From “Parisian” allure in Bucharest to epic road trips and monasteries: experience it all from a holiday home in Romania!

Romania, the land of the Carpathians where time still seems to stand still in the countryside, is a holiday destination with astonishing charm! Admire the impressive architecture of Bucharest, the UNESCO monasteries in Bucovina, and drive through the mountain valleys of Transylvania! Do you want to enjoy authentic sights? In the following article, you’ll discover the highlights you can explore from a holiday home in Romania!

Discover the Retezat Mountains from a holiday home in Romania

A rugged rocky landscape, alternating with alpine meadows and blue glacial lakes. For every adventurer, the Retezat Mountains are a hiking destination to dream of: wild, bare, and breathtaking at the same time, with panoramic views and flower-filled pastures. Hiking in this region doesn’t have to require extreme effort, thanks to accessible routes such as the trail to Lake Bucura from Poiana Pelegii. For true mountain lovers, there are trails starting in Sibiu, also a beautiful town to visit. The stunning main square and the cast-iron bridge with flower-adorned balustrades make this city one of Romania’s hidden gems!

The fountain roundabout and gigantic cathedral of Bucharest

Communist architecture doesn’t have to be ugly. Bucharest’s Parliament Palace proves that: simple in design, yet with the unmistakable appearance of a royal palace. Not far from here lies an enormous roundabout, with pools and fountains that can be considered an attraction in itself. Be sure to stroll by in the evening when the fountains are illuminated! From May to October, the spectacle is even greater during weekends, when a light show with dancing fountains takes place. The city’s architectural showpiece is the immensely tall Orthodox cathedral with golden domes. Standing at 134 metres high, it rises as a striking landmark above many other buildings. Around it is a square with symmetrical wings and an impressive entrance.

Atmospheric enjoyment at Piata Victorei in Timisoara

If you love architecture, Timisoara is another city you absolutely must see from your holiday home in Romania! Particularly impressive is the 90-metre-high Orthodox cathedral, unique in its beauty with an abundance of decorated towers. The church is the main highlight at the far end of Piata Victorei, a promenade square filled with stately architecture and a decorative park in the centre. Especially during long summer evenings, this square is a favourite spot for both tourists and Romanians!

Visit the fairytale castle of Peleş Castle

Romania is rich in castles, each with its own charm. One attraction well worth visiting for its unique beauty is Peleş Castle! This castle shines on a lush hillside, harmoniously surrounded by forest and a green slope with sweeping views. Striking features include its many elegant towers and half-timbered design. Inside, the rooms and halls offer a cosy medieval atmosphere with tapestries, armour, and intricate wood carvings.

Walk across the high pedestrian bridge of Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle, located on a hill at the edge of Hunedoara, is a robust fortress with massive walls and towers that immediately inspires awe. You reach the medieval residence via a pedestrian bridge spanning a narrow river. Your visit begins with a beautiful view over the rolling landscape of Transylvania.

Discover Transylvania from a holiday home in Romania

During your holiday, get to know the authentic countryside of Transylvania and consider excursions focused on eco-tourism. For example, hike from mountain hut to mountain hut and meet Romanian villagers who still live self-sufficiently with a vegetable garden and some poultry. You can book guided walks where you may spot wild animals such as lynxes and bears! Also taste the local cuisine, often consisting of stews such as Varză a la Cluj, a dish with cabbage, meat, rice, and sour cream. Sweet treats include Papanasi cottage cheese doughnuts with berry jam.

Tip: take a ride on the steam train from Viseu de Sus and visit the village of Biertan with its fortified church!

Take a road trip through the Transfăgărăşan

Do you prefer comfort and want to enjoy Romania’s ancient forest landscapes as much as possible? Then plan a road trip along the Transfăgărăşan, one of Eastern Europe’s most famous driving routes. Travel through deep valleys with long, steep conifer-covered slopes, alternating with bare alpine meadows. The recommended starting point is usually Piteşti. From there, you’ll see the scenery transform into the imposing mountain world that makes this route so legendary. One of the highlights along the way is the large Vidraru Reservoir.

Iron Gate Gorge: a lush canyon with rock carvings

If you enjoy the atmosphere of Lord of the Rings, you will certainly appreciate this attraction! The Iron Gate Gorge is one of Europe’s longest gorges, reaching a depth of more than 80 metres. A breathtaking sight that gives the gorge a mystical atmosphere is the immense rock carving of the Romanian king Decebalus on the steep cliffs. Another crowd-pleaser, beautifully seen from the water, is the white monastery building of Mraconia, located at the base of a sheer cliff.

Discover Romania’s monasteries

One historical region rich in cultural treasures that you must visit in Romania is Bucovina, an area famous for its many picturesque monasteries. Their outer walls are often brightly painted with Biblical scenes, intended to bring the Bible’s stories closer to local villagers. One of these remarkable buildings is the Suceviţa Monastery. Like many others, this masterpiece is completely surrounded by decorated walls, while the surrounding complex with towers and its setting provides an extra stunning bonus. A fun tip for art lovers is Putna Monastery with the nearby Egg Museum, where a large collection of painted eggs is displayed!

Rent a holiday home in Romania

If there is one country that offers endless reasons for a holiday thanks to its many highlights, Romania is certainly one of them! Experience the fountain show in Bucharest or admire the largest Orthodox church in the world. The rest of the country also holds extraordinary treasures, such as the fairytale castle of Peleş and the painted monasteries of Bucovina. Do you want to enjoy an unforgettable outdoor holiday or take a road trip through deep mountain valleys? Rent a holiday home in Romania and experience a land with an authentic and mystical atmosphere!