Muntenia

On paths through the Iezer-Păpușa Mountains
Photo: Sînziana Mihalache, CC BY-SA

If you want to enjoy less crowded hiking trails in the Southern Carpathians, choose the accessible but less traveled routes in the Iezer-Păpușa Mountains, Grohotiș, or the unknown Buzău Mountains.

For cyclists, both the submontane hills, sometimes marked with cycle tourism signs, and some alpine clearings are ideal for challenging rides. The Transbucegi Road takes you up to the mountain plateau relatively quickly, though with a considerable effort. Although the Transylvanian side of the Transfăgărășan road is the most photographed and promoted, the side facing Argeș County is just as impressive and can also be "attacked" from the saddle. On the other hand, if you cross southern Muntenia by bike along the Danube, in two or three days you can easily reach the seaside and reward yourself with a refreshing swim.

Lacerta Winery and the Vineyards Hills
Photo: Sînziana Mihalache, CC BY-SA

Dealu Mare Vineyard in Prahova County is one of the most renowned wine regions in Romania. The wineries lined up between Ploiești and Buzău offer guided tours with tastings included. Tourism in the area is more intense in autumn, during the grape harvest.

However, a bike tour on the county roads between Urlați and Zorești is a delight in any season; you will pass through hills with vineyards and fruit trees, and villages with low houses, whose owners sit at the gate at sunset.