Romania’s capital of Bucharest was named one of the cheapest cities in Europe to visit in 2015, but that certainly isn’t the only reason to visit. This new addition to the EU is perhaps best known for its towering Carpathian Mountains, abundance of magnificent castles, and of course, the Bram Stoker’s fictional character of Count Dracula.
If you’re looking for an exciting yet affordable vacation, head to this beautiful country in Southeastern Europe before the word gets out and prices go up!
Here are just four reasons you should go sooner rather than later.
Spectacular landscapes
Romania’s spectacular terrain includes soaring mountains and even one of the most breathtaking roads on the planet known as “The King’s Road.” This hidden gem in the Carpathian Mountains winds through dense forests, alpine meadows, and green pastures complete with shepherds and sheep connecting Transylvania with Oltenia. This country is one of the rare places in Europe that you might even run into a bear or a wolf in the city.
A trek along the Danube Delta, the second largest river delta in Europe and the best preserved delta on earth, offers a chance to view a wide array of bird species as well as an abundance of wildlife. Discover lakes, floating islands and an incredible network of waterways as well as unexplored territories.
Amazing food
While few associate Romania with fabulous cuisine, after you visit that’s one of the many things you’re likely to rave about. From fantastic home cooked meals to elegant fine dining, Romania has it all, and at incredibly cheap prices too. Because the country still has a large farming community, in every village you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables as well as freshly-butchered meats and cheeses.
Here, many people still cook in clay vessels that provide a unique taste to the food, while produce is local and untouched by genetic change that is common in so many other nations. Fresh dairy products and homemade cheeses are commonly consumed and sold here, particularly in the mountain areas. The country is also recognized for its outstanding wine as one of the largest producers in the world and possibly even the oldest with a wine culture that’s been in existence for nearly 6,000 years.
Castles
There is seemingly no end to the magnificent fairytale-like castles in Romania. In Transylvania, the “castle capital” of the country, you can choose from 100 or so of these beautiful treasures including the mysterious turrets and towers of Bran Castle, the French Renaissance Bethlen-Haller Castle and the especially grand Peles Castle, considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of Europe.
Authenticity
If you’d like to avoid tourist traps and the plethora of souvenir shops that all seem the same, Romania is a good place to do just that. Due to the lack of tourism, this is one of the few places has an extremely authentic feel to it. The town squares have a reason to be there other than to just draw in tourist dollars; in fact, most still act as the center of day-to-day life for the average Romanian. You’ll find at least one beautiful square in every town. Romania is also a place where people still travel by horse-and-cart, a sight commonly seen in the countryside.
In rural parts of Romania you can experience a way of life that hasn’t vanished as it has it much of the rest of the world. You’ll find people with occupations like shepherding, weaving, raising pigs and chickens in their yard and using animals for field work rather than more modern, motorized contraptions.
Many travelers say it’s getting harder and harder to find an “authentic travel experience,” fortunately Romania still fits the bill.
Related Europe posts:
Top Ten Most Beautiful Castles in Europe
Top 10 Scenic Rail & Train Adventures in Europe