Călimănești-Căciulata

Călimănești-Căciulata is the resort on the bank of the Olt where the gorge tightens between the Cozia and Căpățânii mountains and the river runs broad and green beside the road. People have come here for almost two centuries for the sulphurous and chloride springs, used for digestive, liver and rheumatic conditions; their fame crossed borders long ago, and local tradition holds that Căciulata water reached the table of Napoleon III.

The resort's charm, though, lies in a rare combination of cure, history and mountain. Cozia Monastery, with its banded stone walls, is a few kilometres away; above it rises the Cozia massif, with steep paths and views over the whole gorge. Further out lie Buila-Vânturarița National Park, the neighbouring resorts of Băile Olănești and Băile Govora, and to the north the Transalpina and the Voineasa–Vidra region.

Good to know The season runs effectively year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best climate for longer courses of treatment. Many treatment centres ask for an initial consultation or a referral — check when booking. If you climb Cozia, carry water and start early: it is more serious than it looks. See the other spa resorts too, and check the weather.