Romania

Moldova, Ukraine, the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro and Hungary border Romania. Transylvania and Moldavia 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 flat 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, ideal for family holidays with 70km (43 miles) of fine white sandy beaches, boasts many resorts, the main ones being Mamaia, Eforie, Saturn and Mangalia. The beautiful and densely forested Carpathian Mountains area lends itself to many sporting and leisure activities such as skiing, bobsleighing, horseriding and tennis. Situated in picturesque valleys and on mountain slopes are many 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 contains the famous Bran Castle, said to be one of the original abodes of the medieval king known as Vlad the Impaler, who helped inspire 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.