For regional rapture
Transylvania, Romania
A couple of months ago the rumour mill went into overdrive, saying that Elon Musk had hired the entire Bran Castle, the home of the mythical Count Dracula, for a Halloween party and that Angelina Jolie was one of the guests. But it turned out to be false – it was PayPal co-founder billionaire Peter Thiel who hosted the party (and Angelina wasn’t there). Still, it just goes to show that Romania’s the hottest destination in Europe right now.
Transylvania is the country’s biggest drawcard. Here, where the forest-clad splendour of the Carpathian Mountains mixes with gorgeous valleys, charming hamlets and seven UNESCO World Heritage “Villages with Fortified Churches” compete for attention.
Each of the region’s three main historic cities – Brasov, Sibiu and Sighisoara – boast old Hapsburg Empire charm and warrant a six-night triangular road trip. Sighisoara’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but if you’re pressed for time, make Brasov your base. It’s closer than the other two to the Carpathians (ski resorts are not far away), and more in the thick of
