For all those who want to spend an Easter holiday in which they combine traditional experiences with the beauties of nature, Romania is a country that offers as much as possible. In just four days you can have a dream experience, in the historical areas of the country.
Sunday, April 12, Orthodox believers celebrate the Holy Feast of Easter. On the occasion of this fundamental holiday for the Christian world, Romanians benefit from a four-day mini-holiday, legally, from the state. So many will take the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved holiday.
Tourism specialists say that tourist destinations should be chosen at an acceptable distance from home. That’s so you don’t spend half of your mini-vacation on the road. For those who want to combine traditional Easter experiences with relaxation in nature, Romania remains a top destination. Especially since there are some areas that must be visited at least once in a lifetime, at this time of the year.
Tradition and spectacle of nature in the northern end of Romania
One of the most beautiful areas in Romania where you can spend Easter is undoubtedly Maramureș. It is a true cradle of tradition, but at the same time an exceptional tourist destination for those looking for dreamy landscapes, authentic walks and wild nature.
At Easter in Maramureș, you also have the opportunity to get to know the local gastronomy, which means, guaranteed, love at first taste. Among the ideal locations to spend your Easter holidays in Maramureș is the village of Breb, which offers one of the most authentic experiences of its kind. That is, you have the opportunity to stay in an authentic Maramure house in a real rural paradise. “The village is known for its carved Maramuresi gates, old wooden houses and peaceful atmosphere. During Easter, the locals participate in religious services dressed in folk costumes, and festive meals are prepared according to traditional recipes”it is shown on the well-known travel blog trafarinbascheti.ro.
If you are still in Maramureș, you have the opportunity to visit the famous wooden churches. Not to be missed are the Bârsana Monastery (an unforgettable authentic experience) and the Săpânta-Peri Monastery (the tallest wooden church). Some experienced travelers recommend attending the Resurrection service and the consecration of the dishes at churches such as those in Desești and Surdești, precisely to feel a unique Easter atmosphere.
If you have time, don’t hesitate to take a trip to the Vesel Cemetery in Săpânta or a relaxing trip to the salt baths in Ocna Șugatag. Those who are more passionate about mountain hiking can find everything they are looking for in the Maramureș area. For example, from Desești you can go up and visit the Iezeru Mare Nature Reserve and Culmea Pietrei. The route that passes through the village of Mara to the Runcu-Tătaru dam and Cheile Tătarului is also beautiful. You can also reach the Tăurile Chendrioaiei Nature Reserve from Mara. From Breb, mountain travel enthusiasts can take an unforgettable walk through the “Cresta Cocoșului” geological reserve. The Izei Valley or Botiza with its places of tradition and fairy tale should not be forgotten either.
Bucovina of delicious dishes and fairy-tale landscapes
When we talk about Easter holidays and especially about the combination of tradition and mountain trips, Bucovina always comes to mind. It is an absolutely fabulous land where traditions blend perfectly with various other forms of tourism, older or newer. If we are to refer to the traditional and spiritual side of the holiday, an Easter at the monasteries of Bucovina can hardly be found anywhere else. It is mainly about the eight famous monasteries included in the UNESCO heritage: Voronet Monastery, Humor, Moldovița, Sucevița, Arbore, Pătrăuți, “Sfântul Ioan cel nou” Suceava and Probota. At the same time, after so much fasting and prayer, you will have the opportunity to taste the delicious traditional dishes from Bukovina.
Bucovina bulzul, hrib stew, Bucovina tochitura, Rădăuţa soup and the famous pancake cake with sweet cheese, are just a few examples that can convince anyone to make a trip to the north of the country, at least to taste them. Added to all this are the many traditional sausages, absolutely delicious. All sprinkled with a local cherry or tangerine. Also in the chapter of traditions, the pottery workshops at Marginea are not to be missed, a place where you can not only purchase fabulous handicrafts but is also the place where you can get to know the sap of clay, in unique experiences. For Easter, you should not miss Ciocănești, a capital of sealed eggs in Romania, the only place where you can find a museum of “sealed” eggs. Obviously, for the most adventurous, a mini-vacation in Bucovina can become very satisfying.
And this in the conditions where there are several famous mountain massifs, special mountain paths and incredible panoramic places. It is enough to mention the hikes on Rarău, starting from Pojorăța, Moara Dracilor (near Câmpulung), Sadova with its fascinating lakes, Tinovul Mare or Pietrele Muierii from Solca. Giumalău and Călimaniul should not be missed. For family mountain experiences, Vatra Dornei is an ideal solution, benefiting from numerous facilities for the whole family. And at Gura Humorului, there is an adventure park and lots of fun. If you are in Bucovina, you must definitely take a tour with the Mocanica from Moldovita.
A peaceful Easter in the Transylvanian archaic world
Another very suitable destination for Easter this year is Transylvania. More precisely, the Apuseni Mountains area with extraordinary possibilities to visit the Hațegului Country and also the Saxon areas. For those who want a traditional Easter atmosphere, the village of Rîmetea, located in the commune of the same name, Alba county, is recommended. It is a settlement with medieval roots, attested since the middle of the 13th century. It is one of the most beautiful Transylvanian villages and a dream destination for lovers of nature, tradition, and beautiful photos. Located at the base of the Piatra Secului massif, Rîmetea is a fairytale place, with a rural tranquility from stories. Here you can find traditional dishes but also a slice of Easter from the past. In addition to the traditional beauties, you can always relax by climbing Piatra Secuiului or the Trascău Mountains. If you are also passionate about history, you should not miss the ruins of the Trascău Fortress in Colțești.
Only 27 kilometers away is the Turda Salina, which is worth visiting as it is the most spectacular anthropogenically shaped underground, worldwide. Also in the Apuseni area, there is a cure for those looking for peace and complete relaxation in the middle of nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It is about the village of Măguri, one of the large mountain settlements in Romania. Măguri is located at over 1000 meters above sea level and offers a fairytale landscape and a special tranquility. Obviously, spiced up by the sounds of the mountain countryside or the sounds of nature. From Măguri you can do mountain trails on Apuseni. For example, a trip through Cheile Răcătăului or Lake Tarnița.
If you wake up early, you can also try a foray into Sibiu, especially since the Easter Fair takes place between April 3-14 with over 50 exhibitors from all over the country. Here you will surely find traditional dishes, handicrafts and many other beauties. And if you still end up in Sibiu, don’t miss Hârtibaciului Valley, one of the most beautiful and authentic areas in Saxon Transylvania. You will find fortified churches, picturesque German villages, traditional manor and traditions to match. You can visit Agnita, Cornățel, Hosman, Brădeni, Şelimbăr and many others. You shouldn’t miss the ride on the horse-drawn carriage on Valea Hârtibaciului.
