Overview

The charming mountain resort of Sinaia is one of the finest holiday resorts in all of Romania. Located deep in the Carpathian Mountains, it was the summer residence of King Charles I of Romania during the late 19th century, he also built the fabulous Peles Castle, the town’s best-known landmark.

Sinaia is the “Carpathian Pearl” a magical place especially during the winter when it turns into a breathtaking winter wonderland. The resort town is the perfect destination for a winter vacation in the mountains where visitors can partake in skiing, snowboarding, and more winter activities located at 2,624 feet altitude.

The mountain town delights tourists during all seasons with the surrounding imposing Bucegi Mountains, and the fir-clad valley near the Wallachian border with Transylvania in the historical region of Muntenia and the Prahova River Valley. There are endless outdoor activities and adventures with hiking, and biking along with stunning landmarks and iconic monuments. The resort is nestled amongst tall mountains and bountiful nature making it a truly magical destination with warm summers and snow-filled winters.

The town was named after the Sinaia Orthodox Monastery of 1695 around which it was built, the town and monastery are named in honor of Mount Sinai in Egypt, a sacred biblical site. During the late 1800s King Carol I fell in love the with enchanting natural beauty and surroundings of the town, so much so that he built his summer residence here. The mountain resort charms visitors with its well-preserved history, amazing architecture, old-world customs, and adventure opportunities.

Spend an unforgettable day wandering around the charming ancient cobblestone streets of Sinaia. Stroll down Carol I Boulevard, the main thoroughfare in the city where you will stumble upon upmarket cafes, authentic restaurants, and great shopping opportunities. At night make your way to the famed Sinaia Casino for a world-class meal and try your luck on the gaming tables.

Things to see and do

Take the Sinaia Gondola Ride for an exciting sightseeing experience, and revitalizing ride up the mountain. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the beautiful scenic surroundings which include the majestic Carpathian Mountains, and the Black Sea shores. The ride spans 1.2 miles and reaches up to 6,725 feet in altitude. Head up the mountain for some hiking, a picnic, and spectacular views.

Sinaia is located in a stunning mountainous area and Bucegi Natural Park covers a massive area of scenic beauty. The city is a fine hiking destination during the summer months boasting excellent and exhilarating hiking routes and magnificent vistas.

Winter sports and skiing activities are the main draws to this magical city which is a magnificent winter wonderland during the winter season. The town comes alive in winter with skiers, and snowboarders seeking the soft white snow on the famous slopes of the Bucegi Valley with almost 4 miles of trails to enjoy.

The city is dotted with historic monuments, and important landmarks such as Peles Castle, Pelisor Castle, Sinaia Monastery, Sinaia Casino, Sinaia train station, and the Franz Joseph and Saint Anne Cliffs.

Peles Castle is the jewel of Sinaia! The summer residence of King Carol I in 1873, a gothic revival fantasy castle that pays homage to almost every architectural style in Europe. One of the most beautiful castles in the entire world surrounded by gorgeous scenic landscapes, the castle features steeped painted roofs with tiny round tiles, decorative stonework, and an exterior that looks like gingerbread houses! The inside is even more impressive with a large armory collection, secret passageways, an impressive imperial suite, Music room, the Florentine meeting room, the theatre room, chess room, billiard room, a library, a hall of mirrors, stone lions, Murano glass chandeliers, and luxurious tapestries.

Pelisor Palace is a majestic smaller castle situated right next to Peles featuring captivating architecture. It is one of the most comprehensive castles ever built in Romania, built for King Carol I nephew Ferdinand, who was next in line for the throne. Stroll through and around the palace and absorb the stunning architectural design and modern interiors, the palace baffles visitors with its eccentric style and charismatic finishes. The magnificent marble staircase leads to the Hall of Honour, the walnut office, the gold bedroom, and over 160 other impressive rooms are just a few of the must-sees.

Visit the Sinaia Monastery with two sections, the original area was built between 1690-1695 and the newer section between 1842-1846. The monastery is filled with a fascinating collection of religious objects in its museum which include a copy of the first Bible printed in Romania and other interesting icons. There are two courtyards at the monastery which is inhabited by Christian Orthodox monks, a small Byzantine-style church, “Old Church” stands in the center of the courtyards.

Shopping

There are some unique and authentic shopping options found in Sinaia. Bulevardul Carol I is the main street in town dotted with shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and traditional Romanian items. There is a small mall in town and many local craftsmen are selling handmade crafts and local food. Dozens of souvenir stalls can be found along the pedestrian walkway that leads to Peles Castle. Flower Power is a great souvenir shop in Sinaia selling authentic items such as hand-painted Easter eggs, Romanian wines, Horezu ceramics, Oltenia carpets, rugs, glass-painted items, musical instruments, honey, and more amazing stuff to take home from a memorable trip.

Food and Nightlife

There are plenty of restaurants available in the town of Sinaia with several restaurants and bars located in the center of town. There are opportunities for traditional Romanian cuisine, International, Asian, Italian, and more, visitors can enjoy delicious pizzas, pancakes, soups, and stews.

Hotel-Restaurant Bucegi is famed for a hands-on approach providing healthy, delicious meals and a comprehensive menu with Romanian dishes and a great array of drinks and cocktails. The establishment is charming featuring brilliant interior decor, vibrant colored walls, aureate lighting, and an overall authentic experience.

Hotel Cota 1400 offers scenic mountain views with a location set at 4,593 feet, 6 miles away from Sinaia city center, and 656 feet away from the intriguing cable car ride up to Cota 2000.

Snow Restaurant is a great experience with an alluring menu filled with a wide range of excellent dishes and mouth-watering Romanian delicacies. A cozy and charismatic atmosphere can be found in this intimate establishment featuring brilliant decor and a fantastic ambiance.

Irish House is a three-star restaurant located in the bustling center of Sinaia, exotic coffee is served in a relaxing atmosphere and dynamic space. There is an all-inclusive menu offering excellent Irish and Romanian cuisine, a terrace is available during the summer months with marvelous sights of Sinaia.

There are quite a few pubs, bars, restaurants, and other establishments in the resort town of Sinaia including the Sinaia Casino located in the lovely Dimitrie Ghica park with almost 800 visitors daily back in the 40s, closed after the communist takeover. Club 798 offers some great nightlife in a convenient location in the scenic mountains of Romania, a lively club featuring plush furnishings with a great ambiance and levitating tunes with DJs and a wide variety of drinks.

Peles Castle is a charming location at night when it is lit up, giving off an eerie atmosphere. There are many establishments in the city to enjoy a nice drink, in the summertime sit outside and enjoy the balmy nights, during the winter snuggle up by the fire with some mulled wine.

History and Culture

Mihail Cantacuzino, a Wallachian nobleman built a small monastery on the upper Prahova River in 1690 and named it Sinaia. Mihail was inspired by his voyage to the religious site of Mount Sinai in Egypt and he built a village around the monastery, which attracted King Carol Romania’s first king in 1860. The resort area soon became the main attraction and favorite holiday destination for upper-class Romanians. Romanian residents started to build their luxurious holiday villas in the area and impressive hotels, chalets, cabins, casinos, restaurants, and shops soon followed.

Sinaia is one of the oldest and most popular holiday resort towns in the country with a history of tourism dating back to the middle of the 19th century when King Carol I who was so enchanted by the surrounding mountainous scenery built his summer residence, Peles Castle here. The breathtaking beauty of this area can be seen in the towering Carpathian Mountains, the Bucegi Mountains and Natural Park, and the charm of the town and scenery during wintertime.

The Autumn Festival known as Sinaia Forever is the main festival in the city, taking place annually during the first few weeks in September. The festival recreates the atmosphere of the 1940s and includes modern performances, an opening parade, concerts, amusement rides, food stalls, and lots of people.