As Venice’s streets buckle under the strain of visitors, Santorini swarms with thousands of cruise ship passengers and Majorca battles with angry residents taking to the streets in protest, it’s not a great surprise that many of us are now turning to quieter European countries for our next holiday. 

But with over 50 countries to choose from, finding the next best place to jet off to can be a daunting task. 

Luckily for us, Ioana Moga, a travel influencer and blogger (from thesolotravelinstyleblog.com) has visited over 20 countries, most of them in Europe, and has helped narrow down the possibilities to one underrated, but incredibly beautiful country – Romania.

She has revealed five hidden gems destinations to Express.co.uk that every tourist who steps foot in this stunning country should visit.

Ranging from vibrant and colourful cities, to rural landscapes and medieval towns rich with history, this list has a destination perfect for every taste. 

Oradea

Found in the northwest of Romania, close to the Hungarian border lies the stunning city of Oradea. Named the Art Nouveau capital of Romania, it boasts stunning architecture that Ioana said “rivals more well-known cities in Western Europe”.

“The city hall has recently renovated all Art Nouveau buildings and the city looks incredibly beautiful and colorful,” said the blogger.

Oradea, which ranks among the most liveable cities in the country, is home to several impressive and unique attractions, such as the Moon Church. It is home to a one-metre sphere, in the shape of the moon, painted in black and gold, which moves according to the rotational movement of the Moon around the Earth and displays all the lunar phases. 

Meanwhile, the “Baroque Palace was designed by Viennese architect Franz Anton Hillebrandt as a sister palace to Belvedere in Vienna.,” Ioana added, who is actually lucky enough to call the city her hometown. 

Among the must-see spots are the Republicii Avenue, home to colourful buildings, shops and cafes and Unirii Square which hosts lively concerts, a Christmas Market and New Years’ Eve celebrations, meaning Oradea is a great holiday choice, no matter the time of year.

Danube Delta

For those seeking solitude and a chance to immerse themselves in stunning nature, the Danube Delta is the perfect choice – “a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts,” according to Ioana. 

At the point where the Danube River meets the Black Sea in Romania, the delta boasts some of the most unique plant and animal species in Europe, including several rare species. As such, the area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Covering an area of 1,603 square miles, it is the second largest river delta in Europe, mostly made up of wetlands and water, as well as an intricate pattern of marshes, channels and lakes. 

Situated on major migratory routes and providing adequate conditions for nesting and hatching, the Danube Delta is a magnet for birds from places including Mongolia, the Arctic and Siberia. During the summer, over 320 species of bird can be found here, while swans, ducks and coots also winter here. Among the mammals that you may be lucky enough to spot are Eurasian otters, wild boar and wild cats, as well as small numbers of wolf and fox.

“In the Letea Forest in the delta you can find wild horses. This is one of the most unique things in Europe and the world,” added Ioana.

Balea Lake

If this was not enough nature for one trip, the Balea Lake is a glacier lake in the Fagaras Mountains in central Romania and one of the country’s best natural wonders. 

“You can get there by driving on Transfagarasan road, one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world,” explained Ioana. Only open during the summer, in the winter you can get to the lake via a cable car. 

During the winter, you can stay at the Balea Lake Ice Hotel, which first opened in 2006. It is the first ice hotel of its kind in Eastern Europe – similar to those found in Finland, but at a fraction of the cost.

Prices start at around £84 per person, including breakfast and dinner, while a double room in the SnowHotel in Lapland costs £332, according to the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos website.

Sighisoara

For those looking for something more urban but steeped in history, the fortified medieval town of Sighisoara offers a magical atmosphere. 

Also on the World Heritage list, “it is a charming city that offers a magical atmosphere with its 9 towers, cobblestone streets, ornate churches and colorful houses,” Ioana explained. 

Located in the historic region of Transylvania, Sighisoara has a population of just under 24,000 (as of 2021) and was once an important urban centre with artisans from all over the Holy Roman Empire visiting to sell their wares. 

Central Sighisoara has preserved in an exemplary way the features of a small medieval fortified town and every year a medieval festival takes place in the old citadel in July, which is sure to be a unique experience for any that visit.

What’s more, Sighisoara is also the birthplace of Vlad Tepes (Dracula) and you can visit his house.

Salina Turda

Lastly, for an entirely different experience altogether, head to the Salina Turda – a salt mine in Transylvania, near Cluj, which Ioana described as “one of the most spectacular destinations in the world”. 

It is an underground formation that people created by digging into the salt deposited after the evaporation of the sea that covered the entire region millions of years ago. In fact, the salt here could cover the salt requirement for the entire planet for 60 years.

In 2008, the salt mine was modernised and now boasts an incredible world 120 metres underground. It is home to some incredible attractions: a ferris wheel, bowling, rowing a boat on the Salt Lake, ping pong, golf and tennis. 

It is also a popular place for halotherapy (salt therapy) as people believe that breathing in the salt air helps with sinus and respiratory tract medical problems.