Băile Govora

Băile Govora is one of Romania's discreet resorts — a settlement of interwar villas tucked into a wooded valley in the Vâlcea sub-Carpathians, with shaded alleys, a well-kept park and a rhythm that was never in a hurry. Its iodine waters and mud made it known a century ago, and treatment remains the main reason people come; what sets it apart from the big resorts is the quiet, the resinous air and the sense that time stopped somewhere between the wars.

It is an excellent base for exploring Vâlcea, not only for cures: the monasteries of the area, the orchard hills and the roads toward the mountains all start from here.

Good to know The best season is spring and autumn, when the park is at its finest and the resort is uncrowded. Combine it with Băile Olănești and Călimănești–Căciulata, both a short drive away, with Muierilor Cave, or with hikes in Buila–Vânturarița National Park. Higher up, toward the crest, opens the Voineasa – Vidra – Lotru Valley region. See also the other spa resorts and places to stay nearby.