Sinaia: Journey to “Arachova” in Romania

If you are immediately planning a trip abroad, even better for the Christmas holidays, this year you can choose a… different destination, unknown to many, but which will enchant you.

Sinaia, “hidden” in a valley in the Carpathians, is the “Arachova” of Romania, 140 kilometers north of Bucharest and only 5 hours from Athens – an hour and a half flight to Bucharest and about 2 hours by car, to the north.

But even if you don’t want to rent a car, Sinaia is connected to Bucharest by train and there are more than 50 daily routes.

Magical mountains and fairytale castles

Through an idyllic route, Sinaia emerges at a bend in the Prahova valley and impresses at first glance. Long streets and sidewalks, traditional buildings, lots of greenery and a relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere – after all, it’s no coincidence that this place was chosen by Charles I, the first king of Romania, to build his fairytale summer palace, Peles Castle, which is a top attraction and natural scenery for film productions.

Peles Castle – built on an existing medieval route connecting Transylvania and Wallachia – is considered the most fascinating castle in Transylvania – superior even to 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 magnificent, Art Nouveau style Pelişor Castle, built by Charles for his nephew and future king of Romania, Ferdinand.

Just before Peles, going up towards the old city of Sinaia, is the famous Byzantine Monastery of Sinaia, around which the city was built.

The monastery dates back to 1695. It was built by Prince Michael Katakousinos and took its name from the Biblical Mount Sinai.

Walk to the center

Strolling the sidewalks of Sinaia – a totally kid-friendly city, by the way – you will admire the impressive mansions as well as the modern, luxury hotels and enjoy your coffee and food in cafes and restaurants with cuisines for all tastes.

An experience is a dinner at the Japanese steak house Benihana, a branch of the famous chain, at the Alexandrion Hotel. Your personal chef prepares your order in front of your eyes, with impressive “tricks” and mastery.

You will spend hours relaxing in the large, central park of the city of Dimitri Ghika with its winding paths in the shade of centuries-old plane trees and colorful flower beds with playgrounds and a large circular fountain – rightly a favorite place for relaxation and recreation of locals and visitors.

Among the buildings that stand out in the city are the old Casino Sinaia – currently used for events and conferences, the Museum – Art Gallery as well as a museum dedicated to the famous Romanian composer George Enescu, who is considered the greatest Romanian musician of all time.

Mountain walk (and skiing in winter)

At this time, the autumn forests of the Carpathians look like a painting, inviting you for endless walks on the hiking trails that exist. But in winter, usually after December, the city is dressed in white and winter sports enthusiasts climb to the top of Mt. Butcegi for skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of the city’s ski resort.

From the center of Sinaia, year-round two cable cars take visitors to the top of the mountain, offering a unique, panoramic view of the city and the entire Prahova Valley.

The suggestions for accommodation in Sinaia they are addressed to all the Valiants (Romania is anyway a relatively economical destination).

You can find a very cheap room in a quaint guesthouse on the outskirts of town, to a luxury suite in one of the “luxurious” hotels in the center, such as the Alexandrion Experience with its “Greek” name, inspired by Alexander the Great.

Sinaia is a nearby yet different destination that will impress you, relax you and make you want to come back. It is not called “Diamond of the Carpathians” by chance. A trip will convince you!