“Wanted” trip: In the fabulous (and economical) Sinaia of Romania

Do you want winter sports? You have got. Do you want walks in amazing nature? You have got. Do you want visits to impressive castles? You have got. You just need to travel not to Austria, as you might have thought, but to the “Diamond of the Carpathians”, the amazing Sinaia of Romania.

Although it is not a “famous” tourist destination, unknown to many, Sinaia is an amazing city, with a long history and incredible beauty, built in a picturesque spot in the Carpathians, on a medieval path connecting Transylvania and Wallachia.

It is a mountain resort in Prahova County, Romania and was named after Sinaia Monastery of 1695, around which it was built. The monastery, in turn, took its name from the Biblical Mount Sinai.

Sinai is not named “Diamond of the Carpathians” by chance – it was once one of the favorite destinations of the Romanian high society as King Charles I built his summer palace “Peles Palace” there in 1883

Peles Castle is considered the most fascinating castle in Transylvania – even higher than Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) according to the locals – and one of the most beautiful in Europe. In fact, it was the first European castle lit entirely by electricity!

Close to Peles Castle is the smaller, but equally enchanting, Pelişor Castle (Pelissor) in Art Nouveau style.

Also, very close to the palace is the Sinaia Monastery of 1695, the famous Kantakouzenos Monastery.

Time to ski!

Sinaia is built at an altitude of 800 meters at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains and its ski resort attracts many tourists every year.

It is a fully equipped ski center that, with its interesting slopes, has become a popular destination in recent years.

Accommodation and city walk

Walking through the “stretched” Sinaia, the visitor can admire the Casino Sinaia (photo), the city’s railway station and take a walk on the Franz Joseph Hill, with a view of the entire Prahova Valley.

The proposals for accommodation are addressed to all Valiants (Romania is thus already a budget destination). You can find a very cheap room in a quaint guest house, to a luxury suite in one of the city’s “luxurious” hotels, such as the Alexandrion Experience with its “Greek” name, inspired by Alexander the Great.