Romania Car Hire

Guide to Romania

Geography

Romania has borders with Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the southwest, Hungary to the northwest, Moldova to the northeast, and Ukraine to the north and east. It has a Black Sea coast to the southeast. Transylvania, Romania's core and biggest area, has a more western European feel than the country's southern parts, which are often associated with the Southeast European Balkans.

There are around 12 million people living in Romania, making it Europe's 12th-largest nation. While Bucharest is the country's capital, it also has a number of other significant cities, including Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași, as well as key ports like Constanța, Craiova, and Brașov.

Climate in Romania

Romania has a moderate continental climate with four distinct seasons due to its distance from the open sea and its location on the southeastern European continent. Temperatures range from 11°C in the south to 8°C in the north on an annual basis. While the climate varies from place to region, it's generally warmer and more Mediterranean-influenced in the west, such as Banat, and more continental-influenced in the east, like much of the rest of the nation.

The best time to visit Romania is in the late spring or early autumn (mid-May to mid-September) when the weather is pleasant with plenty of sunlight and moderate temperatures.

Culture

The current Romanians, Aromanians, Megleno-Romanians, and Istro-Romanians are thought to have descended from a people who were a mix of Dacians, Romans, Slavs, and Illyrians. Romanian culture nowadays is clearly influenced by Eastern European countries. Numerous estimates estimate that between 83 and 89% of Romanians are of ethnic Romanian descent (also known as Roma).

Romanians are renowned for being friendly, pleasant, lively, and outspoken, with a strong sense of humour, even though they may be initially reticent when meeting new people. Romanians value long-term partnerships built on mutual trust, respect, and allegiance. Romanians also place a high value on religious beliefs. The vast majority of them are Orthodox Christians.

Romanian wine

One of the nicest things to do in Romania is to go on a wine tasting tour! Numerous vineyards may be found all around Transylvania, as well as in close proximity to Bucharest. Some are located in opulent 18th-century mansions with views of the surrounding vineyards. In case you didn't know, Romania ranks 5th in Europe for wine production! The country's topography is suited for that, with large hills drenched in sun and mild temperatures. Romanians also like drinking (including beer!) and spending a lot of time at a table. There are several tiny, artisan wineries, as well as well-known large-scale producers, that specialise in producing just a few varieties of great wines.

Dracula's Castle

For all its historical significance, this Transylvanian manor house has only ever been associated with one person in particular: the vampire count Dracula. The mediaeval stronghold was dubbed "Dracula's Castle" because of the rumours that Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned there. Bram Stoker's 1897 book "Dracula" was based on this terrible Romanian king. Enthusiasts of the Hollywood film "Dracula's Castle." and visitors have renamed it accordingly, but once there, the expert guides will tell you the genuine narrative of the castle. Bran Castle was constructed in the 13th century to defend the local city of Brașov and the Carpathian border crossing into Transylvania against foreign invaders. Historic furniture, armour, and clothes fill each area, so history buffs will have a blast!

Things to do in Romania

Explore the fairytale-like Peles Castle

As one of Europe's most magnificent castles, this fairytale-like Romanian royal residence is richly ornamented. Visit this castle if you want to see what life was like for the royal family. Peleș Castle was erected in the late 19th century as a summer palace for Romania's royal family of German heritage and is located in the picturesque town of Sinaia, close to Bucharest. In addition to the castle's neo-Renaissance architecture and stained-glass windows, it is considered an engineering wonder for its time, with contemporary facilities like floor heating. Visitors may have a look around its 160 rooms on 2 storeys, many of which include rare artwork by great artists like Gustav Klimt. The castle's armoury, which houses hundreds of intriguing antiques going all the way back to the 15th century, is a must-see for anybody visiting Peleş.

Awe at the otherworldly Bigar Waterfall

Locals call the Bigar Waterfall in Romania's Tin Caras-Severin County "the miracle from the Minis Canyon" because it is so spectacular. The circular waterfall, which can be found in the Anina Mountains on the Mini River, is about eight metres high and cascades over a stunning green carpet of moss. There are more thundering falls, but this one is directed into an array of little streams that emerge from the bottom of a big, spherical stone that protrudes over the basin below. The site's surreal splendour has earned it the distinction of being Romania's most intriguing waterfall. The waterfall partially collapsed due to natural factors in June 2021, according to the most recent update. However, you can still be amazed at its mostly intact splendour when you visit.

Traverse into the mediaeval times at Sighişoara

To go to one of Romania's most culturally important and popular tourist destinations, you must go to Sighişoara. The city's citadel, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, is located in this little town in central Transylvania. In the 12th century, German Saxon traders erected this fortified castle on a tiny hill overlooking Transylvania's lowlands to safeguard their trade routes. Getting lost in Sighisoara's cobblestone alleyways to admire ancient buildings - still inhabited! - and imagining life 500 years ago is one of the finest Romanian experiences. Summer is a great time to go because of the Sighişoara Medieval Festival. Traditional Romanian dances, sword fighting, and local artists are all included at this medieval-themed event.

Wonder at the nature-defying mud volcanoes

If you like outdoor adventures, you can reach a little community with a wonderful secret in less than two hours from Bucharest. In the Romanian county of Buzău, near Berca, are the Berca Mud Volcanoes, a geological and botanical reserve. Mud volcanoes, generally a few metres high and formed by the eruption of mud and natural gases, are the area's most striking characteristic. The area’s terrain creates the appearance that you've arrived on the moon. This is one of Romania's most popular tourist destinations, a favourite spot for brides-to-be to have "trash the dress" picture sessions. However, pay attention to where you're going as the ground is quite slick, so avoid getting too near the mud.

Appreciate the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

Probably Romania's most significant religious site is The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. These are a number of beautiful frescoed monasteries in Europe from the 15th and 16th centuries that are still standing today. As a result of their extraordinary vibrancy and individuality, UNESCO designated these paintings as part of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Visit Voronet, Humor, Moldovita, Pataruti, Probota, Suceava, and Sucevita, six of the region's monasteries. Biblical themes and local folklore are shown in distinct colours in each of the monasteries' murals. Considering their age, the paintings' quality and style are extremely amazing. As a result of their excellent preservation, religious believers believe these churches possess considerable spiritual significance and power.

Pay a visit to the Merry Cemetery of Săpânţa

The world's happiest cemetery can be found in Săpânţa, Maramures. They've painted the tombstones a bright colour and added pictures and poetry that poke fun at the people buried there. The Merry Cemetery, started in the 1960s, is a unique Romanian and European tourist attraction because of its unconventional approach, while being situated in one of Romania's most pious areas. On Sundays, Maramures residents don traditional folk clothes and attend church as a family, then the cemetery. Despite the fact that Romania's cemeteries are a popular tourist destination, keep in mind that you're still in a cemetery. As a result, treat others with courtesy! Because the tales are in Romanian and can not be translated, consider visiting with a guide.

Eating out in Romania

Despite a fusion of dishes from many culinary traditions, Romanian cuisine retains its own identity. Most of its culinary ingredients derive from Turkish and a number of European cuisines, particularly those from the Balkans and Hungary, as well as culinary aspects from Eastern and Central European cuisines. Since Romania has Eastern Orthodox origins, its cuisine contains several festive meals created according to the season and festival. Ciorbă is a broad category of soups with distinctive sour flavours that are popularly enjoyed across the country. Make sure to also try ţuică (plum brandy), a popular liquor. Some of the best restaurants across Romania include:

Bistro Ateneu is tucked away in a 19th-century building in Bucharest's downtown, with a summer patio from which you can enjoy a lovely view of the ancient city as your taste senses travel through current Romanian and French cuisine. Also in Bucharest, KAIAMO’s menu is divided into four sections: land, sea, garden, and puddings. The white chocolate with jasmine and rosebuds from a nearby monastery is as sinful as it will make you see God. Baracca in Cluj-Napoca is simple but attractive. It serves a variety of meals, using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Bistro de l'Arte in Brașov serves simple meals made with ingredients sourced mostly from the gardens of small business owners and slowly prepared over an open flame with enthusiasm for excellent, healthy cuisine.

Romania Transport

Airport

Romania's busiest international airport is Henri Coandă Airport. 17 kilometres north of the city, in the town of Otopeni, is where you'll find it. Some of the other important airports to take note of are: Cluj-Napoca Airport (CLJ), Timișoara Airport (TSR), and Iași Airport (IAS).

Getting around Romania

Use Romania's excellent public transportation system for getting about the nation. The country's transportation system is built around the railway, light rail, and bus routes. Taking public transit in Romania is convenient, economical, and safe. Romanian public transportation is an excellent value, and it takes you through some beautiful landscapes en route. The bad news is that public transportation, such as buses and trains, may sometimes be late and unreliable. For this reason, many visitors travelling across Romania also opt to hire a car for maximum flexibility, comfort, and convenience.