Murfatlar

Murfatlar is a town in Constanța County, Northern Dobruja, with about 9,200 inhabitants. It was known as Basarabi from 1921 to 1965 and again from 1975 to 2007, when the name Murfatlar was restored. The name originates from the Turkish word "murvet" (generous man). The town is nationally famous for the Murfatlar Vineyard, one of Romania's premier wine-growing regions. The Basarabi Cave Complex, a set of early medieval rock churches carved into the hills nearby, is a major historical attraction. Murfatlar is also the birthplace of Traian Băsescu, Romania's 4th president.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport (CND), about 40 km east. Bucharest's Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) is roughly 180 km west.

By Train

Murfatlar has a railway station on the CFR main line between Constanța and Bucharest. Trains run frequently to Constanța (about 25 min), Medgidia (10 min), and Bucharest (about 2 hr).

By Car / Road

Murfatlar is easily accessible from the A2 motorway (exit Medgidia or Valu lui Traian) and is located on the DN 22C road between Medgidia and Constanța. It is about 25 km west of Constanța.

The town is walkable. Local minibuses connect Murfatlar and the outlying village of Siminoc. Taxis are available.

• Basarabi Cave Complex — a set of early medieval (9th–11th century) rock-hewn churches and monastic cells carved into the limestone hills. The caves feature Christian frescoes and inscriptions in Greek and Cyrillic script.

• Murfatlar Vineyard — one of Romania's largest and most renowned wine estates. The winery offers tours and tastings.

• Danube-Black Sea Canal — the canal passes through Murfatlar; the port area is a scenic spot for watching ships.

• Siminoc village — named after the Helichrysum arenarium flower abundant in the area; a quiet rural village with traditional architecture.

• Tour the Murfatlar Winery and taste local varieties: Fetească Neagră, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.

• Explore the Basarabi Cave Complex — guided tours available.

• Walk along the Danube-Black Sea Canal in the port area.

• Cycle through the surrounding vineyards and hills.

Murfatlar has a few restaurants and guesthouses serving Romanian cuisine. Many restaurants in the region serve wine from the local vineyards alongside traditional Dobrujan dishes.

Murfatlar is all about wine. The winery's tasting room offers samples of their full range. Local wine is also available at most bars and restaurants in town.

Murfatlar has limited accommodation — a few guesthouses and small hotels. Most visitors stay in Constanța or Medgidia and visit on a day trip.

The Murfatlar Winery shop sells wines directly to visitors. Local produce includes wine, honey, and dairy products from the surrounding farms.

• Medgidia — city on the Danube-Black Sea Canal with Ottoman mosque and art museum — 10 km north-west.
• Constanța — Black Sea port city with Roman mosaics, the Casino, and beaches — 25 km east.
• Cernavodă — Danube port with nuclear power plant — 30 km west.
• Adamclisi — Tropaeum Traiani Roman monument and archaeological site — 35 km south-west.
• Ovidiu — town on Lake Siutghiol with the Ovidiu island — 20 km north-east.