Top Travel Destinations in Romania

1. Sibiu, 2. Transfagarasan, 3. Danube Delta, 4. Maramures traditional villages, 5. The Merry Cemetery, 6. The Saxon fortified churches, 7. The Danube Gorges – Iron Gates Natural Park, 8. Turda Salt Mine, 9. The painted monasteries in Bucovina, 10. Timisoara. Snowy mountain peaks, endless forests, rolling hills, fine sandy beaches, the Danube Delta's aquatic paradise, medieval towns and traditional villages, all of these elements combine to make Romania an incredible place to visit. Romania, also known as Dracula's country, has far more tourist potential than the ghost and vampire stories that have made the country famous around the world. Let's take a look at some of the best places to visit in Romania as recommended by a Romanian.

Category: Destinations Oman Romania Top List Travel

Source: https://top-list.co/top-travel-destinations-in-romania-v1445.html

1. Sibiu
2. Transfagarasan
3. Danube Delta
4. Maramures traditional villages
5. The Merry Cemetery
6. The Saxon fortified churches
7. The Danube Gorges – Iron Gates Natural Park
8. Turda Salt Mine
9. The painted monasteries in Bucovina
10. Timisoara

Sibiu

Sibiu is a charming little town in Transylvania’s south. Sibiu, the former capital of culture in 2007, is rated three stars by the Michelin guide, indicating that it is highly recommended for a visit and should be on your Europe bucket list.

It’s easy to see why: the former medieval town has kept most of its historical features, including impressive 15th-century defense walls, elegant baroque buildings, and Gothic churches.The three adjacent squares, a meeting place, and a promenade for tourists and locals alike, add to Sibiu’s charm.

Summertime brings a festive atmosphere to every corner, with live music and relaxed people enjoying a drink or dinner in the cool evening air. Keep your eyes on the roofs while in Sibiu. No one is spying, but the attic skylights have a sleeping eye shape that has become something of a city trademark.

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Transfagarasan

Transfagarasan is a mountain road that runs from north to south through the Carpathian Mountains, reaching altitudes of up to 2000 meters. With countless hairpin curves, dangerous ravines just one meter from the edge of the road, jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, and dozens of waterfalls visible around every corner, crossing the Transfagarasan is the best driving experience.

There are many opportunities to have your head in the clouds on the Transfagarasan. And, on occasion, above the clouds. Because the road is closed from November to July, road trip planners must account for this.It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Romania.

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Danube Delta

The Danube, Europe’s second largest river, splits into three branches before reaching the sea, forming the Danube Delta, a lush world of marshes, floating reed islands, and sands. The labyrinth of channels, surrounded by thatch, willows, and oaks entangled in lianas, provides the ideal habitat for a variety of water birds, fish, and mammals.

The delta is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, anglers, nature photographers, and anyone looking to spend a few days in nature, away from civilization. The best time to visit Delta is from early spring to late autumn, and most tours depart from Tulcea, the Delta’s starting point.

While it is possible to rent a speed boat for a shorter period of time and reach the Black Sea in about 6 hours, it is recommended that tourists should spend several days to fully appreciate the Delta. Gastronomy, based on fish, is one experience to try in the Delta: there are plenty of dishes to try, from hearty fish soups to fine black caviar.

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Maramures traditional villages

Maramures is one of Romania’s historic regions with the best preserved rural culture. Maramures is a living museum located in the northwestern part of Romania, near the Ukrainian border in a mountainous area. Maramures’ traditional wood art is represented by monumental gates and houses adorned with traditional symbols, as well as wooden churches with sky-high towers.

Maramures is also one of the few regions in Romania where traditional dress is worn every Sunday or during the holidays. Horinca, a fruit distilled alcohol, is served to all visitors as a sign of hospitality in Maramures. For the uninitiated, taste it carefully because it is extremely strong, with a temperature of over 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

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The Merry Cemetery

Have you ever imagined a cemetery as being “joyous”? They did in Maramures. Death is regarded as a normal stage in the life cycle in Sapanta, Romania’s far north. The crosses in the local cemetery are painted in bright colors, most of which are blue. The epitaph on the cross is written in a rather amusing manner by the woodcarver, who is also making the crosses.

The first of these crosses was placed in the cemetery in the 1930s, and today there are more than 800 of them throughout the cemetery. The oak-carved funeral monuments have turned the cemetery into a one-of-a-kind open-air museum and tourist attraction.

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The Saxon fortified churches

Saxon fortified churches are a one-of-a-kind architectural phenomenon. Churches are similar to other churches, but what distinguishes them is the defensive system that surrounds them. In Transylvania, in the former Saxon villages, the church-fortification combination can be found.

Each village (roughly 300) constructed such a fortification to protect the local community from the Middle Ages’ frequent Turkish attacks. Initially, churches were constructed without a protective wall surrounding them, but beginning in the 15th century, the community began to construct defensive walls, towers, and even bastions.

In Transylvania, there are about 100 fortified churches left, with seven of them on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the very least, people should pay a visit to Biertan, , Prejmer, or Viscri fortified churches.

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The Danube Gorges – Iron Gates Natural Park

The Carpathian Mountains in the north (on the Romanian side) and the Balkan Mountains in the south (on the Serbian side) form the Iron Gates, a canyon where the Danube meets the Black Sea. The best place to see the keys is in the village of Dubova, where visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Danube flowing through the narrow canyon after a 30-minute walk.

Small cruises through the gorge can be started from nearby ports, where visitors can admire stone-carved inscriptions from the Roman period or visit a few caves that are directly accessible from the Danube.

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Turda Salt Mine

Turda Salt Mine is a former salt mine in Turda, Transylvania, near Cluj-Napoca, that has been converted into a tourist attraction. Salt mining, which dates back to antiquity, came to an end in the 1930s. The cavities from the Austro-Hungarian period were made available for tourism in 2008.

After a short walk through the salt evacuation gallery, the visitor arrives at the two massive salt caves that are open to the public. The bell-shaped one is the deepest, with a depth of 112 meters and a small lake at its bottom where tourists can rent boats.

The other mine, which is 40 meters deep and 80 meters long and is shaped like a trapezoid, contains a small amusement park with a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, ping pong tables, and a miniature football field. The salt abyss and the lunar atmosphere of the entire ensemble impress visitors, making their visit to the mine feel like a journey into the depths of the earth. It is without a doubt one of Romania’s most beautiful destinations.

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The painted monasteries in Bucovina

The painted churches in Bucovina, Romania’s northeastern region, were built in the 15th and 16th centuries and impress visitors with exterior murals whose colors have survived the harsh environment for more than 400 years.

Both interior and exterior paintings served to make the Bible’s stories and Orthodox values more accessible to a mostly illiterate population. Several churches, including Arbore, Humor, Moldovita, Patrauti, Probota, Sfantul Ioan cel Nou (Suceava), Sucevita, and Voronet, have been inscribed on the UNESCO list as masterpieces of Byzantine art.

The most famous of them all is in Voronet, where its exterior painting on a blue background gave the color “the Voronet blue” its name. If you’re looking for more ideas, take a look at these interesting places to visit Bucovina.

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Timisoara

Timisoara is located in western Romania, near the Hungary and Serbia borders, and is only a few hours drive from Budapest or Belgrade. Timisoara, Romania’s European Capital of Culture in 2021, has the most Viennese appearance of any Romanian city. It’s no surprise, given the historic district’s abundance of Viennese-inspired Baroque and Art Nouveau palaces and churches.

The links with Vienna were established after the Austrian armies captured Timisoara from the Turks in the 18th century. Following that victory, the Austrian Empire absorbed the entire region, and the city was rebuilt from the ground up.

If you visit Timisoara, make sure to take a walk through the historic district and see the three main squares (Union Square, Liberty Square, and Victoriei Square). A good way to see Timisoara is to take a small boat ride on the Bega canal or take the tourist tram.

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Tag: Destinations Oman Romania Top List Travel

Top Best Foods In Romania

1. Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls), 2. Mămăligă (Polenta), 3. Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls), 4. Ciorbă de burtă (Beef Tripe Soup), 5. Pomana Porcului (Honoring The Pig), 6. Jumări (Greaves), 7. Cozonac (Sweet Bread), 8. Drob de miel (Lamb Haggis), 9. Papanași, 10. Salata De Boeuf (Beef Salad). While Romania is better known internationally for Dracula, Transylvania, and Nadia Comaneci, its lesser-known cuisine is something well worth exploring. Traditional Romanian food brings together many ingredients and is heavily influenced by Balkan, Turkish, Serbian, German, and Hungarian cuisines. Due to this rich experience, Romanian food is varied, filling, and very salty. Here are the famous dishes that you must try when coming here.

Category: Food Foods Oman Romania Top List

Source: https://top-list.co/top-best-foods-in-romania-v2934.html

1. Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls)
2. Mămăligă (Polenta)
3. Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls)
4. Ciorbă de burtă (Beef Tripe Soup)
5. Pomana Porcului (Honoring The Pig)
6. Jumări (Greaves)
7. Cozonac (Sweet Bread)
8. Drob de miel (Lamb Haggis)
9. Papanași
10. Salata De Boeuf (Beef Salad)

Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls)

Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls) is a Romanian cabbage roll traditionally served at Christmas and New Year. You will find them in all restaurants, and they are served year-round at weddings, christenings, or any other celebration. It is a staple in Romanian cuisine and can also be made vegetarian. Sarmale is cabbage rolls filled with rice and buckwheat. They are filling, healthy, and super delicious.

Ask any Romanian for their definition of a traditional dish, and they’ll all tell you sarmale (Romanian cabbage rolls) served with mamaliga (Romania polenta).

In Romania, every woman (and some men, of course) learns how to make these Romanian cabbage rolls. Each household has its traditional sarmale recipe, some are made with meat, and some are made vegan.

The Romanian sarmale is a super versatile dish. It stays in the fridge for several days and is reheated the next day. They can be served with any topping you like, from breaded potatoes to mashed potatoes.

Sarmale. Photo: yuzubakes.com

Sarmale. Photo: jocooks.com

Mămăligă (Polenta)

Mămăligă (Polenta) or mamaliga is a staple in Romanian cooking. It has always been considered peasant food, but you are bound to find polenta in just about any household in Romania, villages, and cities.

Polenta is a dish made with coarsely ground cornmeal, a little water, and a little salt. Cook a little, and you’re done. You have a wonderful, healthy, and delicious meal.

You can use mamaliga or polenta as an accompaniment to other dishes with sauces, or it can be a separate meal with some cheese and yogurt/creme fraiche/sour cream on the side.

And the possibilities of making a main dish using polenta are endless. You can make casseroles. You can grill, you can bake, you can make cakes, you can make fries, and so on. It goes well with any meat, vegetable, or dairy product.

Polenta is also a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B6 and cholesterol-free. So try polenta!

Mămăligă. Photo: whereismyspoon.co

Mămăligă. Photo: romanianfood.wordpress.com

Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls)

These homemade sausages are known as Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls), which translates small, and pronounced Mboards, are a staple of Romanian BBQ. No bbq is complete without these delicious little ones. Now, this is street food in Romania and is loved by everyone.

Generally, people buy them raw from local butchers and grill them at home. Mici’s are now available to buy in the UK, but why to buy them (mostly frozen) when they are so easy to make at home. So give them a try and let me know how they made it for you.

Ideal for picnics or BBQs especially grilling them and eating them fresh on the spot and afterward. They can be sautéed or grilled, but they won’t be the same. Delicious on the inside, crispy on the outside, you can enjoy best with just mustard and bread.

Mici. Photo: ramonascuisine.com

Mici. Photo: shoppinginromania.com

Ciorbă de burtă (Beef Tripe Soup)

For a daring and brave experience when traveling abroad, you must try one of the most popular soups in Romania – Ciorbă de burtă (Beef Tenderloin Soup). Although the name may not sound too appealing, this is a real delicacy and sure to make you swoon.

Tripe soup is a traditional Romanian soup made with beef, garlic, sour cream, eggs, and vinegar. With a great creamy texture, this is a dish that anyone must try.

Unofficially, Romanian people call this the “queen of soups.” It is considered a rare delicacy. It is sweet, sour, and nutty, with many other subtle flavors blending under the surface. The soup is so simple that it has many magical aromas: diners cannot help but wonder where they come from when the dish seems to consist of only water, bacon, and a few vegetables. The obvious answer is that all these mysterious flavors come from the chef’s virtuosity, which is the explanation I often go with. Served hot with pickled chili peppers will bring unforgettable experiences for you and your diners.

Ciorbă de burtă. Photo: artsybites.com

Ciorbă de burtă. Photo: jocooks.com

Pomana Porcului (Honoring The Pig)

Pomana Porcului (Honoring The Pig) has its roots in a long rural tradition, and the two should experience it together to get its great taste. The tradition takes place in the cold and dry air of December, on or after December 20, the day of Saint Ignatius. Pigs are sacrificed for Christmas dinner. Then foods are made from the skin, offal, and meat. The cooks spend hours in the kitchen preparing everything.

This dish is one of the best for the winter holidays. In the countryside, this dish is indispensable on the Christmas table. People are used to high-fat dishes. Pork kidney has many variations, but the main thing is that people use pork belly. You can choose the neck, thighs, or flanks of the animal, depending on your personal preference. For extra flavor, you can add homemade sausages and a little white wine.

Pomana Porcului. Photo: delicatesa.ro

Pomana Porcului. Photo: chefspencil.com

Jumări (Greaves)

Pork greaves and lard are traditional Romanian foods. That is traditionally prepared before the holiday season and then eaten in abundance throughout the year. The Romans made a savory, crispy appetizer called jumări from frying pieces of bacon and lard from sacrificing the same pig,

Jumări (Greaves) is best served warmly and always accompanied by raw onions and a dash of țuică, the traditional plum spirit, to aid digestion. However, you should not eat too much because they are fatty, fried with a lot of fat, and sprinkled with salt. You definitely shouldn’t eat it without bread to suck up the fat swimming in your belly.

All you need is pork belly, salt, and a little water. In some parts of the country, milk is used instead of water. But that is the exception rather than the rule.

Jumări. Photo: ro.pinterest.com

Jumări. Photo: chefspencil.com

Cozonac (Sweet Bread)

Cozonac (Sweet Bread) is a classic, simple, sweet yeast bread that originated in Romania. Traditionally made during Easter and Christmas, this citrus-scented MSG is twisted around an attractive filling, creating a spiral design when baked. The result is a festive loaf with a soft and supple crust.

No Christmas or Easter is complete without this traditional Romanian dessert. The pride of every cook, Cozonac, can be a real challenge for a household as it has to be done right.

Kneading the dough is a laborious job, and the whole process takes some time, but the results are worth it. This Romanian dessert is a pastry with a sweet walnut filling, poppy seed filling, or a Turkish side dish and raisins.

It can also be found year-round in stores or fairs, but nothing beats the taste of homemade.

Cozonac. Photo: shelovesbiscotti.com

Cozonac. Photo: tasteatlas.com

Drob de miel (Lamb Haggis)

An Easter meal wouldn’t be the same without Drob de Miel (Lamb Haggis), a traditional Romanian dish usually prepared only during the Easter holidays. Although of course, it’s suitable for the whole year.

Drob is the equivalent of lamb haggis, and many recipes vary from region to region, even from family to family.

Lamb haggis can be made plain with lamb for a richer flavor, or pork can be added to reduce the intensity of the lamb flavor. People who don’t like the taste of lamb but still want it on the Easter table often use chicken offal. During preparation, special attention should be paid to washing offal. There is also a variation with chicken or turkey liver that some people prefer.

Lamb Drob is served cold.

Drob de miel. Photo: willflyforfood.net

Drob de miel. Photo: atlasobscura.com

Papanași

Papanași is sour cream and jam doughnuts (donuts) popular in Romania and Moldova. Some claim it is Romania’s most famous dessert.

Unlike the West, donuts don’t contain much sugar and instead rely on a fruit jam topping for sweetness. One difference between papanași and Western donuts is that they are made with a type of dry curd cheese, known simply as brânză de vaci (beef cheese). Another commonly used cheese is urdă, which is similar to dried ricotta.

This cheese forms the base of the dough and gives it a mild sour taste and thick consistency. Once cooked, these Romanian donuts have a slightly heavier texture than the light and soft Western ones.

As for cooking, while American donuts are always deep-fried, papanași can be fried or boiled.

The latter has a texture similar to that of gnocchi, with no shadow on the top, and is usually coated with a crispy golden bread crumb. However, like the fried version, it is served with smântă (sour cream) and a sweet, tart jam like wild blueberries or sour cherries.

Papanași. Photo: Papanași. Photo: alchetron.com

Papanași. Photo: alchetron.com

Salata De Boeuf (Beef Salad)

This beef salad, also known as Salata de Boeuf (Beef Salad) in Romania, is a traditional salad made for Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve that can be served as a side dish or a meal on its own. You can make this with beef, turkey or chicken, potatoes, peas, and much mayo. It’s like a potato salad that’s gone!

Bet you’ve never eaten this salad before and have never eaten it anywhere else or seen it on any menu. But it is the most traditional salad in Romania for all holidays.

The name beef salad comes from the French word “boeuf,” which means “beef.” However, the Romanians have several recipes for making a beef salad, not only with beef but also with chicken or even without meat. Salads can be served as an appetizer or garnish a steak. It is very important in this beef salad recipe that the mayonnaise. If you use it, will bind the ingredients rather than soak them.

Salata De Boeuf. Photo: chefspencil.com

Salata De Boeuf. Photo: thebossykitchen.com

Tag: Food Foods Oman Romania Top List