So far, we have talked about quite a few tourist destinations in Romania. The seaside is extremely popular these days, but the mountainside is not to be ignored either. And we simply must talk about Sinaia when we discuss tourism in our country.
Considered by many the “crown” of mountain resorts on Prahova Valley, Sinaia is a genuine magnet for tourists into snow, but it`s a perfect summer destination as well for all those ready to get away from the heat and stress of the towns. The mountains in the area provide refuge and a breath of fresh air.
The foundation of Sinaia is marked by numerous territorial and administrative changes that took place in the 18th century. It started truly expanding at the beginning of the 19th century, both through industry and through tourism and demographic expansion. At the time, there was a mixed school that had 103 students, a few hotels and some tourists, a hydrotherapy clinic and a railway station that linked Sinaia to Brasov and Ploiesti.
Tourist attractions in Sinaia
Here, we must first mention Peles Castle, by far the most popular attraction in Sinaia. The summer house of King Charles I, as well as Pelisor Castle, Foisor Castle, Sinaia Casino and the “George Enescu” Memorial House, as well as Nicolae Iorga`s villa must also be mentioned.
Many Romanian personalities have lived in Romania: King Charles I, King Ferdinand I, Queen Mary; also, we can`t forget I.G. Duca was murdered on the platform of the Sinaia railway station. A board is placed there to commemorate the event.
In what concerns winter tourism, Sinaia has 5 skying slopes of low, intermediate and high difficulty, so that all sports fans can have a good time.
Due to its setting – 120 km away from Bucharest and 35 km away from Brasov – Sinaia is extremely easy to reach by “Southern” tourists, but also to visitors from all around the country and abroad, both by train or by car.
Destinatii turistice: Statiunea Mamaia
Tourist Destinations – Mamaia Resort
Mamaia is probably the most well known seaside resort by the Romanian shores of the Black Sea, displaying a 250 m wide and 8 km long beach.
Some call it the “threshold of sand”, as it separates the salty waters of the Black Sea from the sweet freshwater of the Siutghiol Lake.
The resort has a history of over a century, being inaugurated in 1906 and becoming one of the most sought after destinations almost instantly. It`s worth noting that the fame and glamour of the place have been preserved till now, Mamaia being currently the most luxurious and expensive summer resort in the country.
Though Mamaia is regarded by most everyone as an independent town, a resort, we think it`s interesting to let you know that Mamaia is actually nothing else than a district of Constanta with a very low number of permanent inhabitants: under 50 actually! When summer comes, on the other hand, the neighbourhood gets overpopulated.
Most of the reputation and fame of Mamaia Resort came after the denouement of the First World War, when it became the winter residence of the Royal Family. At first, it was a popular destination for aristocrats, the Casino and the first hotel being bult shortly afterwards. Nevertheless, it was only after 1936 that the true development of the resort began. During the communist regime, the development became even more accelerated, in order for the resort to accommodate as many sun-crazed tourists as possible.
The seawater in Mamaia has a low level of salt, and the bottom of the sea is sandy, with no rocks. The weather is mild, with a low degree of humidity, and the air pressure is very high. Another characteristic of the climate is the night wind that envelops the shores.
If you are planning a trip to Mamaia, do not forget to consider some rent a car services, that will definitely prove very useful.