TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA

Transylvania occupies the Western and central areas of Romania and holds a disproportionally large number of travel destinations. Far from being the unholy land of the vampires, the real Transylvania, Romania is unexpectedly bucolic: "the real Transylvania, a daylight fantasy: flower-filled meadows, lost-in-time villages, sun-drenched plains dotted with Saxon churches and castle ruins" (The Independent)

Most of the area is located in-between different ranges of the Carpathian mountains, except for the historical regions of Banat & Crisana - frequently included in Transylvania - being located right across the mountains to the West. The northern part of the region is home to a significant Hungarian minority, as well being the rea where the capital of the region, Cluj, is located. The southern part of Transylvania, Romania has historically maintained stronger ties with Wallachia and the capital of Romania, Bucharest; today the Brasov area in southern Transylvania is still the favorite touristic destination for people in Bucharest.

North Transylvania

South Transylvania

Banat-Crisana

DESTINATIONS IN NORTH TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA

If you visit the northern part of Transylvania, Romania, don't miss the capital Cluj, a vibrant university city with a unique bohemian flavor; Maramures should also be on your shortlist, the region being the #1 most interesting, rich in traditions and simply, uniquely Romanian destination you can visit in the whole country. If you like trekking or hiking, pay a visit to Rodna Reservation, a beautiful mountain paradise in the Carpathians. End your tour with a couple of days in one of the many thermal spas in the area. Here are the most important destinations, alphabetically:

Baile Tusnad, Bistrita, Cluj, Maramures, Rodna Biosphere Reservation, Sanziene in Baciu, Sighet Prison, Sovata, The Merry Cemetery of Sapanta, The Mountain Train of Vaser Valley, The Sinking Church of Bezidu, The Wooden Churches of Maramures (10 destinations).

DESTINATIONS IN SOUTHERN TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA

This part of Transylvania, Romania must find a place in your plans, it is home to the largest number of destinations of any area in Romania. You must visit the centuries old Saxon Fortified Churches built by the German Transylvanian community, the Medieval old town of Sighisoara where Vlad, the man behind the myth of Dracula was born, then Alba Iulia, the old capital of Transylvania, home to the largest citadel in Romania, as well as Sibiu and Brasov, both competing for the title of Romania's most beautiful city. Here are the destinations, alphabetically:

Alba Iulia, Apuseni National Park, Bazna, Bran, Brasov, Fagaras, Geoagiu-Bai, Hunyad Castle, Jidvei, Medias, Piatra Craiului National Park, Poiana Brasov, Predeal, Retezat National Park, Sarmizegetusa Regia, Sibiu, Sighisoara & the Saxon Villages, Tara Barsei, The Lipizzaner Horses of Sambata, The Pyramids of Sona, The Saxon Fortified Churches (10 destinations), The Transylvanian Alps, Transalpina, Transfagarasan.

DESTINATIONS IN BANAT-CRISANA

Crisana is located right across the Carpathians from the other two Transylvanian regions, along the border with Hungary. Banat is located south from Crisana, bordering southern Hungary and northern Serbia. Both are frequently mentioned as part of Transylvania, Romania and indeed their history is organically tied to the area across the mountains. Don' forget to visit the beautiful capital Timisoara as well as one of the 4 important National Parks located in the area. Here are the destinations, in alphabetical order: 

Baile Felix, Baile Herculane, Cheile Nerei - Beusnita National Park, Domogled - Valea Cernei National Park, Iron Gates Natural Park, Recas, Semenic - Cheile Carasului National Park, Timisoara