Romanian seaside resorts confront criticism over chaos and beach closures

A former Brașov local councilor visited the Black Sea resort of Costinești for the first time in 30 years and described the area as chaotic and poorly planned, likening it to a overcrowded metropolis. He criticised the haphazard construction of villas, terraces and souvenir stalls, calling the scene "Cocalar City" and lamenting the loss of the resort’s former bohemian atmosphere.

In Brăila, the main beach at the Lacu Sărat resort was closed for the first time in more than a century after the operating licence for the therapeutic mud was not renewed. The closure halted the "Flora" treatment centre and the beach managed by Unita Turism, prompting fears of reduced tourist inflow and financial losses for hotels and guesthouses. Local operators also reported that the nudist beach remains shut, and blame has been placed on delayed licence renewal by the mineral resources agency.