Magic in Craiova: An Unforgettable Escape Between the Holidays
Craiova turned out to be a real discovery for us. After our plans for 21–23 December fell through at the last minute, we had to rearrange our trip in a hurry. That's how we ended up in the Romanian city between 28 and 30 December — the perfect time to stretch out the festive spirit a little longer, once the peak of the Christmas rush had passed.
The Road from Ruse
As residents of Ruse, travelling to Craiova is wonderfully easy and convenient for us. The road is good, and in no time at all you find yourself across the border in Romania, ready for adventure. With a 4-year-old and a pregnancy in its fifth month, comfort on the road is a priority, and the short journey made the whole experience even more pleasant.
Where We Stayed
Since we'd changed our dates, our options at the last minute were limited. We stayed somewhere simple but comfortable — a budget option that had everything we needed: a clean room with a comfortable bed, a bathroom, and, most importantly, safe parking, which the kind elderly host looked after himself. The location was excellent too — just a short walk from the centre.
The Tale of "Beauty and the Beast"
The city greeted us with incredible decorations. This year's main theme was "Beauty and the Beast". Craiova has become hugely popular recently — it regularly makes the lists of "Best Christmas Market in Europe", which turns a visit before Christmas into an absolute nightmare of crowds. It was a huge advantage for us to be there after the holidays. There were still plenty of visitors, but the crowds were far more manageable.
Nicolae Romanescu Park — The Green Heart of the City
One of the biggest surprises was Nicolae Romanescu Park. It's a huge, green space that looks beautiful even in winter. What excited our child most of all was the free open-air zoo inside the park.
Why Craiova?
If you're looking for an idea for a short escape (2 days is plenty), Craiova is a wonderful choice. The city manages to combine a cosy, family atmosphere with the scale of a major European Christmas destination. Everything is very well maintained, the people are welcoming, and the feeling of having stepped into a fairy tale is pretty much guaranteed.
I'm sure that even if you haven't planned your trip months in advance, Craiova will give you exactly the little escape from everyday life that you need!
