Sinaia

Sinaia is one of Romania's finest holiday resorts, deep into the Carpathian Mountains. In the late 19th century, King Charles I of Romania chose Sinaia as his summer residence and built the fabulous Peles Castle, which is today the city's best known landmark.

Understand
In 1690 a Wallachian nobleman, Mihail Cantacuzino, built a small monastery on the upper Prahova river and (inspired by his voyage to Mount Sinai) named it Sinaia; a village developed around it. In the 1860s, attracted by the area's wild beauty, Romania's first king, Charles of Hohenzollern, decided to build here a summer residence, which would become Peles Castle (inaugurated in 1883). Soon the place became the favorite resort of the Romania upper class, who started raising their own luxurious holiday villas in the area. Impressive hotels, casinos, modern restaurants and shops followed, which, by the end of the 19th century, turned Sinaia from an obscure village into Romania's unofficial summer capital.

By rail
Getting to Sinaia is made easy by train, since it is on the main line between Bucharest and Braşov. All trains that go to Hungary pass Sinaia, as to those that service Oradea, Braşov and Cluj-Napoca. There are also many trains to and from Sighisoara, Timişoara, Iaşi and Arad. Sinaia is also accessible by intercity coach from Braşov, but train is the better option.

By plane
The closest airport to Sinaia is Bucharest.

By car
Sinaia lies on the National road No. 1 and can easily be reached by car from Bucharest or Braşov.

Get around
The central area of the town where the main attractions are is walkable, but there are also local bus lines that go along the main street, then up towards Furnica (with stops close to Sinaia Monastery and Peleș Castle), and the lower gondola stations. Route map and more info here. You must buy a ticked before getting on the bus, either at the kiosks in the stations, or via the Sinaia Transport phone app. You have to validate the QR code on the ticket when getting on the bus.

See

 * Orchids. The Brasov area has almost 40 species of endemic Orchids that can be seen. If you wish to see them contact the Romanian Orchid Lovers Club, based in Rasnov 20 km from Brasov.
 * Orchids. The Brasov area has almost 40 species of endemic Orchids that can be seen. If you wish to see them contact the Romanian Orchid Lovers Club, based in Rasnov 20 km from Brasov.
 * Orchids. The Brasov area has almost 40 species of endemic Orchids that can be seen. If you wish to see them contact the Romanian Orchid Lovers Club, based in Rasnov 20 km from Brasov.
 * Orchids. The Brasov area has almost 40 species of endemic Orchids that can be seen. If you wish to see them contact the Romanian Orchid Lovers Club, based in Rasnov 20 km from Brasov.
 * Orchids. The Brasov area has almost 40 species of endemic Orchids that can be seen. If you wish to see them contact the Romanian Orchid Lovers Club, based in Rasnov 20 km from Brasov.
 * Orchids. The Brasov area has almost 40 species of endemic Orchids that can be seen. If you wish to see them contact the Romanian Orchid Lovers Club, based in Rasnov 20 km from Brasov.
 * Orchids. The Brasov area has almost 40 species of endemic Orchids that can be seen. If you wish to see them contact the Romanian Orchid Lovers Club, based in Rasnov 20 km from Brasov.

Buy
Most shops are along the main street (Bulevardul Carol I); there are supermarkets (Carrefour, Mega Image), a small mall, and you can also find craftsmen selling handmade objects and local food. If you're looking for souvenirs, there are dozens of souvenir stands (mostly Chinese junk) along the pedestrian walkway leading to Peleș castle (Aleea Carmen Sylva).

Eat
You find several restaurants and bars in the town's centre, but they are more expensive than those in other parts of Sinaia. The Pizzeria "Casa Nostra" offers big pizzas for 15 lei. Also in the hotels one can eat.



Sleep
Being a popular holiday resort, Sinaia has an extensive choice in hotels. Many of them offer great service, with reaonable prices. Last minute discounts are not uncommon.

Stay safe

 * Watch out for pickpockets.
 * There are aggressive stray dogs, especially in the Zamora neighbourhood (other side of the tracks, where the Enescu museum is).

Go next
Head to Bucegi Natural Park for some fabulous views of the Carpathian Mountains. Diham Chalet is a popular base from where to explore the natural surroundings, and also doubles as a winter sports resort. Magura Village, about an hour from Sinaia is another fine base for hiking. It's a quiet, small town and excellent starting point to see the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Brașov is the nearest larger city of interest, and Bran, famous for its castle, is just about 50 minutes from Sinaia. To get further out, Ploiești is less than an hour's drive and an important transportation hub, allowing for easy access to the wider region.