Romania is bordered
by Moldova, Ukraine, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro
and Hungary. Moldavia and Transylvania compose the northern half
of the country, which is divided down the middle by the Carpathian
Mountains. South of the east–west line of the Carpathians
lies the Danube plain of Wallachia with the capital Bucharest.
Romania’s main resort areas include
the Black Sea Coast, the Carpathian Mountains
and Transylvania. The Black Sea Coast,
perfect for family holidays with 70km (43 miles) of fine
white sandy beaches, boasts many resorts, the main ones being Eforie,
Mamaia, Mangalia and Saturn. The beautiful and densely
forested Carpathian Mountains area lends itself
to many sporting and leisure activities such as
skiing, bobsleighing, horse riding and tennis. Located in scenic
valleys and on mountain slopes are numerous health and winter resorts.
Since Roman times the Romanian spas of Transylvania
have been known for their miraculous healing powers. Transylvania
has many well-equipped spa towns, such as Baile
Felix and Covasna. It also includes the
famous Bran Castle, said to be one of the original abodes
of the medieval king known as Vlad the Impaler, who helped encourage
Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula.
Local dishes
include ciorba de perisoare (soup with meatballs), ciorba tanancasca
(meat with vegetables), lamb bors, giblet soup and a variety of
fish soups. |
