Europe’s top holiday destinations have felt a little overcrowded in recent years and many Britons are looking to explore somewhere off-the-beaten-track.
Express.co.uk spoke to travel expert Shelley Marmor, travel blogger at Tulum Travel Secrets, about one of her favourite underrated European gems.
Shelley told Express.co.uk: “One of my favourite under-the-radar destinations in Europe is Brasov, Romania. To me, Brasov truly captures the essence of romantic, mysterious Transylvania while remaining an affordable, charming secret.”
Brasov is located in Romania’s mystical Transylvania region, long rumoured to be the legendary home of Count Dracula.
Shelley said: “Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, Brasov has a fairytale-like quality that immerses you in the rich history and culture of Romania.
“As you wander the lively cobblestone streets, I recommend admiring the medieval Gothic Black Church and the ornate Baroque St. Nicholas Church in the historic city centre.
“From my own travels, I can say the cable car ride up to the iconic Brasov sign on Mount Tampa is a must, offering sweeping panoramas of the terracotta rooftops and surrounding countryside.
“In my opinion, the best part of Brasov is that it remains relatively undiscovered compared to more popular cities like Bucharest or Sighisoara.
“You can really soak in the Baroque and Gothic architecture and stroll the pedestrian-only historical centre without dealing with massive crowds.”
While Brasov might be a relatively unknown destination among British tourists, Transylvania does have one famous British fan.
King Charles I regularly visits Transylvania and is said to be extremely fond of the region. The monarch even owns properties in the Romanian destination.
Shelley recommends heading outside of the city to the Piatra Craiului National Park to explore the region’s meadows and forests.
The national park is located about 30km outside of Brasov and can easily be reached on a day trip.
Interested in a holiday to Romania? Find out why it’s one of Europe’s best countries to see bears.
