The Olala Homes family is growing! We are so excited to announce the opening of our latest vacation homes in the dreamy town of Sinaia, in Romania. To kick things off and learn more about this getaway in the mountains, we’ve put together this Olala Sinaia travel guide. Get to know the basics of the fascinating destination and why you need to plan your trip as soon as possible!
Sinaia 101
The enchanting town of Sinaia is like a postcard come to life. Picture it: towering evergreens, sloping mountains, and a castle-like something from a fairy tale. This town is in the historical region of Muntenia, or Greater Wallachia, and is just east of the Bucegi Mountains. The city of Brașov lies 48 kilometers to the north, and Bucharest is 123 kilometers southwest. The Prahova River Valley is here, too, one of Romania’s most popular tourist attractions. With all this in mind, Sinaia is an absolute must for anyone who loves history, nature, and beautiful scenery.
Sinaia gets its name from the Sinaia Monastery, which was built in 1695. There are also a couple of royal residences here, as this was a popular getaway for the royal families throughout the ages. There are so many things to do, so let’s take a look at some of the top attractions in this Sinaia travel guide.
What to see
The town of Sinaia is unique in that it has something to offer history buffs, nature lovers, and those looking for some adventure. Some historic things in the area that you can’t miss are:
- Peleș Castle– this castle dates back to 1883, when King Carol fell in love with the natural beauty of the area and built a royal residence here. It has a mix of architectural styles but is exactly what would come to mind when you think of a magical fairy tale castle. Its enchantment will captivate you with just one glance!
- Pelișor Castle– this castle is part of the same complex as Peleș. King Carol I also commissioned this castle and it was a royal residence for a time. Now, along with Peleș, it is a museum for visitors to discover.
- Sinaia Monastery: this beautiful monastery dates back to 1695, and gives its name to the town of Sinaia. Visitors can check out the museum, paintings, and two buildings: the new church and the old church. The Sinaia Monastery is the oldest monument in Sinaia, and definitely worth a visit.
What to do
Next up in our Sinaia travel guide are things to do. Sinaia offers so much for nature lovers and those looking for a weekend away from the city. Here are some things that you can do to experience the best of the region.
- Hike- the Bucegi Mountains offer a plethora of trails, from easy walks to longer, more advanced routes. Along the way, you’ll find cable cars to zip you through steeper zones, as well as places that offer food and accommodation.
- Ski-in the winter months, Sinaia is a haven for those looking to hit the slopes. Sinaia has one of the biggest and best ski resorts in Romania, with trails of all levels for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. The views from the ski lift alone will leave you breathless!
- Ride the Sinaia Gondola– in the middle of the Bucegi Mountains, get a bird’s-eye view from the Sinaia Gondola. It’s the highest cable car in Romania with 32 gondolas that fit 8 people each. That means 1700 riders are transported every hour! Riders will get incredible views of the mountain and river valley below that can’t be seen anywhere else. There are special cars for skiers and snowboards to be dropped off along the way, too!
See more: 5 Absolutely Delicious Pastry Shops and Bakeries in Bucharest, 6 Traditional Romanian Drinks to Order in Bucharest, Eat Deliciously and on the Cheap with These 6 Bucharest Street Foods, A Quick Guide to the King Michael I Park (Herastrau Park) in Bucharest, Cool Off and Relax this Summer at Therme Bucuresti
If you’re ready to explore Sinaia, come stay with Olala Homes in our newly-inaugurated vacation homes!
