During the Byzantine era and later under Genoese and Turkish rule, Sulina was an important river and seaport, but it lost much of its significance in the 20th century due to the construction of new and larger Danube ports (e.g., in Galati).

The old lighthouse from 1887, historic villas along the waterfront promenade, and the large cemetery are reminders of the past. Today, Sulina has a population of approximately 2,500, boasts a sandy beach stretching for many kilometers along the Black Sea, and serves as a hub for excursions and activities in the Danube Delta, cruises on the Danube, and vacations on the Black Sea.