Mila 23
Mila 23 is a small and chic village right in the heart of the Danube Delta. If you want to find out what it feels like to live completely surrounded by water, than this is the place to visit.
[adsense]Without winning too many points for originality, the village has this name because the Sulina channel measured exactly 23 miles at this point(measured from the river’s mouth) following its old course, before the European Commission of the Danube straightened it over a century ago. If you take a look at the map of the Danube Delta, you’ll notice a huge “M” right in the center.
The only way to get here is by boat, making it the perfect retreat for a nature enthusiast or somebody who simply wants to get away from the busy life of the city.
The villagers are mostly Lipovans, Russians, Ukrainians and who support themselves through fishing. The Lipovans were the ones who founded the village in the early nineteenth century and they currently represent about two thirds of the population
They completely blend in with the surrounding scenery and you can easily see this from the way they use and respect everything that they get from nature.
Just walking through the village, you’ll get to see how they’ve been living and building their houses and other necessities out of traditional materials that could be gathered from the nearby area.
[adsense]Mila 23 is located on the left bank of the old course of the Sulina channel, which was shortened and better prepared to suit navigation needs back in the nineteenth century. Getting here is easy using a couple of regular ships that leave Tulcea at various hours every day.
For accommodation, you have a wide choice from the numerous guest houses that function in the city. The hospitality here is unique and you’ll get the chance to taste some the most tasty fish foods, while also learning some of the tricks that the local fishermen use to get the most sought after prey.
Being surrounded by a myriad of lakes and canals, Mila 23 one of the best places where you can enjoy a bird watching trip, catch some great fish or relax among the endless fields of lilies.
How about some adrenaline rush with windsurfing?
Yes, if you’re one of those adrenaline junkies that loves to constantly live on the edge, or you simply want to try an exciting new sport, then you’re in for a lot of fun because Mila 23 is one of the two places in the Delta where you can windsurf.
It’s been going on for a few years now, and there seem to be more and more people who come here to do just that.
With so many lakes around the village, it would be weird not to windsuf here. Truth be told, I’ve seen people do it in Tulcea, on the Danube, but right here in Mila 23, the place is just right.
Ivan Patzaichin
Mila 23 is probably best known for the fact that this is where Ivan Patzaichin was born in 1949, a sprint canoer who’s won four gold medals at the Olympic games and a bunch of other trophies over the course of his career.
Nowadays, he’s the coach of Romania’s canoe team and still lives here most of the year.
Here’s a video of his 1972 performance:
