The village of 2 Mai lies 5 km north of Vama Veche along the coast, and the two are closely linked in Romanian beach culture. Where Vama Veche leans loud and festive, 2 Mai is quieter, shaded by old trees, and threaded through with footpaths leading down to the sea.
It's worth the short drive or cycle ride for its own character. The beach here is less crowded, the fishing boats are still occasionally real, and there are a handful of small guesthouses where you can stay if the party noise of Vama Veche proves too much. The road between the two villages passes through low scrub and makes an easy walk in the cooler hours of the day.