Romania is an underrated European vacation destination filled with hidden gems, beloved for its UNESCO-listed natural attractions, historic cities, and medieval castles. Dig deeper into this unique country and you’ll discover an abundance of exciting outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and geological wonders tucked away from popular destinations like its capital city of Bucharest – all at attractive prices.
It’s easier than ever to explore Romania, as entry requirements for vaccinated European travellers have been lifted if at least 10 days have passed since your second dose. Further, European countries not listed on Romania’s red or yellow list have no restrictions on entry. So, hike to a waterfall, hop on a scenic boat tour, or get off the beaten path in the beautiful Transylvania Region. Add Romania’s best-kept secrets to your next holiday itinerary.
Remember to double-check Romania’s restrictions before booking. If you’re looking for extra reassurance that you’re covered if your travel plans change or get cancelled, you can look for flexible flight tickets with no change fees and stays and car hires with free cancellation on our site.
Sibiu
Less than 300 kilometres from Bucharest lies Sibiu, a charming historic town in the heart of Transylvania. While most know this region as the mysterious home of Count Dracula, this non-fictional area actually boasts some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, including the lovely town of Sibiu. Dating back to the 12th century, it has a beautiful historical centre, lively squares, and old town buildings with small, narrow windows that resemble eyes. But be careful when crossing the Bridge of Lies – according to legend, it will collapse if you say something untruthful while crossing.
The UNESCO-listed Danube Delta
An activity for the truly adventurous, exploring the Danube Delta offers access to the second largest river in Europe. While it’s a UNESCO-listed attraction, most travellers don’t make the trek to Tulcea where daily boat tours start. It’s worth the effort to reach this aquatic paradise, however, as the mighty Danube River is a haven for wildlife and meets the Black Sea to create one of the most spectacular wetlands in the world. The almost 6,000-square-kilometre wildlife reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise. It’s home to more than 300 species of birds, offering pristine nature views on its picturesque network of waterways.
Urlatoarea Waterfall in the Bucegi Mountains
If you want to catch a glimpse of one of Romania’s most beautiful waterfalls, lace up your hiking boots and follow this trail in the Bucegi Mountains. At almost 15 metres in height, the Urlatoarea waterfall is a hidden natural gem formed by the Urlatoarea River and accessed from the cable car station in the village of Bușteni. You’ll hear the powerful sound of the crashing water before you reach the natural wonder, while smaller waterfalls like Uraltoarea Mare and Urlatoarea Mica are also worth exploring nearby.
Transfagarasan Highway
If you’re a fan of epic road trip adventures, a journey along Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway is a must. With the route starting Bascov and stretching 150 kilometres to Sibiu, the all-day drive offers incredible scenery surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Romania.
Passing over the Fagaras Mountains (a popular hiking destination), this renowned European road trip includes necessary stops at Balea Waterfall, Balea Lake, Capra Tunnel, and Poenari Citadel. It isn’t for the faint-hearted, however, as Transfagarasan features hairpin turns and curves, with the elevation reaching over 2,000 metres at its highest peak.
Apuseni Natural Park
Nature lovers can immerse themselves in the beauty of Romania’s Apuseni Natural Park, a protected area in the northwestern part of the Apuseni Mountains. Spanning over 75,000 hectares, it’s home to complex karst landscapes, deep gorges and canyons, and impressive flora and fauna. Hikers will find a wealth of geological wonders on the park’s 35 marked walking paths, which range in length and difficulty for all skill levels.
There are also countless caves open for exploration, with Scarisoara Ice Cave a highlight: it boasts the largest underground glacier in Europe. Alternatively, families and beginner hikers can opt to visit the illuminated Bears Cave.
Discover Romania’s best-kept secrets
Dive deep into Romania’s hidden gems and you’ll discover a wealth of exciting adventures to add to your bucket list. These lesser-known destinations offer access to some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and natural attractions.
