34 years after the fall of communism, Romania joined the Schengen area in March, eliminating the need for a passport for EU citizens traveling by air or sea. The reasons to visit Romania go beyond the picturesque Saxon villages, spectacular mountains and the famous castle of Dracula (which, incidentally, has been mistakenly associated with the famous fictional vampire). Now, Romania is starting to be recognized as an unconventional luxury destination, Bloomberg writes.
Travel planning: a recommended itinerary
To cover the main attractions, you will need five to seven days, says Raluca Spiac for Bloomberg, founder of the personalized travel agency Beyond Dracula and unofficial ambassador of Romanian tourism. If you want to explore the northeastern region of Maramureș, famous for its wooden churches, or Bucovina, with its painted monasteries from the 16th and 17th centuries, add a week.
Spiac points out that Romania is the ideal place for those who understand that true luxury means the opportunity to slow down.
Bucharest: a city in transformation
The charm of the streets of the old center, Bucharest.
The journey begins in Bucharest, the city that benefits from significant infrastructure investments. A tech community is booming here, with companies like Oracle, Google and Bitdefender, founded in Romania, setting up major headquarters.
Where to stay: In the heart of the Old Town, the Marmorosch Bucharest hotel from the Autograph collection houses 217 rooms in a former bank from the 19th century, with the bar in a former vault. Art Deco suites with balconies start from €163. In September, the Corinthia Bucharest will also be inaugurated, with 30 palatial, gilded suites and a local of the famous Sass’ Café in Monaco.
Where to eat: Spiac recommends Caru’ cu bere for an authentic introduction to Romanian cuisine, known for its baked polenta with aged cheese and smoked sausage.
Transylvania: the medieval heart of Romania
Bethlen Castle in Cris, Mureș. (Photo Alexandra Cristian)
Three hours north, red-roofed medieval towns are home to Gothic churches, castles and views of the Carpathian Mountains.
Where to stay: In the village of Criș, Bethlen Estates offers five restored, secular villas run by a local family, with prices starting from €350 per night.
Unique experiences: From the hotel, you can take a two-hour trip by electric bike to Sighisoara, a Saxon village protected by UNESCO. In addition, the town of Saschiz, famous for its woodworking and painting traditions, is surrounded by fields of wildflowers where Buckingham Palace sources its honey.
The mountain landscapes of Transylvania are unique. (Photo: Corina Denov/Bloomberg)
Avoid Dracula’s tourist trap
Even though Bran Castle is a major tourist attraction, it is advisable to bypass this tour. Instead, stop in Brasov for lunch to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding villages from a 14th-century fortress. Of course, the castle is touristy, but it offers a wonderful last look at Romania.
In conclusion, Romania offers a wide range of experiences that redefine luxury through a deep connection with time and place, in an impressive natural and cultural setting.
