There are many reasons why people visit Romania, which is called “The Land of Dracula.” Besides being the setting for Bram Stoker’s iconic 1897 novel, this gorgeous country is also visited by many for its rich medieval history and culture. But perhaps it’s the small towns where the magic of Romania is really evident. Filled with castles, fortresses, and fairytale-like citadels, the small cities are where the action is. The best small towns in Romania are inherently modern towns that are brimming with life and culture. At the same time, they sit in a jaw-dropping setting, surrounded by lush woodlands and magnificent mountains. Here are some of the best small towns of Romania that you should check out while visiting this amazing East European country.
Sacele
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Located in Brasov county is the town of Sacele, which has a population of approximately 31,000. Its name translates to “small villages” because it consists of smaller villages that came together in the 1950s. The city is a popular tourist destination and is famed for its hiking trails and winter sporting activities.
In fact, Sacele lies just 20 minutes outside the city of Brasov. One of the best things to do while visiting Sacele is checking out the stunning 7 Ladders canyon. Book this Small-Group 7 Ladders Canyon Day Trip and explore the region surrounding Sacele as well. It’s one of the easiest small towns of Romania to visit.
Campina
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The long drive between Wallachia and Transylvania is worth it, as it’s home to a small town by the name of Campina. Campina was Once a customs point between these two mentioned cities. What’s more, it was also where the largest oil refinery in Europe stood at the turn of the 19th century. Today, it’s known for the Iulia Hasdeu Castle, the Geo Bogza Cultural Center, and The Inn Church. The castle, which fell into disrepair during both World Wars, has been restored. It’s now Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu Memorial Museum. Currently, the town has a population of close to 33,000 people.
Rosiorii de Vede
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The small city of Rosiorii de Vede is located in Teleorman County in the region of Wallachia. Named one of the country’s oldest cities, it was first mentioned in a document dating back to 1385. Rosiorri is best known for being the birthplace of many famous Romanians, including writer and novelist Zaharia Stancu. It’s also the hometown of theologian and left-wing activist Gala Galaction, post-war novelist Marin Preda, and politician Viorica Dancila. With a population of just 27,000, this small town sees many visitors interested in history. Things to see around include the Sucidava Fortress and the school building that houses the Anastasescu National College, which is a historic monument.
Alexandria
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With a population of 45,000, Alexandria is perhaps one of Romania’s most populous small towns on this list. The capital city of Teleorman County in southern Romania, this town sits quite near the Bulgarian border. Named after its founder, Alexandru D. Ghica, the Prince of Wallachia, the city is a regional marketing center for different types of produce. There aren’t many places of interest in Alexandria, but the nearby forest is considered as the most beautiful in the country. Moreover, the city sits on the southward-flowing Vedea River, which makes for a very pretty landscape as it flows through the forest. So, this place is perfect for enjoying long and laid-back picnic lunches during your holiday.
Barlad
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Sitting on the banks of the Barlad River, Barlad is a large small town in the Vaslui County of Romania, with a population of 56,000 people. Known for its maze-like streets, the city is the birthplace of the Roman ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza. This small town has much to see, including the Vasil Parvan Museum, the Palace of Justice, the Victor Ion Popa Theatre, and St. Elijah’s Church. The city’s name’s origins have been the subject of much debate. While the Hypatian Codex mentions a small market town called Barlad, the town also supposedly has links to the Moldavian Bârlad. Nevertheless, the town is famous for its state theatre, museum of science and history, and its 17th-century churches.
Alba Iulia
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Alba Iulia is a small town in Alba County in the western part of Romania. The city has a population of 65,000 and sits on the Mures River in the historical region of Transylvania. During ancient times, it was where the Roman camp Apulum was located. Since the High Middle Ages, it’s been the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Transylvania since the 9th century and continues to be to this day. Some of the landmarks that people visit the town to see are the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, the Obelisk of Horea, the Alba Carolina Fortress, the Museum of the Union, and the Batthyaneum Library. Its main historical area is the Upper Town region, where most of these attractions lie. How about you check out the city in a different way on this Dusk Candlelight Tour?
Rasnov
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With a population of just 15,000, Rasnov in Brasov County, Romania, is one of the smallest towns of Romania on this list. It’s the location of the historic Rasnov Fortress, which sits on a rocky hilltop approximately 650 feet above the small town. The town’s history dates back to the 13th century when Teutonic Knights supposedly built the castle. If you’re staying in Brasov, then visiting Rasnov is a breeze, as it lies just half an hour from the city. Or, you could hop on this Tour of Castles and Surrounding Areas from Brasov. Other than that, the biggest thing to happen in the town is the filming of the 2003 epic period war movie Cold Mountain!
Medias
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Medias has been called one of the most beautiful towns in Romania and has one of the most well-preserved centers in the country. There are many monuments in this small town, including the fortified 15th-century St. Margaret Evangelical Church, the home of the famous historian -Stephen Ludwig Roth House, and the Trumpeter’s Tower with its 19th-century clock. However, Medias is perhaps the most well-known due to the presence of the 14th-century health resort Bazna, which lies around 20 minutes outside of the town. It features mineral water springs that are rich in mineral mud, salts, and a special kind of salt called Bazna salt. With the Târnava Mare River flowing through it, it’s no wonder that almost 47,000 people live here.
Sapanta
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The small town, or rather village of Sapanta has a population of just 3,500! However, this settlement, which lies in the Marmosin County is special. That’s because it’s home to the famed Cimitirul Vesel, also known as the “Merry Cemetery,” which dates back to 1935. Thosuands of curious visitors flock to this charming commune to see the more than 600 wooden beautifully painted crosses decorated with illustrations and epitaphs. What’s more, they also detail both the life stories and the not-so-secret, juicy details about the deceased. However, the idea of the place is not to be morbid, solemn, or quiet, but rather a place bringing smiles to visitors’ faces by celebrating life.This small town was also the first home of the Spinka dynasty, a group within Orthodox Judaism.
Campulung
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Campulung, with a population of 31,000, is a small Romania town lying among the Carpathian Mountains near the Targului River. The town’s name means “long field,” which is probably due to the fact that a long, well-wooded glen surrounds the town. What’s more, this town has more than 20 churches and a monastery, some of which date back to the 13th century. There is also the Prince’s House which Prince Matei Basarab built in 1635. One of its bestselling features is that the town boasts fine scenery and pure air, making Campulung a popular summer resort. Finally, the town also happens to be one of Wallachia region’s earliest urban settlements.
In fact, if you wanted to drive along the Transfagarasan Road, one of the world’s most scenic drives, then the beginning point of the road is just an hour south in Bascov.
Sighisoara
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Sighisoara, with a population of 28,000, is a Romanian city in the Transylvania region, and is home to many fairy (and non-fairy) tales. It was rumoured to once have been the home of Vlad the Impaler, the person who inspired the Count Dracula stories. What’s more, this popular tourist destination was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 for its walled Old Town, and quite a few people visit the city every year. There are many towers and churches, and if you’re up for it, you can also visit the home of Vlad the Impaler; check out this particular Candlelight Tour of Dracula’s Home Town.
Busteni
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The name Busteni translates to “tree-log” in Romanian and it literally translates what you can expect in this small mountain town. Located in the Prahova Valley, the town sits at an average altitude of 900 meters and is surrounded by the Bucegi mountains. It has a population of just 9,000 citizens, but it’s home to some of the most popular mountain resorts in the country and is a year-round tourist destination. On top of one of these mountains is the Heroes’ Cross, a large monument that is lit every night. The cross and other monuments around commemorate the fact that Busteni and the surrounding mountains were the location of military confrontations during World War I in 1916. All in all, it’s one of the most picturesque small towns in Romania.
Just So You Know:
- Sapanta in northwestern Romania has the tallest wooden church in the world. Standing 78 meters (257 feet) tall, it’s also the second-tallest wooden structure in Europe.
- Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula’s Castle, is one of Romania’s most famous landmarks. You won’t find any vampires here, but you will see that it has been converted into a museum dedicated to art collected by Queen Marie.
