The world’s most underrated travel destination for 2027 has been identified in a new ranking. Time Out’s latest listing of 41 destinations puts a quiet corner of Romania top. Bucovina is praised by the publication for its ancient forests, wildflower meadows and tiny mountain towns. On the northern slopes of the eastern Carpathian mountains, Bucovina also marks the start of Romania’s Via Transilvanica pilgrimage route. Carved stone waymarkers guide hikers along the 870 mile (1,400km) route.
Time Out describes Bucovina as the heartland of Romanian egg decorating, a folk art tradition which is famous in the region and village of Ciocănești. Bucovina also boasts intricately decorated monasteries dating back hundreds of years.
It is famous for its painted churches and monasteries, which form part of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The name Bucovina translates from Slavic into English as “country of beeches” after its rolling wooded hills.
Other highlights include Suceava Fortress, Cacica Salt Mine, the mountain resort town, Vatra Dornei, and the region’s traditional villages. There are also traditional celebrations showcasing local music, dance and crafts.
According to the Romanian Friend travel site, Bucovina’s elevated location means it can get very cold in winter and see heavy snowfall. The publication recommends the place to those looking to escape the heat of summer.
A busy period is said to be spring when visitors descend on the area for Orthodox Easter celebrations at the painted monasteries. Summer is recommended for those looking to hike Bucovina’s trails while winter is the “perfect season” to try the region’s spa resorts.
You can get to Bucovina by car from Bucharest in about nine hours or fly from the Romanian capital to the town of Suceava. Buses and trains take about seven or eight hours, according to Romanian Friend.
Flights from the UK to Suceava with Wizz Air start from around £60, with departures from London Luton Airport. Suceava Ştefan cel Mare Airport is near the town centre and there is a shuttle service for transfers.
Top picks for hotels from Booking.com include the Hotel Grand Royal and Gold Georg Palace Hotel in Chernivtsi as well as Hotel Sonnenhof and Mandachi Hotel & Spa in Suceava. Prices range from £34 to £80 for two adults per night.
The same site’s top picks for B&B accommodation include D&D Relax Spa Bucovina and Comoara Rarăului in Câmpulung Moldovenesc as well as Sim House in Gura Humorului. Prices range from £35 up to £100 per night.
Romanian Friend warns that restaurant options are limited or non-existent in Bucovina’s villages. It advises travellers to choose accommodation with half-board so you don’t go hungry.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
