Cove Team
26/10/2025
Travel enthusiasts are always hunting for noteworthy destinations with many hidden gems and captivating mysteries awaiting unfolding. The less crowded a country is, the better the chances of encountering places...
Romania is a country where legend meets landscape. Situated at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe, it is a nation defined by dramatic mountain ranges, medieval towns, folkloric traditions, and vibrant modern cities. From the fairy-tale castles of Transylvania to the wildlife-rich wetlands of the Danube Delta, Romania offers one of the most diverse travel experiences in Europe.
Still relatively undiscovered compared to Western Europe, Romania provides travellers with authentic experiences, affordable travel, and a fascinating blend of history, nature, and culture.
Romania is an ideal destination for travellers seeking variety. Here’s what makes it special:
Castles and medieval fortresses, including Bran Castle and Peleș Castle.
UNESCO-listed heritage sites, from the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the fortified churches of Transylvania.
Authentic folklore, with deep-rooted traditions still alive in regions such as Maramureș.
Outdoor adventure in the Carpathian Mountains, with hiking, skiing, and wildlife experiences.
Unique ecosystems, particularly the Danube Delta, one of Europe’s great natural treasures.
Cultural vibrancy, from the historic streets of Brașov and Sibiu to the energy of Bucharest.
Romania combines medieval romance with modern creativity, making it one of Europe’s most rewarding and underrated destinations.
Perhaps Romania’s most famous landmark, Bran Castle is often associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. While there is no direct historical link to Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula), the castle’s dramatic location and Gothic architecture make it an atmospheric site. Visitors can explore its medieval rooms, towers, and museum exhibits that detail Romanian history and folklore.
Located in Sinaia, Peleș Castle is one of Europe’s finest Neo-Renaissance castles. Built in the late 19th century for King Carol I, it is famed for its ornate interiors, art collections, and alpine setting in the Carpathian Mountains. The castle and nearby Pelișor Castle showcase Romania’s royal heritage.
Also known as Hunyadi Castle, Corvin Castle in Hunedoara is a striking Gothic fortress with turrets, drawbridges, and legends of imprisonment. It is one of the largest castles in Europe and an essential stop for history and architecture enthusiasts.
In northeastern Romania, the painted monasteries are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Their exterior frescoes, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, depict biblical scenes in vibrant colours that remain remarkably well preserved. Notable monasteries include Voroneț, Humor, and Sucevița.
Scattered across Transylvania, these fortified Saxon churches were built between the 13th and 16th centuries as both places of worship and defensive strongholds. The best preserved are in villages such as Biertan, Prejmer, and Viscri (the latter supported by King Charles III through the Mihai Eminescu Trust). These sites are also UNESCO-listed.
The wooden churches of Maramureș in northern Romania, with their tall spires and shingled roofs, represent a unique architectural tradition. They are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting the region’s strong cultural identity and craftsmanship.
Romania’s capital, Bucharest, is a city of contrasts. Once nicknamed the “Little Paris of the East” for its boulevards and Belle Époque architecture, it also bears the marks of communist rule. Key attractions include:
Palace of Parliament – The second-largest administrative building in the world, built under Nicolae Ceaușescu.
Old Town (Lipscani) – A lively district of bars, cafés, and historic buildings.
Romanian Athenaeum – A neoclassical concert hall and cultural icon.
Bucharest today has a thriving arts scene, vibrant nightlife, and an increasing number of boutique hotels and restaurants.
Nestled in the Carpathians, Brașov is a medieval gem with colourful houses, cobbled streets, and Gothic landmarks such as the Black Church. Its central square, Piața Sfatului, is surrounded by cafes and historic buildings, making it one of the most picturesque towns in Romania.
Sibiu is a beautifully preserved Saxon town known for its grand squares, pastel-coloured houses, and cultural events. It was designated a European Capital of Culture in 2007 and remains a hub of festivals, arts, and gastronomy.
A UNESCO-listed medieval citadel, Sighișoara is one of Europe’s best-preserved fortified towns. With its towers, cobbled streets, and colourful houses, it feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. It is also the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș (Vlad the Impaler).
Home to Romania’s largest student population, Cluj-Napoca is a lively city known for its art, nightlife, and festivals. It hosts Untold Festival, one of Europe’s biggest electronic music events. Cluj also serves as a gateway to exploring northern Transylvania.
The Carpathians dominate central Romania and are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include:
Hiking and trekking in national parks such as Piatra Craiului and Retezat.
Skiing in resorts like Poiana Brașov.
Wildlife watching, with the region home to one of Europe’s largest populations of brown bears, wolves, and lynx.
The Danube Delta, where Europe’s second-longest river meets the Black Sea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reserve. It is home to over 300 species of birds, including pelicans and herons, and is one of the most important wetlands in the world. Visitors can explore its canals and lakes by boat, experiencing a unique ecosystem.
Dubbed “the best road in the world” by Top Gear, the Transfăgărășan Highway winds through the Făgăraș Mountains, offering spectacular views and hairpin bends. Open mainly in summer due to snow, it is a highlight for road-trippers.
Romania’s history is a blend of Dacian roots, Roman conquest, medieval principalities, Ottoman and Habsburg influence, and modern independence. This diversity is reflected in its architecture, folklore, and traditions.
Dacian Fortresses of the Orăștie Mountains: UNESCO-listed ruins from the pre-Roman Dacian civilisation.
Folklore and Myth: Legends such as Dracula, the Children of Lir-like ballads, and seasonal rituals like Mărțișor (celebrated on 1 March) remain part of local identity.
Rural Traditions: Regions such as Maramureș and Bucovina preserve traditional crafts, wooden houses, and centuries-old festivals.
Romanian cuisine reflects its multicultural influences from the Balkans, Central Europe, and the Ottoman Empire.
Sarmale – Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice.
Mămăligă – Cornmeal polenta, often served with cheese and sour cream.
Ciorbă – Sour soups with vegetables or meat.
Mititei (Mici) – Grilled minced meat rolls, a popular street food.
Cozonac – Sweet bread filled with nuts or cocoa, eaten at Easter and Christmas.
Wine-making is also a growing attraction. Regions such as Dealu Mare, Cotnari, and Transylvania are producing increasingly recognised wines, while Țuică, a traditional plum brandy, remains a local favourite.
Romania has a year-round calendar of cultural events, including:
Untold Festival (Cluj-Napoca) – One of Europe’s largest electronic music festivals.
George Enescu Festival (Bucharest) – Celebrating classical music and Romania’s greatest composer.
Medieval Festivals – Hosted in towns such as Sighișoara and Brașov, with re-enactments, markets, and parades.
Traditional Folk Celebrations – Particularly in Maramureș, where harvest festivals and Christmas traditions are strongly preserved.
Location: Romania borders Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Moldova, with access to the Black Sea.
Getting Around: Trains connect major cities, but car hire is recommended for rural areas. Roads in the Carpathians and Delta require patience.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and summer for hiking and festivals.
Autumn for wine harvests and beautiful landscapes.
Winter for skiing and Christmas markets.
Currency: The Romanian leu (RON).
Language: Romanian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in major cities.
Future posts in the Romania category will expand on:
In-depth guides to Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, and the Painted Monasteries.
Hiking and wildlife in the Carpathians.
Exploring Bucharest, Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara in detail.
Food and wine routes across the country.
Cultural insights into Romanian folklore, music, and festivals.
This hub page will serve as the main entry point for those looking to dive deeper into Romania’s attractions.
Romania is a country that offers everything: castles, mountains, folklore, festivals, and a thriving capital city. It remains one of Europe’s most authentic destinations, where traditions live on and landscapes inspire awe.
From the mysterious halls of Bran Castle to the vibrant life of Bucharest, from the peaks of the Carpathians to the wild beauty of the Danube Delta, Romania is a country that rewards travellers with variety and authenticity.
If you are looking for a destination that blends history, culture, and nature without overwhelming tourist crowds, Romania is waiting to be explored.