Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort
About Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort
Sărata Monteoru is a small resort in the commune of Merei, set in a sheltered basin on the south-eastern edge of the Curvature Subcarpathians. On the slopes of the Sărata stream valley, springs of strongly mineralised water rise to the surface: sodium chloride water rich in bromine and iodine, which locals were already using for cures in the first half of the 19th century.
The resort was built by Grigore Constantinescu-Monteoru, who had bought the village of Fundu Sărății and the oil-bearing land around it and made his fortune from oil. It opened on 1 July 1895, with hotels, a chapel, a casino and an English-style park. After the Second World War and nationalisation it declined, and in the 1970s the state built the Ceres and Monteoru hotels, a lido and a treatment centre. Since 2016 it has had the status of a spa and climatic resort.
What you can see
The main attraction is the Paradis Lido in the centre of the resort, the oldest and largest of its lidos: a pool of about 3,000 m², 1.7 m deep, filled with salt water, plus a children's pool. Towards the entrance to the resort stands the Monteoru Villa, built for the founder's family, with a stone fountain in its grounds, and close by is the family chapel; both are listed historic monuments. The resort also has the memorial to the heroes of the First World War, from 1933, bearing the names of 64 local men.
Marked trails start from the centre: to the 10 m cross on Piscul Mocanului (under an hour), to the Negoiță hermitage (about 40 minutes) and two longer routes, to the Green Lake and to the oil mine. On Cetățuia hill, at the eastern edge of the village, lies the Bronze Age site that gave its name to the Monteoru culture.
Good to know
The Monteoru Villa, returned to the family's descendants, is not open to the public. The oil mine, a listed monument, is still in operation and cannot be visited. The Mud Volcanoes are ~34 km to the north.
Information verified on 2 November 2026.
- A swim in the Paradis Lido's pool of about 3,000 m², filled with salt water from the resort's springs.
- The Monteoru Villa, with the stone fountain in its grounds, built for the family that founded the resort.
- The Monteoru family chapel, a listed monument, next to the villa.
- The 1933 heroes' memorial, bearing the names of the 64 local men who fell in the First World War.
- The climb along the marked trail to the 10 m cross on Piscul Mocanului, with a view over the resort.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Buzău head west on the DN 1B towards Ploiești, then turn north onto the DJ 203G, through Merei, up to the resort: ~19 km, about 25 minutes. From Ploiești it is ~90 km (~1h15), and from Bucharest ~115 km (~1h30), on the A3 and A7 motorways to the Buzău area, then on the DN 1B and DJ 203G.
- Fees & discounts
Walking around the resort and on the marked trails is free. The Paradis Lido has an entry ticket, dearer at weekends than on weekdays, and parasols and sunloungers are paid for separately. Treatments at the spa centres are paid for at the hotel or covered by a pension-fund treatment voucher.
- Rules
Spa cures are taken on a doctor's recommendation, as concentrated salt waters also have contraindications. Salt water stings the eyes and fresh cuts; it is a good idea to rinse off in the shower after bathing. At the lido, follow the posted rules and the lifeguards' instructions.
- Facilities
Salt-water lido with a children's pool · spa treatment centres at the Ceres, Monteoru and Cazino hotels · pools at several hotels and guesthouses · hotels, guesthouses and restaurants · marked hiking trails
Frequently asked questions about Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort
How much is a ticket to Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort?
Admission to Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort is free (the lido has its own ticket). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort?
Opening hours at Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort take?
A visit to Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort takes about 3½ – 4 hours (a day at the lido and on trails).
Can you visit Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort with kids?
Yes, Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort is suitable for children (children's pool at the lido).
How do I get to Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort?
Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort is located at Aleea Ștrandului, next to the Paradis Lido, in the centre of the resort, Sărata-Monteoru, Buzău County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort?
The best season for Sărata Monteoru Spa Resort: June – September (the lido, summer only).
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