If you want the warm waters and searing hot sun of the Mediterranean without the crowds or the high prices you’ve been growing tired of over the years, the Black Sea might be the alternative you’ve been waiting for.

Black sea destinations offer reliable sunshine, hot temperatures, safe beaches, good bathing and healthy mix of both the vibrant and relaxed areas. What more could you want on holiday? We can’t think of anything either. So in that case – check out our top destinations for a holiday by the Black Sea…

Sozopol, Burgas, Bulgaria by Jeroen Kransen

Bulgaria

There are 354 kilometres of coastline on the Bulgarian coast, and lots of it is ideal for a summer holiday. The coastline of the modern country is all on the Black Sea. A country that was once shrouded in mystery behind the so-called ‘iron curtain’, it has fast become a holiday favourite in recent years.

For a little beachside action in Bulgaria, head to Saints Constantine and Helena – this resort town on the Black Sea coast has a number of luxury hotels to choose from as well as villa communities. While it’s close to downtown Varna – roughly only 10km away – in Saints Constantine and Helena the main attraction in sun and sand, so if you’re looking for a more varied holiday you might want to consider staying closer to the city.

Romania

Head to Romania for 72 km of uninterrupted golden sands along the Black Sea coast. With such idyllic conditions it’s no surprise destinations like Constana boast a nice range of resorts for both single travellers and families. By the beachside you can find watersports, modern hotels and a busy nightlife, while further inland, attractions like castles and vineyards offer something a little more out of the ordinary. Just remember to bring your sun cream; temperatures can soar during the peak summer months.

While you are in Romania make sure to try ‘țuică’ – this is drink is a local speciality and is very distinctive. The best way to describe it is as kind of plum brandy. It is the traditional accompaniment to Romanian food, and is sometimes warmed up in cold weather.

Costinesti beach, Romania by Brian Lowe

Russia

Beach holidays might not spring to mind when you think of Russia, but even the world’s largest country has its own beachside destination along the Black Sea. You might have even have heard of it – Sochi. It’s the destination of the 2014 Winter Olympics, and as a result, has been catching the attention of travellers around the world. Check yourself into a Sochi resort  and see for yourself what this destination has to offer; tucked away at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains against the lapping waves of the Black Sea. It’s a beach holiday with a view, so sit back and watch the town get ready for one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Where would you spend your Black Sea holiday?

Kieran Orlov has not let becoming a parent of twins get in the way of his travel bug.

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Sibiu Watchtower, Romania by Thomas Quine

Sibiu

The most physically attractive town in the heart of Romania is this little town called Sibiu. It is divided into two parts; lower town and upper town. The lower town is like a canvas painted with colorful houses that are nicely placed on the cobblestone path. The place is restricted by the fortified defense towers that dominate another attraction of Sibiu; Cibin river. The attractions of the lower town Sibiu are The Bridge of Lies, Goldsmith’s Square, the Stairs Passage and the Haller Bastion. The upper town is historically rich and is occupied by some of Romania’s best monuments. The famous squares; the Great Square, the Little Square and the Huet Square are all located in the upper town of Sibiu. Roman-Catholic Church and Brukenthal Palace form part of the Great Square where one can enjoy the artifact collections. The little tower is linked to the Great Square and one can visit this place for splendid illustration of the town. Huet Square has some of the best gothic buildings and is renowned for the Evangelic Cathedral that features five pointed towers. Apart from all these places; historic churches, indigenous museums and Saxon & Romanian Traditions of Sibiu cannot be missed.

Orthodox Cathedral in Sibiu, Romania by Camil Ghircoias

Sighisoara

A small medieval town formed by the Saxons of Transylvania, Sighisoara is an elegant illustration of Romania’s aesthetic sense. The whole town has old buildings, old lanes, old café and old churches wedged with traditional as well as modern populace. The most famous Bran Castle or call it the Dracula Castle in Romania is located in Sighisoara. One must visit the castle which, at one time, was the residence of Vlad the warrior. He was a renowned Gothic fighter who stayed in the Bran chamber for two days, but there is no confirmatory that he lived there. The imaginary character Dracula is based on him and hence the bran castle is also known as the Dracula Castle. Apart from the castle, the 14th century Clock Tower, Sighisoara Square, old passageway, Teo’s Cellar and Scala Coperta are some places of attractions to stopover for exploring. Teo’s Cellar is the most recommended place for experiencing ageing wine and strong spirits. Those interested in folk art can opt for Art Crafts and Tea shop where the owner makes wooden spoons. It’s quite an amusing view to watch him make spoons. Next is the Scala Coperta which is more than 370 years old wooden bridge that stands as a national treasure for Romania. The Sighisoara museum and old passageway have their own charm.

Sighisoara, Romania by CrimsonC

Transylvania Countryside

The countryside is like any other countryside with cattle grazing, bicyclers, horse cart rides and vast green mountainous landscape that makes any place more picturesque.

About Author

Irina Kirilov is an editor for Rent Car Romania. She started blogging 3 years ago and plans to do this for the rest of her life. You can follow Irina on Twitter: @carhireromania

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by ocegep

The building is really monumental, and if you are disappointed by haunted Dracula’s castle Bran, be sure to set off in Hunedoara.

Fortress was founded here in the 13th century and up to 17th century was reconstructed and modified. At first in the 14th century by its owner, a general and Regent-Governor of the Kingdom of Hungary – John Hunyadi, and later in the 15th century by his son, Matthias Corvinus. Further alterations were no such significant. Inside the castle is a museum where you can find more information about the history of the castle.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cernavoda

There is no railway in Hunedoara, but you can take a bus from the nearby Deva. As I wrote, Hunedoara is a relatively small city, so finding the castle would not be a problem – you can go from the bus station along the main street up to the dirty river, go over bridge and you should see the towers of the castle.

Corvin Castle is open every day but the opening hours vary depending on the season. Basic admission is 10 Ron (approx. €2,3).

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Horia Varlan

A curious thing is that the cruel ruler Vlad III. Dracula, who was called Vlad the Impaler due to his horrific methods of torture and murders, in fact, never visited this historic castle. In spite of this fact, this place is now very popular among tourists and there are a large number of them.

View Bran Castle – Dracula’s seat Romania in a larger map

Bran Castle is located approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Brasov, right in the middle of Romania. Once you decide to visit the castle, you definitely should reserve some additional time and explore the surrounding countryside as well. Transylvania is a fascinating part of Romania, where you can still enjoy almost untouched wilderness.

But do not go there if you have a fear of vampires.

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Transylvania is located in the heart of Romania. Originally it was an autonomous region, which was gradually included under the government of Hungary, the Ottoman Empire or Austro-Hungarian Empire. Fortunately much of its history and cultural heritage still preserved.

The city of Cluj-Napoca is considered as the capital city and cultural and industrial center. Here you can find the famous Orthodox cathedral. Several state and private universities have their headquarters here, including the largest university in Romania – Babes Bolyai University. There are lots of museums in Cluj-Napoca. You can visit the Museum of Art, Museum of Pharmacy and Transylvanian Ethnographic Museum with its impressive exterior exposures.

Another medieval city that attracts visitors to Transylvania is Sighisoara. Especially its part called Upper Town, which is even included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its castle tower with astronomical clock, which now serves as a historical museum has even become a symbol and hallmark of the city. From a wooden walkway at the top of the tower you can enjoy a beautiful view of all the houses and roofs in the neighborhood, including the alleged birthplace of Count Dracula. Even Dracula, or Vlad Tepes, whose tyranny served as an inspiration to the famous theme of the novel, were not born here in fact.

Just in a short distance from Sighisoara, in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, you can find a popular ski resort of Poiana Brasov. But thanks to the spectacular peaks the resort worth visiting also during the summer months. Not far from it you can visit the famous “vampire” Bran Castle. Although here you can virtually meet with Dracula at each step, inside the majestic castle he is not even mentioned. The ruins of the “real” castle, inhabited by the dreaded Vlad Tepes, is located elsewhere, not far from here, but they are hardly accessible and would certainly not impress much more as more attractive Bran.

Romantic wooden churches in the northern part of Transylvania are other of the places that were included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow, but tall buildings with turrets, complete the true face of the Romanian mountain landscape. It is surprising that this museum of rural life, which belongs to the greatest treasures of Romania is often omitted by many tourists on their trips around Transylvania.

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Moldoveanu peak is 2544 m high. There are many hiking trails leading from the villages in the valley to the top of Moldoveanu, but they are mainly very steep. Therefore the most popular trail, however it is longer, leads over the Viştea Mare (2527m), by coming from Podragu, Sambata, or by the Vistea Valley.

From the top of Moldoveanu you can enjoy beautiful views of the Făgăraş Mountains and the valley. Below the peak there is a tourist lodge where you can sleep for free and take the water for the following hike.

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Eiffel Tower Slobozia is 54 meters high tower, which is an exact, smaller copy of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is a part of a private tourist complex built by Romanian billionaire. In the complex there is also a replica of the famous ranch from the series “Dallas”.

Eiffel Tower Slobozia provides a pleasant view over the surrounding countryside. At night the tower is illuminated.

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The city was founded sometime in the late of 12th century by rich Saxon merchants. Its strategic importance gradually grew and the fortifications were improved. Sighisoara is well known because of Vlad Tepes or Vlad III the Impaler (known as Dracula) was born here around the year of 1430.

Historical center is located on a hill, and it is thoroughly fortified. From the train station it takes for about 15 minutes to get there. At the courtyard there is the landmark of the city – Clock Tower, a 64m high tower built in the 13th century where is now museum. There is also Dracula’s family house, which is now one of the best (and most expensive) local restaurant.

There is a medieval festival in the courtyard and city events.

What else you can see in Sighisoara?

• Sighisoara Citadel – a 12th Century Saxon edifice, is the historic center of the city. Still inhabited, the citadel is listed as a World Heritage Site
• Weapon Museum – next to Vlad’s birthplace. Very small, but it contains an interesting selection of medieval weapons (swords, arrows, etc.)
• Covered Staircase – a very old stone staircase with a wooden roof along the whole span. This leads up to the Church on the Hill and the cemetery
• Church on the Hill – contains many frescoes and a crypt. Built on the location of a Roman fort. Located on the side of the hill next to it is one of the Lutheran cemeteries in the city, which contains many tombstones of Germans.
• Bust of Vlad Tepes – Located around the corner from his birthplace, within sight of the Clock Tower

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Turda Gorge, Romania by Cristian Bortes

With regards to the history of the Turda Gorge, the entire site has been traced back to the Neolithic period. So far there have been 67 species of birds, amphibians, fish, and mammals which have been identified in this region. There are also a number of caves throughout the reserve, so far totaling 60. A majority of these caves are fairly small in size, with the largest one measuring a total of 120 meters.

There are certain tourist attractions around this area, including Cheile Turzii which is only just a few km from several other canyons, including Cheile Borzesti and Cheile Turului. The Ciucas waterfall is another very beautiful attraction which draws in a number of tourists from around the world. When it comes to rock climbing in Romania, Cheile Turzii is by far the most popular place for those who enjoy this particular activity.

The Turda Gorge is located on the Hasdate River and is home to many different types of plants and animals. Its geography is made up of steep cliffs, rocky dells, and sharp crests which make it a truly unique landmark in the area. The breathtaking beauty of the karst landscape is considered to be one of the main natural attractions in all of Romania.

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The Danube Delta is considered to be the second largest Delta in all of Europe (just after Volga delta). It is also one of the most well preserved ecological destinations in the country. There are a number of lagoons, which can be found throughout the Delta region, including that of the 1015 square kilometres Razim-Sinoe Lagoon.

Danube Delta, Romania by Acaro

Today, the Danube Delta consists of three main distributaries which includes the Sfântul Gheorghe, Sulina as well as the Chilia. There are also a number of large lakes that can be found within the area that includes the Dranov, Gorgova as well as the Roşu. Among them you will find many of the most fertile and picturesque marshes and lagoons that have made the Danube Delta one of the most popular destinations not just in Romania but also throughout the entire region of Europe.

Thanks to its location along the Black Sea, the area around the Danube Delta features a unique microclimate which results in one of the driest as well as sunniest areas in all of Romania. It is estimated that every year, there are more than 2500 hours of sunshine, which equates to roughly 70 days of clear blue skies. And although there are more than 400 millimetres a year of precipitation there are more than 1000 millimetres a year of evaporation. As a result, the year-round climate associated with the Danube Delta makes it a pristine destination in the country.

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