water. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the season, which adds an extra layer of safety — especially for families.
From Radel House, the main beach is roughly 350 metres away — about a 5-minute walk. Close enough to make the trip several times a day, yet far enough to enjoy peace and quiet in the evening.
French Gulf (Golful Francez)
If you prefer a more secluded, less crowded spot, French Gulf is an excellent alternative. Located at the southern edge of the resort, this small cove offers a more intimate atmosphere with less noise and fewer tourists. It's a favourite among those who want to read a book on the beach or swim away from the bustle of the centre. The seabed is somewhat rocky in places, so water shoes are a good idea.
23 August Beach
A short distance from Costinesti, the village of 23 August has another beautiful beach — more spacious and often less crowded than the main beach in Costinesti. You can easily reach it on foot or by car in just a few minutes. It's a great option if you want a change of scenery or if you're looking for more space on the beach during the busy days of July and August.
Tourist Attractions
Costinesti is not all about the beach. The resort has several points of interest that are well worth exploring, whether it's your first visit or you come back year after year.
The Costinesti Obelisk
The Obelisk is arguably the best-known symbol of the resort. The monument stands at the entrance to Costinesti and is a landmark recognised by anyone who has ever set foot on the Romanian coast. Erected in honour of youth, the Obelisk has become a traditional meeting point and a perfect spot for a souvenir photo. It's roughly 850 metres from Radel House — a short, pleasant walk, especially in the evening when the resort comes alive.
The Evangelia Shipwreck
One of the most photographed attractions on the entire Romanian coast, the Evangelia Shipwreck is a Greek cargo ship that ran aground in 1968 near the shore. More than half a century later, the wreck is still clearly visible from the beach — partially submerged and rusted, creating an almost surreal seascape. It's an excellent spot for photography, particularly at sunrise or sunset, when the natural light creates a striking contrast with the ship's silhouette. The wreck is approximately 2.4 km from Radel House — a lovely walk along the shoreline or a few minutes by car.
Acacia Park (Parcul cu Salcami)
Just 350 metres from Radel House, Acacia Park is a green and shady retreat, ideal for a morning stroll or a break from the sun. The trees provide natural shade and the paths are perfect for a relaxed walk. It's a particularly pleasant spot for families with children who want to play in a safer environment than the beach.
Costinesti Amusement Park
If you have children, the amusement park in Costinesti is a must. Located about a 5-minute walk from Radel House, the park offers a variety of activities for kids — carousels, electric cars, trampolines and other rides. Prices are affordable and the atmosphere is cheerful and family-friendly. Even adults can find something fun to do here, from target shooting to bumper cars.
Beach Please 2026 — The Music Festival of the Summer
In recent years, Costinesti has become synonymous with one of the biggest music festivals in Romania: Beach Please. The 2026 edition will take place from 8 to 12 July, right on the beach in Costinesti, and it promises to be every bit as spectacular as previous years.
Beach Please has grown exponentially since its first edition, bringing international hip-hop, trap, reggaeton and electronic music artists to the stage alongside Romania's most popular performers. The festival attracts tens of thousands of attendees from across the country and abroad, turning Costinesti into a city of music and entertainment for five days straight.
Radel House is approximately 1 km from the festival grounds — about a 10-15 minute walk. That means you can enjoy the festival late into the night and walk back to your room without needing a car or transport. And in the morning, you'll have peace and quiet, air conditioning and a hot shower to recharge before the next day of concerts.
For Beach Please accommodation, see our dedicated page with special rates and booking details.
Nightlife
Costinesti has always been famous for its nightlife. Even during the communist era, the resort was the place where young people came to party until dawn, and that tradition continues today. After sunset, the resort centre and the beachfront transform — music spills out of bars and clubs, terraces fill up and the atmosphere becomes electric.
Over the years, clubs and bars have changed, reinvented themselves or been replaced by new ones. That's why there's little point in recommending specific venues that might not exist by next summer — but what we can say with certainty is that, regardless of the season, you'll find options for every taste. From laid-back beach bars with live music to DJ clubs and themed parties, to quiet terraces where you can sip a cocktail under the stars.
A useful tip: on weekends and especially during festivals, the resort centre can get quite crowded in the evening. If you prefer a quieter area, the rooms at Radel House are in a residential neighbourhood — close enough to the action but away from the noise at night.
Nearby Restaurants
After a day on the beach, nothing beats a good meal. Within walking distance of Radel House you'll find several restaurants, each with its own character:
Casa Ardeleanca (350 m)
If you're craving traditional Romanian food by the sea, Casa Ardeleanca is the right choice. The menu features classic dishes — soups, cabbage rolls, grilled meats — prepared from authentic recipes. Portions are generous, prices are fair and the atmosphere reminds you of a Transylvanian guesthouse, even though you're at the seaside.
Victoria (400 m)
Victoria is another popular local restaurant, appreciated for its varied menu and pleasant terrace. It serves both Romanian and international dishes, making it a good choice for families who want to keep everyone at the table happy.
Sapori (400 m)
For something different, Sapori brings international flavours to a pleasant setting. It's a great spot for a more relaxed dinner, with a menu that includes pasta, pizza and other tasty dishes.
And if you prefer to cook for yourself? Radel House has a fully equipped kitchen and a barbecue area available to guests. You can buy fresh ingredients from local shops and prepare your meals whenever you like — an economical and convenient option, especially for longer stays.
Transport — Getting to Costinesti
Costinesti is easily accessible from anywhere in the country, and once you arrive, you can get everywhere on foot.
By car
The most direct route from Bucharest is via the Sun Motorway (A2) to Constanta, then south on the DN39 through Eforie Nord and Eforie Sud to Costinesti. The total distance is approximately 250 km and takes around 3 to 3.5 hours under normal traffic conditions. On busy summer weekends, we recommend leaving early in the morning or avoiding Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings.
At Radel House you benefit from free parking in the guesthouse courtyard — a significant advantage on the coast, where parking can be a real problem during the season.
By train
Costinesti has its own railway station, and during the summer season CFR (Romanian Railways) operates direct trains from Bucharest. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, but you have the advantage of not having to worry about traffic and parking. Costinesti station is just 350 metres from Radel House — you can walk there with your luggage in under 5 minutes.
By air
The nearest airport is Mihail Kogalniceanu International Airport in Constanta, approximately 52 km from Costinesti. From the airport you can hire a car or arrange a private transfer. This is a good option especially for visitors coming from abroad or from more distant Romanian cities such as Cluj-Napoca or Timisoara.
Weather & Best Season
The tourist season in Costinesti runs from May to September, but each month has its own appeal:
May: Pleasant temperatures (20-25 C), the beach almost deserted, low prices. The sea is still too cold for swimming, but it's ideal for beach walks and exploring the resort without the crowds.
June: The weather warms up considerably (25-30 C), the water becomes suitable for swimming and the beach starts to come alive. It's one of the best months for families — lovely weather, still-reasonable prices and no peak-season crowds. Rates at Radel House are more favourable during this period.
July: Peak season. Temperatures of 30-35 C, a packed beach, nightlife at its best and the Beach Please festival drawing tens of thousands. If you enjoy a vibrant, energetic atmosphere, July is your month. Our recommendation: book early, as rooms fill up fast.
August: Just as warm as July but without the festival — which means a touch more tranquillity. It's the favourite month for families with children and those who want to enjoy the beach to the fullest without the festival frenzy. The sea reaches its warmest temperature of the year (24-26 C).
September: The "golden month" of the Romanian coast. Pleasant temperatures (22-28 C), still-warm water, near-empty beaches and significantly reduced prices. If you have flexibility in your holiday schedule, September may be the very best time to visit Costinesti — excellent weather, fewer tourists and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.