Top things to do in Romania this summer
A holiday in Romania is the perfect opportunity to spend precious moments with the ones you love. Just a few days will be enough to enjoy the perfect vacation.
Romania has amazing landscape (sea and mountain) and well-preserved traditions. Also, this country has embraced modernism, but keeping beliefs unaltered. From north to south and from east to west we have prepared several destinations for a top holiday in Romania.
Turda Salt Mine
Turda Salt Mine is a unique place in Romania, located in Turda, Cluj county. It is considered a true salt mine museum. The workings began in the Roman era and the extraction equipment preserved in excellent condition can be admired today.
You can take a boat ride on the lake and plenty of fun games are available for children (mini golf, carousel, mini bowling). Climb the Scale of the Rich and sit for a moment at the Altar carved in salt.
The salt mine is divided into several galleries or mines that can be visited. Close to the salt mine there are a pool and a treatment base. In the area you can also visit the natural reserve Turda Gorge, the tomb of Mihai Viteazul or the Roman Castles Potaissa. Not to mention that Cluj-Napoca is not far away from the mine. And if you haven’ visited the city yet, it would be a great opportunity!
Bucovina and Churches of Moldavia
Bucovina is a land of fairy tale and we do not overstate the beauty of this place when we are saying that. It is the ideal choice for a wonderful and relaxing holiday.
Fresh air, oak forests and beautiful landscapes like no others in the world! And let’s not forget about the culinary specialties of the region: bors with chili peppers, sarmalute with polenta, smoked trout, sour soup or mushrooms stew.
Bucovina is one of the few places where traditions are still kept alive and bring joy to local people. Not to mention that the historical and spiritual charge can be overwhelming.
What can you visit in Bucovina?
Our recommendation is to begin with the painted monasteries, the places where the history was written. There are seven monasteries: Putna, Voronet, Sucevita, Agapia, Arbore, Moldovita and Humor. Each monastery has its own history, its past full of glory and can be distinguished by its unique architecture.
By far, the most famous is the Voronet Monastery. It is known all over the world thanks to the painted walls and especially for the specific blue color. Have you ever heard about the “blue of Voronet”?
Maramures
Maramures is the best place to enjoy nature, traditions, good food and experience a vacation full of unforgettable moments. People from Maramures are always ready to offer you a great hospitality.
It is a local custom to welcome guests with homemade bread and a small glass of “horinca”, a double distillated brandy made of fruits (pears, apples, plums).
The traditional food is delicious! If you are a food lover, you definitely have to try some of the popular dishes in Maramures: “balmos” (corn polenta mixed with ewe’s milk cheese and baked in the oven), smoked pork sausages, cheese and onion pie, “sarmale” (minced meat with rice, wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves), hot and sour soups.
You simply cannot miss the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta. The people from Maramures always had an odd sense of humor. This can be noticed through the naïve and funny messages carved on the colorful funeral monuments, describing scenes from the life of the people who are buried there.
“Mocanita” from Valea Vaserului, Viseul de Sus, attracts many tourists, both domestic and foreign. It is the last steam powered railway in the world. Children will be absolutely delighted!
Transylvanian villages
The beautiful villages from Transylvania, one of the best part of Romania, are waiting to be discovered. Many foreign tourists return to Romania, a blend of tradition and modern lifestyle, seeking the simple life and the quiet moments.
Biertan is one of the first Saxon settlements in Transylvania, located 80 km away from Sibiu. The village is part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1993.
The Saxon architecture is amazing: the houses are located around a central square dominated by a fortified church. The access to the citadel is made by a covered ladder that starts right out of the market.
Viscri from Brasov County is also part of the villages with fortified churches in Transylvania, designated in 1993 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The time seems to have stopped in Viscri: old and traditional houses with window shutters, a splendid fortified church and places designed to bring peace and quiet.
The village became famous in Romania after Prince Charles bought and restored some properties in the area to preserve the traditional way of life that existed for hundreds of years and promote sustainable tourism.