Mila 23 (Kilometre 23)
Mila 23 village · km 23 anchorage
45°10.3'N 29°22.8'E
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
45m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
45m
45m for a fully sheltered channel anchorage. Excellent Danube silt holding. Commercial shipping wakes are the main disturbance — set anchor firmly.
About This Anchorage
Mila 23 takes its name from its position at the 23rd kilometre marker on the Sulina navigation channel. This Lipovan fishing village has become one of the Danube Delta's most celebrated destinations — its traditional way of life, colourful wooden houses, and genuinely warm community have made it a favourite of both Romanian tourists and international visitors. The Lipovans (Russian Old Believers) settled the delta in the 18th century after fleeing religious persecution in Russia; their descendants still maintain a distinct culture, language, and Orthodox tradition separate from mainstream Romanian society. The village's position on a secondary branch of the Sulina Channel gives it a quieter character than the main waterway — fishing boats outnumber tourist vessels, pelicans drift overhead, and evenings bring the sound of frogs and nightjars from the surrounding reed beds.
Protected From
N · S · E · W
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Small pontoon fees possible; ARBDD permit required
- Permit required
- Yes — ARBDD Delta Permit
- Permit details
- ARBDD delta permit required throughout delta navigation.
Restrictions: Speed limits enforced. Respect local Lipovan community — photography with permission.
Hazards
- !Commercial shipping wash on nearby Sulina Channel
- !Shallow secondary channels around village — explore by dinghy rather than main vessel
Skipper's Tips
- →Lipovan families offer traditional fish ciorba (sour fish soup) and home-smoked carp — outstanding
- →Rent a local rowboat — the secondary channels around Mila 23 are some of the delta's most beautiful
- →The delta's floating reed islands (plaur) are visible nearby — fascinating geological feature
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Crișan (8nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. June–July for peak birdlife. August is warmest with good fishing. September for migration season and quieter tourism.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 45m
In the Danube Delta's river channels, commercial barge wakes and Danube current can disturb a lightly set anchor in soft silt. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously in this extraordinary wilderness.
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